4 May - Sponsored by the Saudi Equestrian Fund Furusiyya since 2013, the prestigious FEI Nations Cup series has begun in February in Al Ain (UAE). With 20 legs in this year’s calendar, the world’s top best riders of show jumping are back on the road and competing world wide for these precious points in order to qualify for the world finale in Barcelona (9th-12th October).
After Lummen (BEL) 2nd May, the Longines Jumping International of La Baule (CSIO 5* of France) will set the second big moment of the European Division 1 of this elite series.
Winners of the 2013 finale, the French will come with a strong team to La Baule, chosen among other events to win points. Big favorites of the Nations Cup but also for the FEI Alltech™ World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, the French led by national coach Philippe Guerdat will once again thrill the faithful and numerous public in the stadium François André.
So from May 15th to 18th, the best riders and horses in the world will gather at the Longines Jumping International of La Baule, which is to horse riding what Roland Garros is to tennis, 6 Nations tournament is to rugby, or the Tour de France is to cycling. Each year, more than 14 million viewers and 27 000 people in the stadium André François follow the performances of the greatest champions of show jumping.
2014 should not fail to tradition, with three different events organized in this new edition with € 580,000 of prize money.
Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Switzerland will also take part in the race for points of La Baule.