The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
International Jumping Riders Club
EUROPEAN CIRCUIT OF NATIONS CUP OPENS IN GORLA MINORE, ITALY
From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 April, the Equieffe Equestrian Centre in the town of Gorla Minore, Varese, Italy, is hosting a CSIO3* – the first in this long-awaited series of events – with the Longines EEF Jumping Nations Cup, the Series forms the Show Jumping circuit of the Nations Cup.
On Saturday 24 April, teams from Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and Italy, will ride into the Equinoxe Arena of the Lombard facility.
Initiated by the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), the Series gives talented young riders and pairs – as well as upcoming nations – the chance to gain technical expertise in high level competitions to which it would otherwise be difficult to accede.
Regulations dictate that the five riders making up the official teams, from which four riders making up the Nations Cup Team are then chosen, must necessarily include one Amazon or Under-25 Rider, giving space to the Next Generation of show jumpers.
But the philosophy behind the Series extends far beyond the competitors, involving ‘Officials’ (Judges, Stewards, etc), Course Designers and assistants. Calling upon upcoming youngsters to fill these roles at various stages of the circuit, the series aims to provide opportunities to enrich their professional experience, guaranteeing the development of well-primed figures for the success of top sporting events.
The event’s key moment takes place on Saturday with the Longines EEF Nations Cup Gorla (starting at 11.30am). This event sees the participation of some of Show Jumping’s most promising new names, alongside riders of vast international experience.
Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and Italy together form the line-up for this Nations Cup.
The Longines EEF Nations Cup Gorla can be followed LIVE in Direct Streaming via the website of the EEF /European Equestrian Federation).
To watch, CLICK HERE
Quotes
Theo Ploegmakers, EEF President
‘I am extremely pleased that starting up this new circuit has been possible in this difficult period, at a time when we are facing two challenging difficulties: Covid-19 and the Herpes Virus EHV-1. We are especially grateful to Emanuele Fiorelli and the Equieffe Equestrian Centre for their considerable efforts in allowing the Longines EEF Series to take place.’
Marco Di Paola, FISE President
‘With the organisation of the first appointment in the Longines EEF Show Jumping Series, Italy wishes to communicate a strong and important message of starting over, flanked by a spirit of great determination and a sense of responsibility. There is much enthusiasm about ‘jumping’ again and over the coming weekend we will finally have an opportunity to once again see great sporting moments which have been absent for far too long. I offer my grateful thanks to the EEF and the Equieffe Equestrian Centre, together with the FISE, for their enormous efforts and determination to bring horses and riders to the Event at Gorla Minore.’
Beatrice Ottaviani, Longines EEF Series Manager
‘This circuit was principally founded to open the doors to the ‘next generation’ of international show jumpers. It is a great honour for me, as well as a great challenge, to start the Longines EEF Series in Italy, which will form a launchpad for this innovative and important competition format for the rest of Europe.’
Emanuele Fiorelli, Event Director
‘I am proud to host the first stage of this important circuit which will be added to the roster of the many international events which we have organised for years. This event provides proof of both the considerable development and reputation earned by the Equieffe Equestrian Centre internationally over the past few years. Given the problems of the moment, we have worked hard to create this CSIO in compliance with the regulations, whilst placing respect for the horses in first place. We have done everything in our powers to meet the challenge. Our only regret is the necessary absence of the public. But there will be another opportunity.’
EUROPEAN EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION
The EEF (European Equestrian Federation) was founded in 2009 with the aim of addressing the problems inherent in equestrian sports at a European level. Formally established in February 2010 with the adhesion of 27 National Federations (NF), including Italy, the EEF began to work with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to increase the influence of European nations within the FEI which, at the 2018 General Assembly, unified the FEI I and II groups within the EEF Group. 2015 saw the start of a partnership between the European Equestrian Federation and Longines -- the title sponsor, timekeeper and official clock provider of the Longines EEF Series. The EEF currently includes and represents 38 European National Federations. Theo Ploegmakers of the Netherlands is President while Ulf Helgstrand, of Denmark, is Vice-President.
LONGINES EEF SERIES
The Longines EEF Series is a show jumping Nations Cup circuit created by the European Equestrian Federation which replaced the FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 2. Launched last year, but postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19, it is divided into four European regional areas - North, South, Central and West - including the 42 National Federations which form part of the EEF Group of the FEI. The Longines EEF Series includes a qualifying CSIO3 *, two semi-finals and a final, scheduled at the Warsaw CSIO4*. The winner will be admitted to the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup (that is, Division 1) in 2022.
EQUIEFFE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Equieffe Equestrian Centre grew out the passion of international rider and federal instructor Emanuele Fiorelli, who aims to provide an environment in which national and international show jumping events at all levels, can be organised with the involvement with the top names in riding, from Italy and the world. Due Leoni Amateur Sports Association is responsible for organising all sporting activities at Equieffe.
image: Chef d'Equipe's meeting
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