Longines League of Nations™: The most important team format in international show jumping

The Longines League of Nations™ is the highest international team series in show jumping. In four qualifying events, the ten best nations in the world compete against each other. The eight most successful teams qualify for the Final in Barcelona, where the title of the best show jumping nation is awarded each year.

The format is one of the most prestigious team competitions in international show jumping. Created by the FEI, the series brings together the world’s leading nations across several qualifying legs before the most successful teams compete for the title in the Final. The series combines the long tradition of Nations Cup sport with a modern competition format and gives fans the opportunity to experience the world’s best riders and horses in direct team competition.

Unlike individual classes, the focus is not on the performance of a single athlete, but on the strength of the entire team. Every fault, every clear round and every tactical decision can determine victory or defeat.

Longines League of Nations™ live on ClipMyHorse.TV

ClipMyHorse.TV follows the Longines League of Nations™ throughout the entire season. Fans can watch all qualifying legs as well as the Final live and experience the best riders and horses in the world in action.

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What is the Longines League of Nations™?

The Longines League of Nations™ was introduced by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) to further develop international team sport in show jumping and bring Nations Cup sport together at the highest level.

The series brings together the ten best nations in the world in a unified competition system. Across four qualifying legs, the teams collect points for the overall ranking. The eight most successful nations then qualify for the Final in Barcelona.

Since its introduction in 2024, the Longines League of Nations™ has marked a new era in international team sport. The format is designed to strengthen the team concept, bring the best nations together on a regular basis and offer fans a clear and easy-to-follow season structure.

The history of Nations Cup sport

Team competitions have been among the most important classes in equestrian sport for more than a century. Nations Cups hold a special status worldwide because they are not about individual riders, but about entire countries competing against each other.

Legendary venues such as Aachen, Rotterdam and Barcelona have shaped the history of Nations Cup sport. The Longines League of Nations™ builds on this tradition and continues it in a modern, international series format.

How does the Longines League of Nations™ work?

Each nation starts with a team of four riders.

In the first round, all four athletes compete. The weakest result is used as the drop score. The three best rounds count towards the team result.

The best teams qualify for the second round. There, only three riders per nation compete. At this stage, there is no drop score anymore – every fault counts directly towards the final result.

This format regularly creates excitement right up to the final rider and makes tactical decisions especially important.

Which nations take part?

The ten highest-ranked nations in the FEI world ranking take part in the Longines League of Nations™.

For the 2026 season, these are:

Germany
Belgium
Brazil
France
Great Britain
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Switzerland
USA

These nations have been part of the world elite in international show jumping for years and have numerous top-level riders.

The Longines League of Nations™ legs

The series takes the teams to some of the most renowned tournament venues in the world.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The season traditionally begins in Abu Dhabi. The modern facilities of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club provide ideal conditions for top-level sport and form the opening leg of the new season.

Ocala, USA

The second leg takes place at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. The venue is one of the most modern equestrian centres in the world and has established itself as a fixture in the international tournament calendar.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is one of the most traditional Nations Cup venues in Europe. CHIO Rotterdam attracts numerous top riders every year and is considered one of the sporting highlights of the season.

St. Tropez-Gassin, France

The final qualifier takes place on the French Mediterranean coast. At the Polo Club Saint-Tropez, the decision on qualification for the Final is often made.

The Final in Barcelona

The grand Final is held at the traditional Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. There, the eight most successful nations from the qualifying series come together to compete for the Longines League of Nations™ title.

Barcelona has a long history in Nations Cup sport and is considered one of the most important venues in international show jumping. For many athletes, winning the Final is one of the greatest achievements of their career.

Review

Longines League of Nations™ 2024

The inaugural season of the Longines League of Nations™ marked the beginning of a new era in international team sport. The world’s best nations competed against each other in the new format for the first time and delivered numerous sporting highlights.

Longines League of Nations™ 2025

The second season also delivered top-level show jumping, exciting decisions and impressive team performances. The series firmly established itself as one of the most important team formats in the world.

Why the Longines League of Nations™ is so important

For national federations, the series serves as an important performance indicator with regard to the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships. At the same time, young riders have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in team sport.

The format combines sporting excellence with team spirit and offers fans worldwide top-level show jumping at the highest level.

Frequently asked questions about the Longines League of Nations™

What is the Longines League of Nations™?

The Longines League of Nations™ is the highest international team series in show jumping. The ten best nations in the world compete against each other in four qualifiers and one Final.

How many nations take part?

Ten qualified nations take part each season.

Where does the Final take place?

The Final is held annually in Barcelona.

How does a nation qualify?

Qualification is based on the FEI Nations Ranking. The ten highest-ranked nations receive a starting place for the following season.

Why is the Longines League of Nations™ so important?

The series brings together the strongest nations in the world and is considered one of the most prestigious team formats in international show jumping.

Where can you watch the competitions live?

All legs and the Final are broadcast live on ClipMyHorse.TV.