The inaugural edition of the Longines Masters Riders Cup has been slated to be held in December 2017 ©Masters Riders Cup

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) has unveiled plans to launch a Ryder Cup-style showjumping event between Europe and the United States in partnership with professional events organiser EEM World.

The inaugural edition of the Longines Masters Riders Cup has been slated to be held in December 2017 during the Longines Masters of Paris event.

It will pit two teams of five against each other in two stages, with the side that records the best overall score being named the winner.

The format is similar to golf's Ryder Cup, a biennial competition between teams from Europe and the US, named after the English businessman Samuel Ryder who donated the trophy.

"The European Equestrian Federation is very fortunate to be able to partner up with EEM in bringing the Masters Riders Cup into the spotlight of equestrian sport," Hanfried Haring, President of the EEF, was reported as saying by Equnews. 

"EEM is known all over the world for its highest degree of professionalism and courage for innovation, we are thrilled to go this exciting path together and benefit from each other’s expertise."

Christophe Ameeuw, chief executive and founder of EEM which owns and operates the Longines Masters Series, added: "Equestrianism is undergoing a revolution; it’s our duty to take part.

"As an innovator in the sport, EEM is proud to work alongside EEF to bring this unique, thrilling, and entertaining competition to life at the Longines Masters Series events across both continents."

EEF President Hanfried Haring claimed they are very fortunate to be able to partner up with EEM World to organise the Longines Masters Riders Cup, a Ryder Cup-style event for horses ©Getty Images
EEF President Hanfried Haring claimed they are very fortunate to be able to partner up with EEM World to organise the Longines Masters Riders Cup, a Ryder Cup-style event for horses ©Getty Images

The new competition is set to take place annually, alternating between Europe and the US.

In its first year, teams will picked by Robert Ridland, the current coach of the US national team that claimed an Olympic silver medal at Rio 2016, and Philippe Guerdat, selector of the French national team that came away with gold.

Riders will compete in a series of five duels in both of the two stages with each of them awarding points to the victorious rider’s team.

The winning coach from the first stage will be able to designate which rider matches up with each opponent.

The team captains will establish the starting order of their riders before the second stage begins, while specifying any potential substitutions of the horses and outlining their strategy choices.

In 2018, the Masters Riders Cup is scheduled to be contested at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles.