The Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) has been selected by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to host a Longines FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. Starting in 2018, the SRJT will become one of only 14 events selected to take part in the FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League (NAL).
“We are honored and absolutely thrilled to be chosen by the FEI to host a Longines FEI World Cup™ Qualifier next year,” said Derek Braun, Founder and CEO of the Split Rock Jumping Tour. “In just three short years, SRJT has helped change the way show jumping is presented in the U.S. and we look forward to working with the FEI and continuing our efforts on behalf of the sport.”
To be held at the Brave Horse Show Park in Johnstown, Ohio on Sunday, October 7, the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping – Columbus will help determine which North American riders will qualify for the 2019 Longines FEI World Cup™ Finals in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Final will return to the U.S. in 2020, where it will take place in Las Vegas.
A total of 14 athletes from the North American League qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final. The top ten athletes from the USA — seven from the East Coast and three from the West Coast—, and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico qualify for the Final, along with riders from the 15 leagues around the world.
Started in 1979, the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final is an annual international showdown among the world’s best show jumping horses and riders. In the 39 Finals held throughout 2017, Germany and the United States have emerged with the most titles, having each won 10 times. Previous FEI World Cup™ Jumping Finals held in the United States include Baltimore (1980), Tampa (1989), Del Mar, CA (1992), Las Vegas (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015) and Omaha (2017).
The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League boasts a minimum of $2.4 million prize money across the series each year, with the jackpot for the final event topping over $1.4 million.
