The Next Generation: Building Europe’s Future Through the Longines EEF Series

Report: Emily Bevan

For many showjumping riders, the step up from youth championships to the senior ranks can be one of the hardest of their careers. After progressing through the structured pathways of pony, junior and young rider competition, many face a difficult transition period as they seek to establish themselves at elite level.

One of the aims of the Longines EEF Series is to bridge that gap, giving U25 riders the chance to compete alongside Olympians and championship riders in a team environment. In 2022, the European Equestrian Federation, which runs the Series, brought in a rule that every team had to field at least one U25 rider in their five-person squad.

We spoke to some of those U25 riders, as well as senior competitors and chefs d’equipe, to find out how the Series is shaping the next generation.

“My first ever seniors’ debut was in the Longines EEF Series in Lisbon,” said Great Britain’s Sienna Charles.

“I remember it was a very exciting moment. Thankfully I had a very experienced partner -Ornellaia - to show me the way. She really gave me great experience and confidence during this step up in my riding.”

As well as the opportunity to ride at a higher level, Sienna also found the team format provided an invaluable learning environment.

“During these team events you work together and support one another so you get to see a lot of what other people do, take away some ideas and it’s a great privilege to often ride alongside the best. It’s a great opportunity to see how they [senior riders] operate, as usually at individual shows most riders are focused on themselves,” continued Sienna.

Josefin Torell also believes that the Series has helped to develop her confidence - not just with her riding but also in her methods and processes - and form relationships. 

“The Series has made me more confident going to bigger shows since it has made me more experienced, so you trust your own ability and system more,” said the Swedish rider.

“It also allows you to get to know the seniors at a young age which makes it very comfortable to go to senior competitions. You know that you have very competent colleagues to get advice from when you might need it.”

Exposure to bigger venues with greater facilities and more technical courses was something Norway’s Mira Oliva Hoeidal gained from competing in the Series.

“With each event like this, we build more confidence competing at this level and gain even more experience jumping at these heights and on technical courses,” said Mira, who is 24.

“At the same time, we can earn more ranking points, which increases our chances of getting into more shows like this.”

Mira also credited the supportive environment and opportunity to learn from other members of the team as invaluable.

“We can share ideas, discuss the course, and give each other valuable feedback - both after the round and, if there's something to discuss, before we ride. Just knowing that we have each other's backs and can be there for one another has been one of the really great aspects of this Series,” she added.

Watching how established riders prepare and compete is another important lesson, according to Olympic champion Kevin Staut.

“These young riders can gain a lot of experience by being part of the Nations Cup and simply by watching everything that's happening around them,” said Kevin.

“They have to keep their eyes open, listen carefully, and try to learn everything they can because it's a great place to pick up tips, advice, and to see the best methods in the world.”

Germany’s Justine Tebbel said the Series taught her the importance of team culture.

“I think the biggest lesson from that week was that you only win through a real team effort - by being good to each other, supporting one another, and working together from the beginning to the finish,” said Justine, who was part of the German quartet who triumphed at the central qualifier in Budapest earlier this year.

“When you know your team is behind you, you're not nearly as nervous because, if something happens, you know the next person will step in and support the team.

“Competing at shows like this helps you become more comfortable, especially when you are part of a team and surrounded by more experienced people. You also get to experience life at bigger shows, and I think that naturally makes you much more confident and, of course, if you have success along the way, it boosts your confidence even more.”

Eden Leprevost Blin-LeBreton was one of only a handful of young riders who jumped a double clear in the Series this year.

“I feel really lucky to be able to compete on the Longines EEF Series circuit. Wearing the French jacket is always something special to me. It gives me a lot of experience to grow and be more competitive when I hope to step up to the next level,” said Eden.

“I really enjoyed working with and being part of the senior team because they have all the experience and the maturity to support you even when you have a bad round. They helped me in the warm-ups and during the course walks. They were really kind to me, because they knew I had less experience than them and that’s what I enjoyed the most.”

On what she learnt from the experience, 22-year-old Eden said: “I think it is to never give up, even if the first round didn’t go as planned, you have to mentally be strong and try again and again to do better to make the difference in the second round.”

For Sweden’s chef d’equipe AnnCatrin Carlsson, the two-round format is one of the Series’ greatest strengths.

“The EEF Series has been brilliant for developing Under-25 riders. We've been missing competitions that allow young riders to gain experience riding two proper Nations Cup rounds,” said AnnCatrin.

“In a standalone Nations Cup, if you have too many faults in the first round, you're out, and that can be quite discouraging. In the EEF Series, riders know they'll have a second opportunity. That changes their mindset. They ride with more confidence and less tension because they know they'll get the chance to learn from both rounds, and I think that makes a huge difference to their development.”

Gerrit Nieberg, a senior German rider, believes the Longines EEF Series is more than just a two-round event because it gives young riders the chance to experience the other aspects of team competition.

“Having the opportunity to prove themselves and experience everything that goes on behind the scenes, such as how the starting order is decided or who will go into a jump-off, is incredibly valuable,” said Gerrit.

“These riders are usually highly motivated, and that in turn has a positive effect on the more experienced riders. Competing together in a Nations’ Cup always creates a special bond within the team. The riders get to know each other better, and there is often a team dinner or social gathering. This team spirit is what sets Nations’ Cups apart from other competitions. Sometimes, it can even lead to friendships that last for many years.”

Gerrit names compatriot Sophie Hinners as someone who has benefited from the Series.

“I rode with Sophie in the 2021 EEF Final in Warsaw, when she was 23. I think that was her first Nations’ Cup season and now she has not only made it to the five-star level, but has also established herself among Germany’s top riders,” added Gerrit.

Germany’s chef d’equipe Ralf Runge believes nothing can replicate the pressure, expectation and responsibility that comes with team competition.

“For the up-and-coming riders, it often is their first time experiencing the real Nations Cup feeling: you don’t ride just for yourself, but for a team,” said Ralf.

“That gives more pressure, a different atmosphere and also a different kind of responsibility. At the same time, they become part of teams that haven’t been competing together for years. This allows them to get involved, find their place and learn how to find their way in such a new environment.”

Creating a positive first Nations Cup experience is one of Ralf’s priorities.

“I always try to build a team that has the potential to achieve a good result, ideally a place on the podium. Naturally, that is not always possible, but a positive first Nations Cup experience is worth a great deal,” he said.

“If a young rider comes away from such an experience with a positive feeling, they gain an incredible amount from it: confidence, experience, and a better understanding of what is required at this level. You can see that later at regular CSI events too. It's obvious that the riders have taken another step towards becoming established at the highest level of the sport.”

As more riders make the leap from U25 competition to the senior ranks, the Longines EEF Series is proving that success isn't built in a single Nations Cup. It's developed through experience, responsibility and the opportunity to learn alongside the very best riders in the world.

Where to Watch and Follow
For the latest updates, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the 2026 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.

Download the Longines EEF Series press kit here.

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

Full results from the regional qualifiers and semi-finals of the Longines EEF Series 2026 season can be viewed here.