The Longines EEF Series kicks off this week, with Italy hosting the inaugural event. From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 April, the Equieffe Equestrian Centre in Gorla Minore, Varese, Italy, is hosting a CSIO3* – the first in this long-awaited series of events, and the first of the European season – which sees twelve teams competing in the Nations Cup.

On Saturday 24 April, teams from Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Italy, will ride into the Equinoxe Arena of the Lombard facility.

"I am extremely pleased that starting up this new circuit has been possible in this difficult period, at a time when we are facing two challenging difficulties: Covid-19 and the Herpes Virus EHV-1. We are especially grateful to Emanuele Fiorelli and the Equieffe Equestrian Centre for their considerable efforts in allowing the Longines EEF Series to take place," said EEF President Theo Ploegmakers in a press release. 

"I am proud to host the first stage of this important circuit which will be added to the roster of the many international events which we have organised for years," said event director Emanuele Fiorelli. "This event provides proof of both the considerable development and reputationearned by the Equieffe Equestrian Centreinternationally over the past few years. Given the problems of the moment, we have worked hard to create this CSIO in compliance with the regulations, whilst placing respect for the horses in first place. We have done everything in our powers to meet the challenge. Our only regret is the necessary absence of the public. But there will be another opportunity."

*Initiated by the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), the Longines EEF Series gives talented young riders and pairs – as well as upcoming nations – the chance to gain technical expertise in high level competitions to which it would otherwise be difficult to accede. Regulations dictate that the five riders making up the official teams, from which four riders making up the team are then chosen, must necessarily include one Amazon or Under-25 Rider, giving space to the Next Generation of show jumpers.

However, the philosophy behind the Longines EEF Series extends far beyond the competitors, involving ‘Officials’ (Judges, Stewards, etc), Course Designer and assistants. Calling upon upcoming youngsters to fill these roles at various stages of the circuit, the series aims to provide opportunities to enrich their professional experience, guaranteeing the development of well-primed figures for the success of top sporting events.