OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The best Jumping athletes in the world have converged on the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala for the four-day Longines League of Nations (LLN) event.

Thursday’s competition started with 49 riders. Five posted clear rounds to qualify for a jump-off.

Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs (941) and his long-time partner, Leone Jei, posted a winning time of 36.68 seconds in the Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Steve Guerdat (942) of Switzerland rode Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte and stopped the clock in 37.54 seconds for second place. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Callie Schott (968) of the United States clears an obstacle at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Callie Schott (968) of the United States aboard Garant in the jump-off during the Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix. She placed third. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Callie Schott (968) representing the United States, took third with a time of 37.88 seconds aboard Garant for owner Southern Arches LLC. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Callie Schott (968) of the United States celebrates the final jump in the Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix. She placed third on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The winners of the Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix, 2nd place Steve Guerdat of Switzerland (left),1st place Martin Fuchs of Switzerland (center), and 3rd place Callie Schott of the United States (right) celebrate their win. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Winner Martin Fuchs of Switzerland takes a victory lap after his win at the Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix during the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL, on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Winner Martin Fuchs of Switzerland takes a victory lap at the World Equestrian Center. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Steve Guerdat snaps a selfie with Martin Fuchs and Callie Schott. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Kevin Staut of France opted to withdraw, leaving four to battle it out.

The packed house of spectators at WEC’s grand outdoor arena were treated to an exciting tie-breaking competition.

As the lead off rider, Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam posted a clear round in a time of 39.44 seconds.

Martin Fuchs of Switzerland and his longtime partner, Leone Jei, went next and moved into the lead jumping the eight fences in 36.68 seconds.

Fuchs’ ride withstood a challenge from fellow Swiss rider, Steve Guerdat, who stopped the clock in 37.54 seconds for second place.

Callie Schott representing the United States was the last rider. She rode aboard a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Garant. The pair finished in 37.88 seconds for third place.

“I think it was really exciting to be able to compete with them,” said Schott of going head-to-head against three experienced Olympic riders in the jump-off. “I feel like jumping a clear round was a major accomplishment in itself, and then it was, ‘Let’s see what I can do.’ I haven’t had that much practice in jump-offs at this level, so I just felt like I was going to try to do my best.”

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Schott is representing the U.S. as an individual at the LLN in Ocala. The 39-year-old made her U.S. team debut at the opening event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in February where the Americans placed sixth.

“If I make the short list for the Olympics, I think we are going to try to pursue that and if not, we’re going to do the best for all of our horses and go from there,” said Schott.

Competition continues on Friday, March 22, beginning at 2 p.m.