A new elite showjumping competition inspired by golf’s Ryder Cup will allow European and American riders to battle it out in an “innovative, exciting and strategic” annual competition.
At the Longines Masters of Paris opening gala yesterday (1 December) it was announced that the Masters Riders Cup, presented by EEM and the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) would launch in 2017.
“The United States and Europe have time and again proven their leadership on the international showjumping scene,” said a spokesman for the competition. “Since the introduction of the World team championships in 1978, no nation other than these have been able to earn a place on the podium.
“However, until now there has never been a direct, rules-based competition between Europe and the United States, an event like golf’s Ryder Cup in which equestrians compete individually against one another on behalf of their team.”
The first Masters Riders Cup will take place at the Masters of Paris in December 2017, while in 2018, the competition will be staged at the Los Angeles Masters.
“Equestrianism is undergoing a revolution; it’s our duty to take part,” said Christophe Ameeuw, CEO and founder of EEM which owns and operates the Longines Masters Series.
“As an innovator in the sport, EEM is proud to work alongside EEF to bring this unique, thrilling, and entertaining competition to life at the Longines Masters Series events across both continents.”
The cup will be held in Europe and America in alternating years, with five riders from each continent. Combinations will take part in a series of five “duels” in each of two stages, with points for each to the winner’s team.
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Current US team coach Robert Ridland will manage the American team, while French national selector Philippe Guerdat will coach the Europeans.
“It will be a prestigious title on par with any of the greatest trophies in all spheres of sport,” said the spokesman. “Ninety years exactly after the birth of golf’s Ryder Cup, the Masters Riders Cup is set to become a legendary competition.”
