THE LONGINES LEAGUE OF NATIONS™ TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT CHIO ROTTERDAM
When CHIO Rotterdam opens its gates from 19 to 22 June, it will be for the 76th time. With its longstanding tradition, the unique setting in the Kralingse Bos, and continuous drive for innovation, the event has become one of the crown jewels of Europe’s equestrian calendar.
This year, the Longines League of Nations™ will take centre stage, reinforcing CHIO’s status as a global stage for top-level jumping. For Carolien Lavooij, the new Chair of CHIO Rotterdam, this prestigious team competition feels inseparable from the event’s long-standing tradition.
“Historically, Team Jumping has always been part of CHIO Rotterdam,” Lavooij explained. “Being part of the Longines League of Nations™ now just feels like a natural continuation. It truly belongs here.”
A LIVING LEGACY:
CHIO Rotterdam is more than a competition – it is a heritage. Held in the heart of the bustling port city, in the serene Kralingse Bos park, the event traces its roots back to the ‘Rotterdamsche Manège’, the equestrian centre still located on the showgrounds today.
The first nations cup show was held here in 1948, when the home Dutch team took first place. More than 75 years later, in 2024, France was victorious during the inaugural Longines League of Nations™ leg in Rotterdam.
“This place is steeped in history,” Lavooij said with pride. “We’ve been at this location since the very first edition. What began as an international competition organised entirely by local volunteers has grown into one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Back then, it was all on grass, and the sport looked very different from what we see today.”
The evolution has been remarkable. Over the decades, CHIO Rotterdam has become synonymous with world-class equestrian sport, drawing top riders and horses from around the globe. But its heart remains unchanged: community spirit, rooted tradition, and an unwavering commitment to the sport.
“There are families where multiple generations have ridden, volunteered, or spectated here. That continuity creates such a special atmosphere,” Lavooij added. “It’s more than an event, it’s a tradition passed down through generations.”
THE MAGIC OF THE SETTING:
Despite its international stature, CHIO Rotterdam retains a uniquely local flavour. Its idyllic setting in the Kralingse Bos offers a rare mix of tranquillity and city vibes.
Of course, staging such a large-scale event in the middle of the city comes with challenges. “We’re bound by strict regulations due to our location, but we would never consider moving. This place is what makes CHIO so special,” Lavooij said.
“The riders come through the forest to reach the arena. That’s something you don’t see anywhere else. The location sticks in people’s minds.”
CHIO Rotterdam also functions as a vital meeting point for the wider Rotterdam region. While sport is always the priority, the event also plays an important role in bringing together business communities, regional stakeholders, and new audiences. As well as its equestrian sport programme, visitors can indulge in a wide array of food and drink options, enjoy activities for all the family, and experience musical entertainment in the famous Stroodorp.
“Some of our guests may not know much about equestrian sport when they arrive,” Lavooij explained. “But by the time they leave, they’ve experienced the excitement, the tension, and the harmony between horse and rider. That connection is powerful.”
A NEW CHAPTER:
Team Jumping has long been a staple of CHIO Rotterdam, and the event’s inclusion in the prestigious Longines League of Nations™ from 2024 marked a milestone. The new format has brought a fresh energy and a new dimension to the event.
“It feels like it’s already become part of our identity,” Lavooij said. “We’re incredibly proud to host it again. It strengthens our reputation as a leading sporting event, and we see the impact it has locally, nationally, and internationally.”
The team dynamic adds extra excitement for audiences, something Lavooij believes is key to broadening the sport’s appeal. “Equestrian sport is usually individual, but this format makes it a real team sport. That’s something special, for both riders and spectators.”
The presence of Longines as title sponsor also helps elevate the entire event. “Their support is essential,” she said. “It allows us to host a world-class competition, and we are deeply grateful. We give our heart and soul to this event, but it’s only possible thanks to partners like Longines.”
This year’s Longines League of Nations™ leg in Rotterdam is live on FEI TV on Friday, 21 June from 4pm (CEST).
FROM VOLUNTEER TO CHAIR:
Lavooij’s personal connection to CHIO Rotterdam also runs deep. Her journey with the event began as a 10-year-old volunteer, clearing tables and collecting tokens. Her father, Frans Lavooij, later became Chair of the event, and she never missed a year.
“It’s a family event in every sense of the word,” she said with a smile. “My parents were involved, and I even met my husband at CHIO Rotterdam, as he led the stable crew.”
This year marks Lavooij’s first as Chair of CHIO Rotterdam, a role she takes on with great anticipation and pride. “It’s an honour to lead an event that’s been such a big part of my life. I’ve grown up with it.”
MORE SPORT THAN EVER:
As always, sport is at the heart of CHIO Rotterdam. This year’s programme is more comprehensive than ever, with increased activity in the second arena and expanded Dressage competitions. Among the highlights will be the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™, which is live on FEI TV on Thursday (19 June).
“We’re bringing together top sport, national level sport, and Para Equestrian,” Lavooij said. “Our aim is to create an inclusive, diverse programme that reflects all levels of the sport.
The popularity of CHIO Rotterdam among both Jumping and Dressage fans continues to grow, and the major classes routinely sell out. The mix of top-level competition and local atmosphere is what keeps people coming back year after year.
“We’re deeply embedded in this city,” Lavooij concluded. “Rotterdam deserves a top-class sporting event, and we’re proud to be that event. We’ll keep doing everything we can to bring the best of our sport to this beautiful setting, for the athletes, for the city, and for the audience.”
Watch all the Longines League of Nations™ action from Rotterdam on Friday 20 June on FEI TV.
--ENDS--
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In the photos:
- Carolien Lavooij is the Chair of CHIO Rotterdam
- Dutch athlete Harrie Smolders in action at CHIO Rotterdam
- Wout Jan van der Schans
Read here how Chef d’Équipe for the Dutch Jumping team - Wout Jan van der Schans - discusses his Longines League of Nations Plans
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