The Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ), launched in 2021, is quickly establishing itself as an exciting, innovative addition to the international show jumping scene. Designed to make equestrian sport more engaging and accessible to a wider audience, it follows the model of popular leagues in other sports like football, basketball, and tennis.
With big prize money on the line, both individual riders and teams compete across multiple stages throughout North America. Team Philippaerts is part of the action, with Nicola joining the Major League this year. “It’s something new, and with the sport becoming so global, it’s important for us to be everywhere,” Nicola explains.
This year, eight teams are battling it out in the Major League. Each team competes across the 10 series, accumulating points based on their performance at each event. Teams select riders for different rounds and events based on their strengths and the challenges presented by each course. The goal is, ofcourse, to qualify for the season finale, where the league champion is determined.Nicola rides for the Archers, together with Harry Charles, Patricio Pasquel, Quentin Judge, Callie Schott, and Aaron Vale.
While the Major League draws comparisons to the Global Champions League, it’s limited to North America. “The Global Champions League and Major League are two separate circuits, and the Major League fits perfectly in the calendar when the GCL is quieter, allowing us to compete in both,” Nicola adds.
The Major League kicked off in May in Canada, with nine stages leading up to the grand finale in December at La Quinta. Nicola brought Pandora van de Kruishoeve, Derby de Riverland and H&M Luna van ‘t Ruytershof to the U.S. for the competition. “The horses I brought are in great shape, perfectly suited for this level of competition,” Nicola concludes.
