Gorla Minore, Italy – April 18, 2024 – Returning for its fourth year, the prestigious Longines EEF Series is set for launch next week for the 2024 edition. Once again, the series will start in Gorla Minore, Italy, for its first leg before bouncing across 10 European countries for an action-packed summer of sport including Luxembourg for the first time and a new venue in Denmark, Stutteri Ask.
This season we will be celebrating the outstanding performances of teams, riders, horses, grooms, chef d’equipes and more through our Nation Sensation campaign. It is the sensational performances and journeys of developing talents all while representing their country that make the Longines EEF Series so special. Look out for special post-event highlights and features that celebrate these moments across the season.
To launch the campaign and this season’s events check out the video below:
Looking ahead to the events, it will be an extra special year for the sport with the Olympics in Paris this summer. The Longines EEF series will be a vital launchpad for some of those qualified countries looking to prepare their Olympic combinations and build their teams. Reigning champions Austria will be looking to repeat their success and we can hope to see some top combinations coming forward in their regional central qualifiers as they prepare for the Games.
One of the breakthrough stars last year was Ukraine, who will be keen to build upon their phenomenal 3rd place podium finish in Warsaw and utilise the experience the team gained. Italy could be back for revenge, the twice Series Champions in 2021 and 2022 failed to make the final last year and should surely be motivated to make amends this year.
The first qualifier takes place in Gorla Minore this week, Friday 26th April for region South. Eleven nations will be lining up to compete:
Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, UAE
For the region south it is Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Türkiye and Ukraine fighting to score maximum points. They will have a second qualifier in Athens in June to secure their place in the semi-finals.
The action kicks off at 11.00 CEST and you can watch live with Clipmyhorse and on our new dedicated LES website: https://les-eef.eu/
Full event calendar:
Date / Event / Country / Round
24-28 April / Gorla Minore (ITA) – South Regional Qual
1-7 May / Mannheim (GER) – Central Regional Qual
15-19 May / Stutteri Ask (Martofte) (DEN) – North Regional Qual
15-19 May / Peelbergen (Kronenberg) (NED) – West Regional Qual
29-2 June / Athens (GRE) – South Regional Qual
5-9 June / Drammen (NOR) – North Regional Qual
5-9 June / Luxembourg (LUX) – West Regional Qual
12-16 June / Bratislava (SVK) – Central Regional Qual
19-23 June / Deauville (FRA) – West/North Semi-final
11-14 July / Budapest (HUN) – South/Central Semi-final
5-8 Sept / Warsaw (POL) – Final
About the Longines EEF Series
The Longines EEF Series is a Nations Cup Competition that is designed to develop horses and riders through consistent exposure to quality events and team format competition, replacing the previously known Division 2 Nations Cup series. Run across 3* and 4*, the events focus on growing the breadth and depth of talent to bring more combinations to the highest level, from all nations in Europe. The EEF strongly believes that we can help safeguard the future of the sport by providing continuous development, which the Longines EEF Series works to provide.
The Series’ runs in a nations cup format in which teams compete over two rounds, with identical courses. Both rounds are run according to Table A against the clock. Four riders per team take part in each round, with the best three scores counting towards the team total. In case of a tie after two rounds, a single rider from each team will take on the jump off.
The Series’ runs in a nations cup format in which teams compete over two rounds, with identical courses. Both rounds are run according to Table A against the clock. Four riders per team take part in each round, with the best three scores counting towards the team total. In case of a tie after two rounds, a single rider from each team will take on the jump off.
Longines; Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, since 1832, Longines watchmakers enjoy an expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as the official timekeeper for world championships and as partner of international sports federations, Longines has created a strong and long-lasting relationship in the world of sports, over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch group Ltd., the world’s leading watchmaker. The Longines brand, with its winged hourglass emblem, is established in over 150 countries.
KEP Italia is a producer of riding helmets and was established in 2007, building on the passion of its founders, Lelia Polini and Bianca Collet-Serret. They aimed to research and produce more comfortable, safer and more innovative helmets than the ones currently available on the market, a goal that led them to explore and combine the best solutions in terms of design, technology, materials and safety.
The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is the representative body for the European based National Equestrian Federations. Working closely with the Federation Internationale Equestre (FEI) and the National Federations, the EEF works to maximize the potential and development of equestrianism throughout the continent. The EEF is committed to promoting the sport of equestrianism and its good practices, developing the sport across Europe, and providing leadership for a collective European voice in the sport.
Source: Press Release (edited) from EEF – European Equestrian Federation
Photos: © EEF / Fotonik / Sławek Lenart
Categories: English
