You’ll spot the Longines Masters of Lausanne just ahead by looking for a grand showjumping arena surrounded by banners and a modern, glass-fronted pavilion, with horses and riders performing dashing leaps beneath a “Longines Global Champions Tour Lausanne” archway.
Now, take a moment to inhale the crisp lake breeze-because right here, next to Lake Geneva at Place de Bellerive, you are standing where elegance and horsepower collide in spectacular style. Don’t worry, you’re safe from galloping hooves, unless your mobile has a mind of its own! The Longines Masters of Lausanne isn’t just an equestrian show, it’s a high-stakes dance between riders and their majestic horses, all prancing for the ultimate prize. This international tournament gallops into Lausanne every June, dazzling the city with its CSI 5* magic-the highest category in show jumping. That’s right, only the absolute crème de la crème of the horse world compete here, jumping fences almost as tall as you are (okay, unless you’re a basketball player).
Now, the story isn’t all smooth cantering. The first competition took place in 2012, and, at first, it was called the Lausanne International Horse Show, featuring a Saturday Grand Prix as part of the world-famous Global Champions Tour. The event changed names, skipped years, and even disappeared for a bit-imagine a horse stubbornly refusing to jump a hurdle! There was a year-long pause, unpaid fees, and just when it seemed the trot had stopped, EEM World came to the rescue in 2019, partnering once again with the illustrious Longines brand, and giving the tournament the fancy name it holds today.
The crown jewel? The Grand Prix of Lausanne, where the world’s bravest riders face obstacles so high, you might worry they’ll need a parachute. Winners have come from all over-Laura Kraut from the U.S., Lucy Davis, Ludger Beerbaum from Germany, and Gudrun Patteet from Belgium. So, if you listen closely, you might almost hear the excited cheers and the thundering hooves from years past. That’s Lausanne’s own leap into glory-where champions, horses, and a whole lot of elegance take center stage. Now, onwards-hold on to your hat, and let’s trot to our next stop!
