The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
International Jumping Riders Club
FEI Jumping Committee unanimous on competition format proposal to be presented at FEI Board Meeting next week
As part of their annual in-person meeting, the FEI Jumping Committee gathered in Lausanne on 30 and 31 May to discuss, amongst other things, the Longines League of Nations Rules which are set to be presented to the FEI Board for approval next week and launched in 2024.
Following the two days of productive meetings, the Committee have confirmed their unanimous support and enthusiasm for a concept which they believe will increase the attractiveness of the series for fans and non-equestrian spectators alike, providing the framework for sporting highpoints and ample opportunities for story-telling.
The format they have devised consists of two rounds, whereby in the first round, all four athletes from all ten teams (and potentially the host nation) participate with the 3 best scores to count, followed by a second Round where the best eight teams compete in reverse order - carrying forward their penalties from the first round - however with only three athletes per team and no drop score.
For the Final, the same format is applied, but with all eight teams qualified for the Longines League of Nations Final competing across both rounds, again, with only three riders in the second round and no drop score in the second round. This new format will be unique to the Longines League of Nations.
“The FEI Jumping Committee unanimously supports this concept and we are excited for the future of the Longines League of Nations, and look forward to presenting this to the FEI Board next week.
“This format is more transparent, and the second round with no drop score will really put every team to the test, as well as offering the fans and viewers with excitement and suspense throughout.
“The consultation process has been extremely beneficial and it’s a real testament to strength of the Longines League of Nations product, that we have had this level of support and endorsement from all our stakeholders and stakeholder representatives throughout.
- Stephan Ellenbruch, Chair of the FEI Jumping Committee,
The formal proposal by the Jumping Committee for the Longines League of Nations Rules was the last important piece to the puzzle in the comprehensive consultation process, which has been underway since last October, to completely refresh the FEI’s oldest team series. Just last week, the FEI launched the bidding process while an official signing ceremony with the FEI’s Top Partner Longines confirmed their full commitment to the updated series framework which sees the top ten nations go head to head at five top events (locations to be confirmed following the bid process later this summer), leading into a Final for the top eight nations in a bid to secure the Longines League of Nations title.
Next steps for the Longines League of Nations include the submission of the Rules to the FEI Board for their approval at the in-person meeting on 6-7 June, followed by allocation of events to prospective Organising Committees as per the Bid Guide timelines.
For more information on the FEI Jumping Committee – click here
- Chair: Stephan Ellenbruch (GER)
- Deputy Chair: Henrik Ankarcrona (SWE)
- Diane Baxter (RSA)
- Louis Konickx (NED)
- Michael Stone (USA)
FEI Jumping Athlete representative: Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA)