San Juan Capistrano To Host Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Giddy-up, San Juan Capistrano. The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup series competition is returning after a yearlong hiatus, and this time, San Juan Capistrano residents can anticipate getting real close to the action.

For the first time in the competition's history, the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup USA will be held on the west coast of the United States — right in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. A series qualifier will take place at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park from May 10 through May 15, the U.S. Equestrian Communications Department announced Monday.

"Blenheim EquiSports is very excited to be hosting the U.S. leg of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup in 2022. It has been our goal to bring international caliber show jumping back to San Juan Capistrano and Southern California," Stephanie Lightner of Blenheim EquiSports said in a press release. "Highlighting the Nations Cup will be the pinnacle of our competition calendar next year."

The U.S. leg of the competition was last held in 2020 in Wellington, Florida before the COVID-19 pandemic called for wide-spread shutdowns and the delay of this year's competition. The competition in May serves as an opportunity for teams from North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean, to earn points toward qualification for the annual final competition held in Barcelona, Spain in late September.