2025 Longines League of Nations: Powerhouse Ireland

Talent and camaraderie will be the key to success as they focus on fostering developing riders while refining strategies of veteran athletes.

Team Ireland during the medal ceremony of the Longines League of Nations™ in Ocala in March 2024. (FEI / Liz Gregg photo)

By: Georgie Roberts/FEI | January 22, 2025

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you're listening to an article from horse sport.com. 2025 longines league of nations: powerhouse ireland by: georgie roberts/fei |. ireland has once again proven itself as a powerhouse in international equestrian sports, securing the top spot in the 2024 longines league of nations™ ranking with an impressive 14,538 points. under the expert guidance of chef d’equipe michael blake, ireland is poised to expand on their legacy as they prepare for another thrilling season of top class jumping in 2025. the land of the horse. internationally celebrated, ireland’s reputation for producing exceptional sport horses and athletes is undisputed. the iconic green jackets of team ireland have graced podiums around the world, underscoring a tradition of excellence. from winning the longines fei jumping nations cup™ in 2019 to claiming silver at the fei jumping european championship 2023 in milan (ita), ireland has demonstrated its prowess in team jumping events, and the 2025 season presents an opportunity to chase victory once more. green jackets, golden goals. michael blake, who has played a pivotal role within the irish equestrian federation, horse sport ireland, as both team ireland senior jumping development manager and assistant team manager, is no stranger to success. with significant achievements under his belt, including the team’s triumph at the fei jumping european championship 2017 in gothenburg (swe), blake is determined to lead ireland to new heights in 2025. advertisement scroll to continue with content reflecting on lessons learned, blake shares his vision: “in the 2024 longines league of nations™ we maintained a delicate balance between fostering young talent and utilising the expertise of seasoned combinations. this approach will continue in 2025 as we focus on developing resilience in emerging riders while refining strategies for our experienced athletes.”. from highlights to high hopes: ireland’s journey. ireland’s journey through the longines league of nations™ 2024 series was marked by standout performances, most notably their victory in ocala (usa). competing against some of the world’s top athletes, the irish team delivered a flawless performance in a high-pressure environment, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork. “that win in ocala was a phenomenal night of jumping,” blake recalls. “it reinforced the strength of our program and gave us the momentum to secure the top position in the league standings. finishing first was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.”. looking ahead to 2025, ireland’s objectives remain clear: consistent podium finishes and further development of both human and equine athletes to sustain their competitive edge. innovation and teamwork – the heart of irish jumping. ireland’s success is built on several core principles. blake emphasises the importance of nurturing young talent: “our youth programs are the foundation of our success. they provide a platform for emerging riders to transition to senior levels and excel under the green jacket.”. “our athletes support and inspire one another. this camaraderie and shared purpose are key to our success. it’s not just about individual performance but about building a cohesive team that can rise to any challenge,” says blake. fresh, focused, ready. with a busy competition calendar, maintaining peak performance for both riders and horses is a priority. blake outlines the strategies employed to ensure success: “for our athletes, we focus on goal setting and mental preparedness. open communication is vital, whether it’s addressing logistical challenges or preparing for major events. this support helps alleviate pressure and keeps them focused. for our horses, individualised training and competition plans are essential. targeting lower-level competitions allows them to build confidence and refine skills without unnecessary stress. regular veterinary check-ins ensure they are in top physical and mental condition.”. gratitude and encouragement. blake is quick to acknowledge the support ireland receives from fans and the broader equestrian community. “the warmth and respect we encounter at every event are incredible. as a small nation, our success on the global stage wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our fans and the dedicated systems behind our athletes.”. looking ahead, blake anticipates another season of top-class competition. “the longines league of nations™ consistently delivers world-class sport. the level of competition among the 10 teams is exceptional, and it’s a privilege to be part of this journey. we’re excited for what’s to come in 2025 and can’t wait to deliver more thrilling performances for our supporters.”.

Ireland has once again proven itself as a powerhouse in international equestrian sports, securing the top spot in the 2024 Longines League of Nations™ Ranking with an impressive 14,538 points. Under the expert guidance of chef d’equipe Michael Blake, Ireland is poised to expand on their legacy as they prepare for another thrilling season of top class Jumping in 2025.

The Land of the Horse

Internationally celebrated, Ireland’s reputation for producing exceptional sport horses and athletes is undisputed. The iconic green jackets of Team Ireland have graced podiums around the world, underscoring a tradition of excellence. From winning the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ in 2019 to claiming silver at the FEI Jumping European Championship 2023 in Milan (ITA), Ireland has demonstrated its prowess in team Jumping events, and the 2025 season presents an opportunity to chase victory once more.

Green Jackets, Golden Goals

Michael Blake, who has played a pivotal role within the Irish equestrian federation, Horse Sport Ireland, as both Team Ireland Senior Jumping Development Manager and Assistant Team Manager, is no stranger to success. With significant achievements under his belt, including the team’s triumph at the FEI Jumping European Championship 2017 in Gothenburg (SWE), Blake is determined to lead Ireland to new heights in 2025.

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Reflecting on lessons learned, Blake shares his vision: “In the 2024 Longines League of Nations™ we maintained a delicate balance between fostering young talent and utilising the expertise of seasoned combinations. This approach will continue in 2025 as we focus on developing resilience in emerging riders while refining strategies for our experienced athletes.”

From Highlights to High Hopes: Ireland’s Journey

Ireland’s journey through the Longines League of Nations™ 2024 series was marked by standout performances, most notably their victory in Ocala (USA). Competing against some of the world’s top athletes, the Irish team delivered a flawless performance in a high-pressure environment, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork.

“That win in Ocala was a phenomenal night of Jumping,” Blake recalls. “It reinforced the strength of our program and gave us the momentum to secure the top position in the league standings. Finishing first was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Ireland’s objectives remain clear: consistent podium finishes and further development of both human and equine athletes to sustain their competitive edge.

Innovation and Teamwork – The Heart of Irish Jumping

Ireland’s success is built on several core principles. Blake emphasises the importance of nurturing young talent: “Our youth programs are the foundation of our success. They provide a platform for emerging riders to transition to senior levels and excel under the green jacket.”

“Our athletes support and inspire one another. This camaraderie and shared purpose are key to our success. It’s not just about individual performance but about building a cohesive team that can rise to any challenge,” says Blake.

Fresh, Focused, Ready

With a busy competition calendar, maintaining peak performance for both riders and horses is a priority. Blake outlines the strategies employed to ensure success: “For our athletes, we focus on goal setting and mental preparedness. Open communication is vital, whether it’s addressing logistical challenges or preparing for major events. This support helps alleviate pressure and keeps them focused.

For our horses, individualised training and competition plans are essential. Targeting lower-level competitions allows them to build confidence and refine skills without unnecessary stress. Regular veterinary check-ins ensure they are in top physical and mental condition.”

Gratitude and Encouragement

Blake is quick to acknowledge the support Ireland receives from fans and the broader equestrian community. “The warmth and respect we encounter at every event are incredible. As a small nation, our success on the global stage wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our fans and the dedicated systems behind our athletes.”

Looking ahead, Blake anticipates another season of top-class competition. “The Longines League of Nations™ consistently delivers world-class sport. The level of competition among the 10 teams is exceptional, and it’s a privilege to be part of this journey. We’re excited for what’s to come in 2025 and can’t wait to deliver more thrilling performances for our supporters.”