The U.S. team brought home the Challenge Cup at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2014 Final in a nail-biting finish. 

The six teams that did not qualify for the gala Furusiyya Final competed for the consolation prize, and many were surprised to find the U.S. on the list. Nonetheless, after a perfect start from the U.S.’s McLain Ward in a textbook run with Rothchild, Finish Line® Horse Products-sponsored Margie Engle returned with just a single time fault from Royce. Engle stood in for Kent Farrington in the U.S. side. 

Engle is known as one of the most victorious show jumping riders of all time. With more than 200 Grand Prix wins, the veteran rider has been named American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year 10 times. So, it was a no brainer that Engle would perform at the Nations Cup. 

The Australian team gave the U.S. a run for their money as the Aussie group presented smooth rounds, putting them on level pegging especially after Lauren Hough’s Ohlala clipped both the oxer at eight and following plank nine for eight faults. 

With stunning clears from Amy Graham and Bella Baloutbet, the event came down to U.S. anchor Beezie Madden who had no room for error. The jumper faced pressure with poise, and when Ward cruised home with Rothchild in 40.18, the U.S. team secured control. 

Behind the U.S., the Australian quartet slotted second place, the French came in third, Spain in fourth, Venezuela in fifth and the three-man team from Qatar in sixth. 

Engle and the rest of the U.S. squad sealed the €300,000 on offer. In the victory picture, Engle can be seen with Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, Madden, Hough and Ward, all of whom are holding the flowers. 

Engle has been using Finish Line® products for more than 17 years, and the recent consolation win puts another notch in her belt.