The Longines Masters Series announced on May 17 that the U.S. leg of their show jumping Grand Slam series will move from Los Angeles to New York City. New York equestrians Ariana Rockefeller, Mario & Lisa Deslauriers, Katie Dinan and Reed Kessler joined 2017 Longines FEI World Cup Champion McLain Ward to celebrate the event’s move to its new home in New York.

The U.S. leg of the Longines Masters series debuted in 2014 in Los Angeles and for two years took place at the L.A. Convention Center, but in 2016 moved to the Long Beach Arena and Convention Center. The L.A. shows were held in September, but the New York iteration will take place in April 2018 and will now serve as the grand finale of the series.

The Longines Masters of New York will be located at the newly renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which is on Long Island, 19 miles east of New York City in Uniondale, N.Y. The action of season 3 of the Longines Masters starts in December in Paris before heading to Hong Kong in February and culminating in New York in April 2018.

“We are so appreciative of our time in Los Angeles and all of the people that made the American leg a success through the years,” said Christophe Ameeuw, CEO and Founder of EEM, creators and owners of the Longines Masters. “We are excited and proud to bring the event to New York, expanding the Longines Masters experience from coast to coast.”

Before unveiling this season’s new poster series—designed by the Bangkok born-New York based artist, Sirichai—Ameeuw and Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing took the stage to announce the renewal of the partnership between the Longines Masters organizers and the brand. The respective brand leaders toasted to many years of continued success together in a move that extends Longines status as title partner, official timekeeper and official watch of the world’s leading indoor show jumping competition.

“Longines is really delighted to share its passion for equestrian sport and its values of elegance, performance and tradition with the Longines Masters,” said Juan-Carlos Capelli. “With this new long-term partnership, we are looking forward to working with EEM to continue elevating the equestrian sport and creating exceptional events on three continents, and especially in the new location in New York.”

Ameeuw emphasized his continued commitment to the sport and to the partnership with Longines: “My dream was to dare to be different, to take the equestrian sport that I love so much and raise it to new heights by creating a unique concept that combines the most elite show jumping with art, lifestyle, luxury, gastronomy and entertainment all under one roof for a truly cultural experience. Thanks to the continued support of Longines as title partner and official timekeeper of the Longines Masters, this dream is a reality.” Speaking of the series’ new location.

While discussing the event at the Longines boutique in the World Trade Center Oculus in New York, Georgina Bloomberg remarked, “I’m used to traveling around the U.S. and Europe for show jumping competitions. With the Longines Masters Series coming to New York, I am excited to be able to compete in my own backyard and to welcome the world’s top riders to my hometown. Every year I enjoy competing at the Longines Masters with its high-level competition and overall luxury and prestige. I am looking forward to seeing how the event will grow and adapt in its new location.”

Recent Longines FEI World Cup Champion McLain Ward enthusiastically shared, “The Longines Masters Series has always provided highly competitive, world-class events in Paris, Hong Kong, and most recently Los Angeles. As a local New Yorker, I am thrilled this event is moving to New York. It is a great opportunity to showcase the best in show jumping in one of the best cities in the world!”