Celebrating European Excellence: Inside the Prestigious Venues of the Longines EEF Series

Report: Eleanore Kelly

The Longines EEF Nations Cup Series has rapidly grown into one of Europe’s most dynamic platforms for international show jumping. At its heart are a selection of top-class venues that not only host the sport’s elite but also embody the values of growth, sustainability, and community.

There are eleven venues that host the eight regional qualifiers, the two semi-finals and the final. Among them Deauville, Stutteri Ask, Peelbergen and Avenches which will stage the final this year stand out as excellent hosts each with a unique identity and growing legacy in the sport.

Deauville: Normandy’s Equestrian Jewel

Located in the heart of Normandy, the Pôle International du Cheval Longines in Deauville is more than just a competition venue- it is a destination. The semi-final host for the Longines EEF Series since 2022, Deauville combines world-class sport with the charm of a historic seaside town. Riders are drawn to its scenic backdrop, excellent facilities, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a favourite stop on the circuit.

“Hosting the Longines EEF Nations Cup allows us to highlight the equestrian excellence of Normandy,” say the organisers. “It strengthens our ambition to position Normandy as a key destination and has already led to increased participation in our other international events, like the Longines Deauville Classic CSI 4*.”

The region’s equestrian heritage, bolstered by stud farms and a rich horse culture, provides a perfect stage for high-level competition. In 2024, Deauville welcomed key figures from European sport and government, a sign of the growing importance of the event. The 2025 season marks the venue’s fourth consecutive year as host-proof of its enduring relevance and impact.

Stutteri Ask: A Rising Power in Danish Show Jumping

In Denmark, Stutteri Ask has quickly become a powerhouse in the equestrian world. Though it has only hosted the Longines EEF Nations Cup for the past two years, the venue's involvement in Danish show jumping runs much deeper. “We’ve been major supporters of the Series in Denmark for years,” they explain, having stepped up as host when a new venue was needed.

With over 250 permanent boxes, top-notch indoor and outdoor arenas, and outstanding service from staff and volunteers, Stutteri Ask is a venue tailored for excellence. Riders appreciate the attention to detail, from horse welfare to hospitality.

Hosting the EEF Nations Cup marked the venue’s first international event, followed by national championships including the Danish Young Horse Championship. It represents a turning point, solidifying Stutteri Ask's role as a key contributor to the sport’s development in Scandinavia.

Peelbergen: Built for Riders, By Riders

Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands was born out of a vision to create a true home for equestrian sport- and it has done just that in just a decade. Founded by riders, breeders, and professionals, Peelbergen is a venue designed with the sport’s community in mind.

Their first Longines EEF Series event took place in 2021, during the uncertainty of COVID-19. That year’s Nations Cup, won by Team Ireland, left a lasting impression. Since then, Peelbergen has continued to thrive, hosting the European Youth Championship in 2024 and preparing to welcome the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in 2026.

“What makes the Series special is that it shares our values,” says the Peelbergen team. “It’s about giving young riders a platform, building sustainable sport, and bringing countries together.” As the venue celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, its commitment to green initiatives—from solar energy to biodiversity projects—proves that Peelbergen is more than just a competition venue. It’s a force for positive change in equestrian sport.

All Eyes on Avenches for Series Final

The National Equestrian Institute of Avenches (IENA), will host the Longines EEF Series Final for the first time from 3-7 September. Founded in 1999, IENA is Switzerland’s leading centre for equestrian sport and is situated in the historic and picturesque town of Avenches. Spanning over 142 hectares, the Institute offers world-class facilities, including multiple all-weather arenas, grass competition fields and galops. Its infrastructure supports a wide range of disciplines, making it a hub for both national and international events. IENA has recently staged the FEI Eventing Nations Cup and will once again host the FEI Eventing European Championships in 2027. With its strategic central location, scenic backdrop, and strong equestrian culture, IENA is perfectly suited to host the Longines EEF Series Final, offering athletes and spectators an outstanding championship experience.

Edwin Smits, President of Avenches is excited to welcome the ten nations qualified for the Final. “We are more than happy to welcome this Series into Switzerland, we are very proud of it. It’s the first time and I have followed the Series from the beginning as I was riding myself and competed in quite a few of the competitions. I was also honoured to be one time winner of one of these Series in Mannheim.

“It’s a great pleasure to host these finals and as we are Central Europe that makes travelling a lot easier for people and everybody can also enjoy the beautiful Switzerland. We have seen how it (the Series) is developing and improving and how Young Riders get to make the big step up to the next league and of course that is very important that the future stars get to present themselves and show how good they are.”

Together with the remaining venues of Drammen (NOR), Lier (BEL), Mannheim (GER), Bratislava (SVK), Gorla Minore (ITA), Thessaloniki (GRE) and Budapest (HUN) which hosted the other semi-final, these formidable host venues reflect the heart of the Longines EEF Series: competitive excellence, cultural richness, and a shared commitment to the future of equestrianism. As each continues to build on its legacy, the Series itself becomes stronger, more inclusive, and more meaningful within the European sporting calendar.

Where to Watch and Follow
Full results from the regional qualifiers and semi-finals of the Longines EEF Series 2025 season can be viewed here.

For the latest updates, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the 2025 Longines EEF Series, follow the Longines EEF Series website and the European Equestrian Federation. Join the conversation on the Longines EEF Series social media on Instagram and Facebook.

For further information on the series final check out the official website of the Longines EEF Series Final Avenches 2025 and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Download the Longines EEF Series press kit here

Watch the all the live action on ClipMyHorse.TV, the official livestream partner of the Longines EEF Series.