Following the magnificent success of the Global Champions Tour (GCL), it is not surprising that similar team concepts are being adopted elsewhere around the world and we are delighted to pass on the news of the involvement of New Zealand’s top ranked international rider in a major new team-based series. Sharn Wordley, currently residing in Kentucky in the United States, has accepted an invitation to join a team for the inaugural season of Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ), which will take place in North America in 2021.

Wordley’s team, which is yet to be named, will be one of eight who will be contesting the Series and with $2,000,000 up for grabs over the series, the competition is sure to be intense.

He has joined a strong team including Irishman Darragh Kenny, who is currently ranked in the top 10 riders in the world. The team also comprises of Lauren Hough, Nick Dello Joio, Chandler Meadows and youngster Coco Fath, all from the USA.

Wordley will no doubt be looking to bring to the team the vast experience he has, having represented New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games in 2018.

Ex New Zealander Katie Laurie will also be involved in this Series as part of the Eye Candy Jumpers Team – another strong team having secured Ireland’s Paul O’Shea to lead the way, who, last month appeared in the FEI rider rankings at number 37. Karen Polle from Japan (ranked 198) is also in the team as well as Jacqueline Steffens from Canada, Vasco Flores from Peurto Rico and Amy Miller.

The Series commences in Vancouver in Canada in late May and sees another eight venues before the final, scheduled for Coachella in California in December. Legs of the Series will be held in Traverse City (twice) and Thermal in the United States, Monterrey and San Miguel in Mexico and in Canada, Toronto (twice) and Bromont.

We wish Sharn and Katie all the best of luck and look forward to tracking the progress of these riders as the season unfolds during the second half of 2021.