Two years – connected together – in human history highlight the significant role the horse plays in our modern lives: 1832 and 2013.

In 1832, luxury watch company Longines is founded and later develops into the one of the world’s largest watchmakers with the oldest registered trademark. Longines is owned by the Swatch Group.

In 2013, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI, Fédération Équestre Internationale), the international governing body of equestrian sports, signs a partnership, appointing Longines the federation’s top partner.

On that day, Jordan’s Princess Hava bint Hussein, the FEI’s former president, and Nayla Hayek, president of the Swatch Group’s Administrative Board, attend the contract-signing ceremony where the partnership is formed. FEI has headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. Longines is based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland.

In 2016, Live Oak International Grand Prix is chosen to host an inaugural qualifying event for Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American season. Live Oak International is also the site of the $100,000 Longines World Cup Qualifier, which is part of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. A total of 14 athletes from the North American league will qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, in Gothenburg, Sweden, on March 23-28.

Founded in 1921, the FEI oversees all international events in dressage and para-equestrian dressage, jumping, eventing, driving and para-equestrian driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. The FEI establishes regulations and approves equestrian programs at championships, continental and regional games, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to the FEI.

This year the Live Oak International Grand Prix became a qualifying event for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

Come and be a part of Live Oak International’s silver anniversary held on the grounds of the pastoral Live Oak Plantation, a 5,000-acre thoroughbred breeding farm located minutes from Ocala.