The U.S. Jumping Team achieved an impressive third place out of 18 teams at the 2024 FEI Jumping Nations Cup in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, part of the Andalucía Sunshine Tour. Under the leadership of Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski and Team Leader Erin Keating, the team comprised Raleigh Hiler and Obora’s Chloe, Taylor Kain and Jirenze, Vani Khosla and Cream Couleur Z, and Zayna Rizvi and Exquise du Pachis. Ireland claimed first place with nine faults, followed by Belgium in second with 15 faults, while the U.S. team finished with 17 faults.
Kursinski expressed immense pride in her team, noting the significance of their participation in such a prestigious event and their strong performance in the second round. “For three of them—Hiler, Kain, and Khosla—it was their very first Nations Cup,” she highlighted, praising their determination. She commended each rider’s efforts, particularly Kain’s strong start, Khosla’s resilience in the second round, Hiler’s clear round, and Rizvi’s pivotal role as anchor.
This marked the second Nations Cup appearance for Rizvi (Wellington, Fla.) and Exquise du Pachis, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Optimus Agro NV. The pair have gained valuable experience in team competitions over the past year and were selected as the anchor combination.
Drawing on their previous experience, they completed a crucial clear round in the second leg, securing the team’s podium finish. Kain (Ommen, Netherlands) and her 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Jirenze were the first to jump in round one, delivering a clear round with only a time fault.
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Khosla (Portola Valley, Calif.) and Cream Couleur Z, a 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Van Shadow Stables, rebounded from a tough first round to finish with just four faults in the second. Hiler (Boston, Mass.) rounded out the team’s efforts with a clear second round aboard Obora’s Chloe, further solidifying their third-place finish.
“They were truly impressive, and many other teams recognized our riders’ capabilities,” Kursinski remarked, noting the significance of the team’s all-female lineup in contrast to the male-dominated teams that preceded them.
Looking ahead, Kursinski emphasized the importance of the U.S. Jumping Pathway, stating, “Starting with our Young Riders and Junior athletes creates essential stepping stones to reach Nations Cup, five-star teams, championships, and ultimately Olympic teams. This is just the beginning for them.”
The U.S. Jumping Pathways program is crucial for developing future jumping talents, encouraging Junior and Young Riders to hone their skills for upcoming international successes.
