EEF Series

The Longines EEF Series is a series of showjumping competitions in a Nations Cup format. Competitors compete in teams of four, so the pressure on riders is greater than in individual competitions. The final classification is determined by the sum of the penalty points of the team’s top three riders from both competition rounds. If there are at least two teams in first place after two rounds, a so-called jump-off takes place. The competing teams each select one rider, who must ride the course faultlessly and in the shortest possible time.

Coordinated by the European Equestrian Federation, the series aims to help European countries develop their horses and riders. The series is supported by Longines and safety partner helmet manufacturer KEP Italia. Teams from across the continent competed at the qualification stage within four regions: central, western, northern and southern. After eight qualifiers, the national teams competed in the semi-finals of the series, which were held in Deauville, France, and Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The top ten teams qualified for the grand final, which will be held in Warsaw for the next consecutive year. This year’s Warsaw Jumping CSIO4* will showcase: Spain, Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy and Slovakia, with Poland as host.

The Polish team won the Longines EEF Series regional qualification in Drammen, showing that they count in the European stakes. At the semi-final in Deauville, the Polish Eagles fought valiantly to advance, but ultimately finished outside the advancing top five. They will compete as hosts in Sunday’s Longines EEF Series final. In addition, throughout all four days of competition, there will be plenty of Polish representatives on the Warsaw parkour, competing among the best riders in the world and providing their own audience with plenty of excitement.

What is the Nations Cup about?
The Nations Cup is a competition in which riders from European countries compete in teams of four. The final classification is determined by the sum of the penalty points of the team’s top three riders from both rounds. If there are at least two teams in first place after two rounds, a jump-off takes place. The teams competing for victory pick one rider, who must ride the parkour flawlessly and in the shortest possible time.

Why is this difficult?
Representing one’s own country on the international stage is always a great honor, and in the case of team competition the pressure is even greater. In addition, each horse-rider duo must negotiate two challenging parkour courses, and in the case of a showdown, even three, which means that the pairs competing must demonstrate not only speed and accuracy, but also endurance.

Supporting young talents
One of the goals of the Longines EEF Series is to support young, promising riders. Each country participating in the Nations Cup must nominate at least one rider under the age of 25 to the team. This is an extraordinary opportunity for young riders to gain experience and learn from the best riders in Europe. Each Longines EEF Series competition is another step for them towards the best shows in the world.