Nations Cup setback may create new opportunities

Hickstead has not been chosen for the new League of Nations series, the FEI has confirmed

- ELEANOR JONES

THERE has been “huge disappointment” at the FEI’s decision to leave Hickstead out of the revamped Nations Cup series – but hope for something better to come.

On 1 August, the FEI confirmed that the new League of Nations would run at four venues, rather than the five originally stated. In 2024 the qualifiers will be held at St Gallen, Switzerland; Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Ocala, US. The final will be in Barcelona, Spain.

“Obviously we’re hugely disappointed, with the FEI’s decision and the way it’s been handled, after 50 years of hosting Britain’s Nations Cup, and such a magnificent win at Hickstead last week,” Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn told H&H. “We are still keen to have the Nations Cup, and we now have the freedom to explore other sponsors.”

Lizzie added: “We are fortunate to have many loyal supporters, and the backing of our governing bodies and stakeholders has never been more vital. Our challenge now is that we have just weeks to make crucial decisions about the schedule for next year’s shows, and to secure a new sponsorship deal.”