2025 Longines League of Nations: Dutch Courage

Securing their place in 8th position after the previous season with 11,625 points ‒ just 18 points behind Switzerland ‒ the Netherlands are ready to take on another season of top-level international competition in the Longines League of Nations™ 2025.

Their qualification follows a strong end to their 2024 season, with a thrilling second-place result and a podium finish alongside Germany (first) and Sweden (third) at the Longines League of Nations™ Final in Barcelona (ESP) last October.

A country renowned for its rich equestrian legacy, the Netherlands boasts a record as two-time winners of Team Jumping at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2006 in Aachen (GER) and 2014 in Normandy (FRA), Team Jumping Champions at the Olympic Games 1992 in Barcelona (ESP), as well as the Team silver medalists at the Agria FEI Jumping World Championship 2022 in Herning (DEN).

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Dutch athletes are globally recognised for their skill and competitive spirit, and their participation in the Longines League of Nations™ continues to build on this legacy.

Development & Distinction

As with other high-performance Jumping nations, participation in the Longines League of Nations™, as well as the legacy FEI Jumping Nations Cup™, has always been a key goal for the Dutch. Speaking about their involvement, Jantien van Zon from the Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) stated, “Competing at this, the highest level of international Jumping, is a great honour. We are proud of the results we’ve achieved over the years and remain committed to maintaining our excellent standing in the sport.”

Flying Dutchmen

Reflecting on the 2024 season, she spoke about balancing a packed competition calendar, especially with the Olympic Games in Paris in the mix. “The competition season always offers a rich choice of events, even without the Olympics and World Championships in the mix. But we always strive to have our best combinations ready for the Longines League of Nations™, because it is so prestigious and well-supported by nations and fans, and we want to be fully part of that excitement for both the honour and for our supporters,” van Zon emphasised.

The team’s standout moment from 2024 was their silver medal performance in the Longines League of Nations™ Final in Barcelona (ESP). Led by chef d’equipe and renowned international competitor Jos Lansink (BEL), they scored 16 points, narrowly missing gold after a gripping head-to-head with Germany. This year will see a few changes, including the exciting inclusion of their new Chef d’équipe, Wout- Jan van der Schans, whom Netherlands promise will be ambitious in delivering strong results in the upcoming season.

Van der Schans has had a formidable competition career himself, representing the Netherlands at the FEI Jumping World Championship 1986 in Aachen (GER) and the Olympic Games 1988 in Seoul (KOR), as well as having competed in four FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals and three FEI Jumping European Championships, which will stand the Dutch in good stead.

Going Dutch: Fans and the Home Advantage

Fan support has always been a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ success. “In Rotterdam, we had a sea of orange cheering us on,” van Zon recalled. “Our fans, owners, and sponsors love the Longines League of Nations™, and we are so grateful for their continued support.” With Rotterdam back on the calendar for 2025, the Dutch will be anticipating leveraging their home-ground advantage as all teams fight it out over the four qualifying legs – Rotterdam (NED), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ocala (USA), and Gassin-St Tropez (FRA) – to secure their place again at the Longines League of Nations™ Final in Barcelona this October.

Orange Eyes the Gold

With their wealth of experience and talent, the Netherlands is poised to deliver another thrilling season, with their participation in the Longines League of Nations™ promising to be a highlight for Jumping fans worldwide.

The Longines League of Nations™ 2025 season featuring four qualifying legs and a Final kicks off in Abu Dhabi on February 11, 2025, with only the top eight teams making it through to the Final in Barcelona in October.