It seems our zany, groundbreaking friends over at the Split Rock Jumping Tour are doing something right! They’ve caught the attention of riders, fans, and now the FEI: Announced late yesterday, The Split Rock Jumping Tour has been selected to host a Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier in 2018.
Only 14 venues have the privilege of hosting one of the North American legs of the sport’s most popular series, and the still up-and-coming SRJT proved they have what it takes to attract global-caliber talent to their events.
“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.”
The qualifier will run in conjunction with the Jonestown, Ohio leg of the tour, which just wrapped up their 2017 season earlier this month. Riders competing in the 2018 battle royale will be vying for points to qualify for the finals to be held in early 2019 in Gothenburg, Sweden. In 2019, the Finals are slated to return to the United States courtesy of Las Vegas, Nevada, a veteran host of the event.
A total of 14 athletes from the North American League qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final. The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, the top three from West Coast US, and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico qualify for the Final, along with others from 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 through 2017, Germany and the United States have emerged with the most titles with each country having 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).
We can’t wait to see what kind of flair Split Rock Jumping Tour brings to the World Cup Qualifier, and we’ll be rooting for the team to give it all they’ve got in the coming months!
Go SRJT, and Go Jumping!