What’s in a name? A lot, when it’s as ill-conceived as the new “League of Nations.”
That’s what the FEI (international equestrian federation) is calling the re-do of the Longines Nations Cup series for 2024. The first time I heard how the FEI intended to christen the international team show jumping series, I thought it was a joke. Anyone with a working knowledge of 20th Century history knows the League of Nations, formed after World War I, couldn’t prevent World War II. It’s a name that’s synonymous with failure. Would a car manufacturer in this era call its new model the Edsel?
The historical League of Nations (based, like the FEI, in Geneva, Switzerland) was formed after World War I, with those attending the Paris Peace Conference agreeing to establish an organization that could ensure future peace. Except that it didn’t.
Asked about its revival of the League of Nations name for the Longines series, an FEI spokesperson said, “In terms of renaming, this was discussed with the Task Force during the (six-month) consultation phase (and has come up a lot in the past), as it has always been problematic that the term Nations Cup is broad and refers to any “O” (team) event so for jumping any CSIO event, and not solely events part of the FEI Nations Cup. By introducing a new name – which is specific to the series, then there is greater clarity and a unique identity.”
Not every Nations Cup is part of the new league. Aachen and the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, for instance, are among the competitions that are not involved.
“As to the historical reference regarding the (League of Nations) name,” said the FEI spokesperson, “rest assured this was considered and discussed.”
But perhaps not fully understood?
Eighteen organizers from Europe, North America and the Middle East have submitted bids to host one of the five qualifiers and the Final for the new league. It’s a global series, where the world’s 10 best teams travel to all five qualifiers and compete against each other, with the top eight teams then qualified for the Final.
The format, which was approved unanimously by the FEI Jumping Committee, will be unique to the Longines League of NationsTM . It consists of two rounds, with all four athletes from each of the 10 teams (and potentially the host nation) participating. The three best scores count in the first round. It is followed by a second round, with the best eight teams competing in reverse order, carrying their penalties forward from the first round, but with only three athletes per team and no drop score.