The equestrian world descends upon Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this week for a historic event: the 2024 FEI Jumping and Dressage World Cup Finals! Held from April 16th to 20th, this marks the first time the Finals will be staged in the Middle East for both disciplines.
The prestigious Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center will transform into a stage for the sport’s elite. Top riders and their exceptional horses will culminate the 2023-24 Dressage and Show Jumping World Cup seasons, vying for the coveted championship titles.
Dressage enthusiasts will be particularly interested to see who emerges victorious in the absence of two-time defending champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. The show jumping arena, however, is set for a potential repeat performance. Henrik von Eckermann, alongside his champion mount King Edward, will be looking to retain his individual jumping title earned last year.
This year’s Finals transcend the competition itself. It signifies a significant moment for equestrianism, expanding its footprint into the Asian continent for dressage and solidifying its presence in the Middle East for show jumping. With 19 nations represented by 35 riders and 42 horses, the Finals promise a dazzling display of athleticism and horsemanship.
Beyond the captivating competitions, the event has sparked conversation. The choice of Saudi Arabia as host has generated debate regarding human rights and the concept of “sportwashing.” However, the focus remains firmly on the athletes and their incredible horses as they battle for World Cup glory.
Whether you’re a die-hard equestrian fan or simply appreciate a display of top-tier athletic talent, the 2024 FEI Jumping and Dressage World Cup Finals promise an unforgettable week in Riyadh.
Full Schedule of the 2024 FEI Jumping and Dressage World Cup Finals
| Day | Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 15 April 2024 | 16:00 | Horse Inspection CDI-W |
| Monday | 15 April 2024 | 17:00 | Horse Inspection CSI-W |
| Tuesday | 16 April 2024 | 15:00 | FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CUP™ FINAL – Warm Up |
| Tuesday | 16 April 2024 | 18:00 | LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ FINAL – Training Session |
| Wednesday | 17 April 2024 | 13:15 | FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CUP™ FINAL – Grand Prix de Dressage |
| Wednesday | 17 April 2024 | 19:05 | LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ – Final I – Table C Jumping competition (1.60m) |
| Thursday | 18 April 2024 | 18:50 | LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ – Final II – Table A Jumping competition with jump off (1.60m) |
| Friday | 19 April 2024 | 17:15 | FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CUP™ FINAL – Grand Prix Freestyle |
| Saturday | 20 April 2024 | 15:45 | LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ – Final III – Table A Jumping competition over two rounds (1.60m) |
Descriptions of Play Format:
Dressage:
- Horse Inspection (April 15th): Mandatory for all competing horses to ensure fitness and well-being before the competition.
- Warm-Up (April 16th): Allows riders to practice their routines with their horses in the competition arena.
- Grand Prix (April 17th): The main Dressage competition. Riders perform a pre-determined test of movements showcasing their horse’s training and the rider’s skill. Scores are awarded based on technical execution and artistic impression.
- Grand Prix Freestyle (April 19th): Riders perform a choreographed routine set to music, further showcasing their horse’s athleticism and the rider’s artistic interpretation. This is often a crowd favorite.
Jumping:
- Horse Inspection (April 15th): Similar to Dressage, ensures horse fitness for competition.
- Training Session (April 16th): Riders familiarize themselves and their horses with the jumping course. This is not a judged session.
- Final I, II & III (April 17th, 18th & 19th): These are all jumping competitions with different formats:
- Final I (Table C): A single round competition with obstacles set at a height of 1.60 meters.
- Final II (Table A with Jump Off): Another single round competition with obstacles at 1.60 meters, but with a jump-off round for the top-placed riders to break ties and determine the winner.
- Final III (Table A over Two Rounds): The most challenging jumping competition. Riders compete over two rounds with obstacles set at 1.60 meters. Scores from both rounds are combined to determine the winner.
Important Note:
- All Jumping Finals are timed events, adding an element of speed to the competition.
- Only riders and horses who achieve a minimum score in the Grand Prix qualify for the Grand Prix Freestyle in Dressage.
Date, Time and Location of 2024 FEI Word Cup finals
Date: The 2024 FEI World Cup Finals for dressage and show jumping are scheduled to be held April 16–20, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Time: The sports will happen at 15.00
Location: The event is set to be held in the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center and will mark the conclusion of the 2023–24 Dressage and Show jumping World Cup Seasons.
Where can I Watch FEI World Cup Finals Coverage?
Thousands will have the chance to catch the Jumping and Dressage and Vaulting action in person at the at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center as the event takes place in the Arabian Peninsular for the first time. Jumping takes place on Wednesday and Friday, before Saturday’s finale. The Dressage competition begins with the Grand Prix on Wednesday and culminates with Friday’s Freestyle.
World No.1 Henrik von Eckermann will return with King Edward in a bid to retain his individual Jumping world title following success in Omaha, USA last year.
In Dressage, the sport’s biggest icon, Isabel Werth, will be aiming for her fifth title. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, the current World champion, can secure her first prize in this event.
Live Coverage:
| Region | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| APAC | beIN Sports |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian National TV |
| Egypt / MENA | ON Times Sport |
| Israel | Charlton TV |
| KSA / MENA | MBC+ |
| LATAM | Claro Sport |
| Malaysia | Astro Supersport |
| Mexico | Claro Sport |
| Nigeria | Talent Sports |
| Pan Am | Pan Am Sports |
| Pan Baltic | Arena Sport |
| Pan South America | DirecTV |
| Poland | SportKlub |
| Portugal | Sport TV |
| Slovakia | Arena Sport |
| Switzerland | SRF / RTS |
| Sweden | SVT |
| Turkey | Sport TV |
| UAE | Abu Dhabi Sport TV |
| UAE | Dubai Sports TV |
| Ukraine | Xsport |
The Stage is Set: A Preview of the 2024 FEI Jumping and Dressage World Cup Finals
This week, from April 16th to 20th, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will be the center of the equestrian world as it hosts the prestigious FEI Jumping and Dressage World Cup Finals for the first time ever in the Middle East. The state-of-the-art Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center will transform into a battleground for equestrian supremacy, with top riders and their exceptional horses vying for the coveted championship titles.
Dressage:
- A New Champion to Emerge: With two-time defending champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl absent, the Dressage competition is wide open. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the title?
- Technical Precision Meets Artistic Flair: The Grand Prix will showcase the riders’ skill and their horses’ training, while the Grand Prix Freestyle promises a dazzling display of athleticism and artistic interpretation set to music.
Jumping:
- Can King Edward Repeat? Reigning champion Henrik von Eckermann will be aiming for a back-to-back victory with his partner King Edward. However, other top riders will be hungry to dethrone him.
- A Thrilling Test of Speed and Skill: The three Jumping Finals will offer a variety of challenges, testing both the horses’ jumping power and the riders’ tactical prowess. The timed elements will add an extra layer of excitement.
Beyond the Competition:
- A Historic Moment: This event marks a significant step for equestrianism, expanding its footprint into the Asian continent for Dressage and solidifying its presence in the Middle East for Show Jumping.
- Global Audience: With riders from 19 nations and live broadcasts reaching numerous regions, the Finals promise to be a truly international spectacle.
Don’t Miss Out:
Whether you’re a die-hard equestrian fan or simply enjoy watching the pinnacle of athletic talent, the 2024 FEI Jumping and Dressage World Cup Finals promise a week of captivating competition, breathtaking displays of horsemanship, and a historic moment for the sport.
