HH Azur and McLain Ward at the 2017 FEI World Cup Jumping Finals
The FEIShow Jumping World Cup is an annual international competition among the world’s best show jumping horses and riders. The series, created in 1978, today comprises 14 leagues on all continents. The best riders from 132 preliminary competitions qualify for the final.[1] The FEI World Cup was thought up by a Swiss journalist and show jumping enthusiast, Max E. Ammann. For 20 years, until 1999, both the final and qualifiers were sponsored by Volvo.[2] From 1999 to 2013, the series has been sponsored by Rolex.[3]Longines has been the title sponsor of the series since October 2013.
Approximately 45 riders qualify from 13 leagues around the world. Usually there are 20 riders from Europe, 15 from the United States, 5 from Canada, and 5 from elsewhere in the world. At the beginning, the final was a rather complicated process and in 1981 its formula was modified. Since then it has not been changed. It starts with a Table C speed competition, followed by a jump-off competition and, after one day's rest, a two-round final not against the clock.
In the 28 World Cup finals held until 2007, US riders have emerged with the most titles, having won the championship
seven times.[4] Hugo Simon was the first rider to win the FEI World Cup three times, followed by Rodrigo Pessoa. Mario Deslauriers is so far the youngest winner, aged 19, in the competition's history riding Aramis in 1984.[2]
The FEI World Cup Final is usually held in April of each year.
