Diplomatic World nummer 54

GCL teams have cool modern signature music when the
riders enter the ring, allowing fans to identify with their
favourites. Their social media pages are busy with images
for fans and the teams attract sponsors.
Jennifer Gates’ team Paris Panthers were new on the circuit
this year and has already attracted top brands as sponsors
including Lululemon, Maui Jim and NetJets. GCL launched
in 2016 with 12 teams and quickly increased to 18 teams for
the 2017 season.
With a strong commitment to developing the grassroots and
the talent of the future in show jumping, Global Champions
League teams must have an under-25 rider.
also very important to have under-25 riders in the teams giving
opportunity to the young talent to grow and experience top-level
events.
“When I launched the Tour back in 2006 I had been in show
jumping as a rider for many years and I knew the sport had
to change and come into the modern era. I wanted to raise
standards across the board so that all stakeholders benefitted.
We raised the bar across all areas from better facilities for
riders and horses, including very important investment in the
best possible welfare at the events for the horses. We worked
hard to increase TV and media coverage of the sport and
improved hospitality for guests to enjoy the experience of a
show jumping event.
LGCT President and GCL Co-Founder Jan Tops said:
“We want to ensure a sustainable and healthy future for our
sport and it was an important part of our strategic growth
to introduce this new team concept. Show jumping is going
through a boom right now with more riders from different
countries wanting to compete on our championship circuit.
The League has introduced a fantastic new dynamic where
fans can see incredible combinations of the best riders from
different countries competing to win together for the first time.
It’s fresh and exciting and the team competitions take place
at all the incredible locations we have on our calendar. It is
“We have been pioneering and introduced a lot of change to
show jumping. One of the key steps was to take our sport to city
centres and to bring show jumping to more people to make it
more accessible to grow our fan base.
“At the heart of what we do will always be top sport, but we
also deliver a superb experience for fans and guests who are
new to show jumping and want to enjoy a great day out.”
And the current top riders who star in the spotlight agree.
Scott Brash, Olympic Gold Medallist and two time LGCT
Champion of Champions spoke of the evolution of the
165