High Stakes in the Desert: World Cup Points on the Line at Thermal

What a season it has already been for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League. After four electrifying legs, the league has delivered world-class sport from Traverse City to Los Angeles, with elite riders trading victories and margins measured in tenths of a second. Each stop has added another layer of intensity, keeping fans riveted as the race toward the 2026 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, Texas, continues to take shape.

From blistering jump-offs to tactical masterclasses, the North American League has showcased the sport at its very best—precision under pressure, power over demanding tracks, and the passion that defines championship-level show jumping. As the standings tighten, every performance now carries added weight, and every point could prove decisive.

Thermal Takes Center Stage

The spotlight now shifts west to Thermal, California, where the Desert International Horse Park hosts the fifth leg of the 2025/2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League season. Running January 28–31, 2026, Desert Circuit IV represents a pivotal moment in the calendar as riders battle for critical qualification points with the season entering its decisive phase.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Coachella Valley, the Thermal stop is renowned for its electric atmosphere and high-stakes competition. Under the desert lights, fans can expect bold strategies, lightning-fast jump-offs, and a field stacked with international talent—all chasing a single goal: a place in Fort Worth.

Defending the Desert

Last year’s World Cup showdown in Thermal offered a clear reminder of just how unforgiving—and spectacular—this venue can be.

In February 2025, world No. 1 Kent Farrington (USA) delivered a statement performance aboard his exceptional mare Toulayna. First to return in a seven-horse jump-off, Farrington set a standard few could even threaten, stopping the clock in an astonishing 32.33 seconds. The pair claimed victory by more than three seconds, reinforcing Farrington’s reputation as one of the fastest and most tactically sharp riders in the sport.

That benchmark now looms large as the league returns to the desert.

The Race to Fort Worth Intensifies

With four legs officially in the books, the battle for qualification has reached a fever pitch. Points are now the ultimate currency, and the leaderboard reflects the depth and quality of competition across the North American League.

Ireland’s Conor Swail currently leads the standings with 41 points following his standout victory at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto. Six-time Olympian McLain Ward sits close behind on 36 points after a commanding win in Los Angeles, while Laura Kraut remains firmly in contention thanks to her victory in Washington.

Current NAL Top 10 Standings

1. Conor Swail (IRL) – 41 pts
2. McLain Ward (USA) – 36 pts
3. Laura Kraut (USA) – 33 pts
4. Kent Farrington (USA) – 31 pts
5. Daniel Coyle (IRL) – 27 pts
6. Rene Dittmer (GER) – 25 pts
7. Daniel Bluman (ISR) – 22 pts
8. Skylar Wireman (USA) – 21 pts
9. Lillie Keenan (USA) – 19 pts
10. Spencer Smith (USA) – 17 pts

With just a handful of points separating several of the top contenders, Thermal could prove to be a turning point in the season-long championship race.

Strong U.S. Presence in the CSI5*-W Field

The CSI5*-W at Thermal boasts a deep and impressive American roster, blending seasoned Olympic veterans with rising stars continuing to make their mark on the international stage. Together, these combinations represent the speed, skill, and competitive edge that define U.S. show jumping in World Cup competition.

Don’t Miss the Action

Whether watching from the stands or tuning in from home, all eyes will be on Thermal for one of the most anticipated nights of the North American League season.

$340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Thermal

Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 6:30 PM PT

Watch live on ClipMyHorse.TV and FEI.TV HERE!

Photo by ©FEI/Sara Shier