Your guide to who's who in the showjumping world

The Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2019 runs from February 15 to 17 with an exciting three-day line-up of challenges, entertainment and culinary delights. Before the event kicks off, familiarise yourself with the riders to know:

1. Pénélope Leprevost

With 136,000 followers on Instagram, Pénélope is not just a star in the showjumping area—she's a bonafide social media darling too. Hailing from France, she started riding at the age of three, participated in her first Championships in France Lamotte Beuvron at the age of six and represented France at the London Olympics in 2012.

With the goal of winning an Olympic medal, Pénélope is certainly one to watch at the Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2019.

Follow Penelope @penelope_leprevost_officiel

2. Simon Delestre

Known for his trademark smile and showjumping skills, Simon Delestre is a complete natural with horses. Riding is in his veins, as his father Marcel Delestre was a show jumper himself (and Simon's biggest mentor). Simon hopes to compete in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo—until then, catch him at the Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2019.

Follow Simon @simondelestre

3. Kevin Staut

One of France's most well-known riders, Kevin Status started riding horses at the age of 10 under the influence of his mother, who was also a competitive show jumper.

In 2009, he won gold at the Show Jumping European Championships for individual jumping and has won two World Championship Team Silvers in 2010 and 2014.

Follow Kevin @kevin_staut_officiel

4. Olivier and Nicola Philippaerts

Along with his just-as-handsome twin brother Nicola, Olivier Philippaerts was born into a Belgian family of riders including his father Ludo and uncle Johan.

Now 25 years of age, he and Nicola are regulars on the international showjumping circuit, who have their eyes on winning some Olympic medals in 2020.

Follow Olivier Philippaerts @olivier_philippaerts and Nicola Philippaerts @nicolaphilippaerts

5. Pius Schwizer

The son of a former cavalry office and founder of the Riding Club Eich in Switzerland, Pius Schwizer is somewhat of a national treasure.

An Olympic Bronze and European gold medal winner, the 56-year-old counts stamina, strong nerves and focus as his main strengths.

Follow Pius Schwizer @pius_schwizer_official

6. Max Kühner

Unlike other riders, German-born Max Kühner was not born into an equestrian family, but it was during a snowless ski holiday where he first learned how to ride.

Since then, his passion for horses only grew and by the age of 16, he had won the "Upper Bavarian Championship". Switching his nationality to Austrian in 2015, he is definitely one to watch at the Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2019.

Follow Max Kühner @maxkuehner_official

7. Jacqueline Lai

Cheer on Hong Kong native Jacqueline Lai, who will be competing on home soil for the Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2019.

Jacqueline fractured her pelvis in 2011 after falling during a training session in Denmark and returned to competition two years later. That didn't deter her, as her motto is "A pessimist looks for difficulty in the opportunities; an optimist looks for opportunity in the difficulties."

Follow Jacqueline Lai @jacquelinelai_

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