Drastic changes to Nations Cup

THE FEI has made drastic changes to the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup series for 2020, in order for the series final in Barcelona to go ahead in October despite the disruption caused by Covid-19.

A total of 22 nations will be invited to compete in the final, including all 10 teams from the Europe Division 1 league, meaning Ireland have secured their place to defend the title they won in 2019.

The other 12 teams going to the final will be three from North America, two from South America, two from the Middle East, two from Asia/Australasia, one apiece from Africa and Eurasia, plus the host nation Spain.

The Nations Cup held in February this year in Wellington, USA, will no longer be considered as a qualifier, and while events in North America and Europe that are still scheduled to take place over the next few months can be hosted as a Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup, no qualifying points will be awarded for the final.

So far, the first four legs of the Division 1 series in La Baule, St Gallen, Sopot, and Rotterdam have been cancelled. Falsterbo, due to take place from July 9th to 12th have indicated they will do all they can to host the show, while Dublin Horse Show has said it is still on track to run from July 15th to 19th. The seventh and final leg is due to take place in Hickstead at the end of July.

The three teams from North America and the 10 teams from Europe Division 1 will qualify directly for the final, while the UAE and Syria, who claimed the two top spots at the Middle East qualifier in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, will retain their places.

The EEF also announced the postponement of the Longines EEF Series launch until 2021, meaning will be no promotion and relegation from Division 1 this year.