In the context of its collaboration with the European Equestrian Federation, Longines becomes the Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the Longines EEF Series. This 3* level jumping contest will be connected to the Longines FEI Jumping Nations CupTM Division 1, providing the winning team of the Series a ticket to compete in the Division 1 season the following year. This new Nations Cup circuit will open its doors to the next generation of riders, officials and sporting professionals from the continent. The format is applied for the first time in the 2020 outdoor season and will see the different teams competing in eight regionally organized qualifiers, two semi-finals and a final, taking place in September in Warsaw (POL).

Theo Ploegmakers, EEF President, said: “With the new Longines EEF Series, the European Equestrian Federation is delighted to extend its relation with Longines and to promote the Jumping discipline in Europe. This project is ambitious, aiming to improve all organisational aspects, from logistics to media relations with a special attention given to the sport's technical side, while making fair play and horses welfare our top priorities.”

Matthieu Baumgartner, Longines Vice President Marketing, added: “We are very proud to be the Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the Longines EEF Series. With this circuit, riders and equestrian sports fans from all over Europe will be offered a new competition format which promises numerous great sports moments. Longines is looking forward to being part of this exciting adventure, hand-in-hand with the European Equestrian Federation.”

The partnership between Longines and the European Equestrian Federation, which started in 2015, contributes to developing the sport across Europe, while strengthening the watchmaker’s long-lasting commitment to equestrian world. In fact, Longines’ involvement in equestrian universe dates back to the 19th century, when it started producing pocket watches engraved with equine motives. In 1912, the Swiss watch brand first collaborated with an international Show Jumping competition in Portugal. Today Longines’ engagement in equestrian sports worldwide includes competitions in the disciplines of Show Jumping, flat racing, dressage, driving and eventing.

The first qualifier of the Longines EEF Series will take place in Le Touquet (FRA) from 7 to 10 May, 2020.