Equestrian lovers have already started counting down to the biggest show-jumping event of the year, as the seventh iteration of the much-anticipated Longines Masters – Hong Kong edition, canters into sight on 15-19 February at AsiaWorld Expo.

Clearly buoyed by last year’s galloping success, this year’s three-day equestrian event promises to be even bigger and better, with three full days of world-class show-jumping competitions, entertainment, and immersive art and culture experiences.

The driving force behind this annual mega-event is none other than Christophe Ameeuw, the founder and CEO of EEM, the founder and organiser of the series, who talks to us about his vision, motivation and what to expect from this year’s rendition of Longines Masters.

You have been a horse show organiser since 2004. What keeps you motivated?

I have an obsession and a burning desire to bring our sport into the international spotlight. I am delighted to return to Hong Kong this year with an exciting programme full of colour and surprises. It gives me immense satisfaction when fans and families of equestrian sports discover the magic and excitement of our sport.

What are the new programmes coming to Hong Kong this year?

This year, for the first time, promising show-jumping riders from Asia will compete in a world-class event alongside the international stars of the sport. I feel this is very important given that there’s a whole new generation of riders out there. This is why, in partnership with Hong Kong Jockey Club, we have come up with the HKJC Asian Challenge. So far, participating nations include Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and China.

What are the Hong Kong participants we should keep an eye out for?

I will support all the riders from Hong Kong and Asia, as it’s such an important event for them, one that is guaranteed to give them immense visibility. I am quite impressed with two of Hong Kong’s home-grown show-jumping riders Raena Leung and Jacqueline Lai, who are both very dedicated and talented.

Do you think Hong Kong has even more firmly etched its place in the equestrian world map since last year’s Longines Masters?

Absolutely. If you just see the number of quality partners we have – from Maserati and DBS to Longines, the amount of media coverage we’ve got, it goes on to show that Hong Kong has emerged as a hugely important venue in the world of equestrian sports over the years, and it will only become even more important in the coming years.

To get a glimpse of the nail-biting excitement, check out the trailer here: