The world of equestrian sports is set to come alive as two major tournaments, the Agravis-Cup and the Concours Hippique International (CHI), prepare for action from January 7 to 12, 2025. These events promise thrilling displays of equine talent and rider proficiency, drawing competitors and spectators from near and far.
Starting with the Agravis-Cup held in Münster, Germany, this national dressage and jumping tournament presents several opportunities for riders to showcase their skills. Scheduled to run from January 8 to 12, the event is expected to draw significant participation within both disciplines. A key feature of the Agravis-Cup is its combination of national competitions across various classes, providing aspiring riders the platform to compete at reputable levels.
Notably, the Agravis-Cup website promises detailed schedules and results updating sports enthusiasts on performance metrics as the competition progresses. The event also allows for amateur riders to participate, making it not only an elite event but also fostering grassroots involvement within the sport.
Simultaneously, the CHI Basel, known for its polish and prestige, will be taking center stage. This year marks the 14th edition of the event, which kicks off on January 8 and runs until January 11. The CHI Basel, located at the iconic St. Jakobshalle, features impressive line-ups of top international competitors. This year's event serves as both the World Cup Qualifier and the grand prix, allowing riders to accumulate points toward future competitions, particularly the World Cup final taking place later in the season.
“We have a great year ahead,” said Thomas Straumann, the president of the organizing committee, emphasizing Basel's emergence as one of the elite venues for equestrian tournaments since it began hosting World Cup Jumping events. The excitement doesn't just stop at the competition; the program is interwoven with cultural engagements, including performances from popular Swiss artists, making it not only a sporting event but also an entertainment spectacle.
The main highlight of the CHI will be the World Cup finals scheduled for April 2025. With this significance, the upcoming January event functions as the benchmarking competition for riders aiming for the prestigious finals. With six top-ten ranked riders set to make appearances, including Olympic athletes and numerous champions, this tournament continues to cement its position as one of the most anticipated stops of the equestrian calendar.
The CHI Basel is widely expected to attract sold-out crowds, as seen with previous competitions. Last year alone saw around 21,000 attendees over four days, indicating strong interest and enthusiasm for horse sports within the region. The lush competition environment and the elite caliber of the athletes participating chapters appeal to audiences, with tickets for the January event already nearing capacity.
For both events, riders will be competing not just for glory, but also for substantial prize money, with over one million Swiss francs awarded cumulatively across various competitions at the CHI. The grand prix at Basel will feature the largest purse, making the stakes higher than ever.
Riders from Germany and Switzerland, including stars like Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs, will be taking their mounts to the arena with eyes set on victory. They bring notable accomplishments to the table—the perfect showcase of skill and competition prowess appealing to equestrians and fans alike.
Both events will include international participants. At the Agravis-Cup, experienced riders such as Sandra Auffarth will be competing, alongside many talented local competitors. The atmosphere will enable significant networking opportunities for the participants as they engage with peers from different backgrounds.
Further, from January 8 to 12, the CHI Basel also hosts various world-class classes, from jumping to dressage, allowing spectators to enjoy high-quality showmanship from some of the best athletes. The inclusion of dressage competitions—with notable figures like Isabell Werth participating—provides audiences with multifaceted entertainment.
With the anticipation building around both the Agravis-Cup and CHI Basel, equestrian enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to. The events are testaments to the thriving equestrian culture present not only within Germany and Switzerland but also across the international equestrian community.
For those hoping to witness or participate, be sure to mark the dates, secure tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable display of athleticism and artistry.