March 18, 2018 
Fourteen legs, seven states, four provinces and eight months.
The thrilling 2017/2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League officially came to a close at Live Oak International in Ocala, FL on Sunday. Over the course of a high stakes season, dreams were realized, desires were dashed and mountains moved to come up with our 14 finalists—the hopes of their respective nations now riding on their capable shoulders as they book their tickets to the Final in Paris next month. (Whether they all go or not, remains to be seen.)
These are your North American League contenders!
USA
As the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping champion, McLain Ward (USA) was already assured of a spot at the Final and has confirmed his intention of defending his title. But he’s not leaving it to chance. The reigning world #3 nearly topped the East Coast Subleague on 52 points earned from a pair of second place finishes in Washington and North Salem, a fifth in Wellington, and a 12th in Toronto.
Riding for the red, white and blue alongside him are:
- Richard Spooner (60 points)
- Mandy Porter (54 points)
- Allison Robitaille (52 points)
- Jamie Barge
- Devin Ryan (46 points)
- Beezie Madden (46 points)
- Kristen Vanderveen (41 points)
- Sarah Scheiring (39 points)
- Andrew Kocher (38 points)
- Charlie Jacobs (36 points)
*Editor’s note: Technically, Hardin Towell qualified ahead of Jacobs with 38 points. However, he hasn’t competed in an FEI class yet this year, so it’s safe to assume he’s not going to Paris.
Canada
Quebec dominated the 2017/18 season with Isabelle Lapierre capturing World Cup titles in both Bromont and Calgary—the only rider to lay claim to the feat. However, if she or the other qualified Canadian opts not to compete in Paris, BC’s Laura Jane Tidball is the next Canadian in the queue with 32 points.
Earning the right to ride for Canada this year are:
- Isabelle Lapierre (40 points)
- Ali Ramsay (37 points)
Mexico
Some 23 Mexican riders contested North American League events this season.
The two to rise to the top of the field were:
- Luis Alejandro Plascencia O (20 points)
- Gustavo Ramos (17 points)
Extra riders
Extra riders are those from other countries who compete in North American League events. To qualify for Paris, they must earn at least as many points as the lowest qualifying rider from their home league.
This season’s extras include:
- Switzerland’s Beat Mandli (53 points)
- France’s Eric Navet (45 points)
- Ireland’s Conor Swail (40 points)
The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final will take place April 11–15 at the Accordhotels Arena in Paris. Until then, relive all the thrilling competition of the 2017/18 NAL season at HorseNetwork.com/live!
