The Horses Behind the Success: Developing Future Championship Partners

Report: Emily Bevan

The Longines EEF Series has long been recognised for developing the next generation of riders but its role in producing future championship horses is just as significant.

By giving young horses experience in team competition and exposing them to technical tracks, atmospheric venues and the pressure of representing their country, the Series provides a springboard to the higher levels. 

But how does the Series benefit younger, less experienced horses? How does it help to shape their future and how do you know when the horse is ready to compete at that level?

“The horse tells you when it’s ready. We can’t decide that for the horse,” said Longines EEF Series Final event director Edwin Smits who is also the chef d’equipe of the Turkish team.

“Generally, I think nine years old is the perfect age to start in the EEF Series. Some horses are ready at eight because they have the right mentality, enough scope and are straightforward to ride, but every horse is different.”

Ensuring a horse is ready to compete in the Longines EEF Series is crucial.

“They have to be strong enough. If you ask too much too early, there’s a much bigger chance you’ll ruin the horse instead of building it up,” said Bo K Moller, chef d’equipe for Denmark.

“Normally our horses make their first Nations Cup appearances at nine years old, and then we gradually develop them so they’re ready for bigger things when they’re 10 or 11.”

When deciding whether a horse is ready for a Longines EEF Series competition, Edwin needs to see evidence that the horse can consistently jump clear rounds at that height.

“You can’t think, “I’ll use this class to teach my horse how to jump 1.50m.” That wouldn’t be fair. If a horse has only jumped a few 1.45m classes and you decide to teach it to jump a 1.50m Nations Cup, I don’t think that’s the right approach,” said Edwin.

As well as being able to jump the height of the fences, the horse needs to be able to cope with the atmosphere and environment that comes with the Longines EEF Series competitions.

“The EEF shows are held at very good venues now, with impressive fences and surroundings. They’re much bigger environments than many smaller two-star shows, so the atmosphere has more impact on the horses,” said Edwin.

“As a rider, you can feel whether the horse is comfortable. If it’s still too spooky, too strong, or simply not physically strong enough yet, then you need to wait a little longer.”

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.