Equestrian enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the most exciting weeks of the year, as several significant events are set to take place across Germany and Switzerland from January 7 to January 12, 2025. The spotlight will be on the Concours Hippique International (CHI) Basel, alongside other esteemed competitions like the Agravis-Cup held in Münster.
Located at the iconic St. Jakobshalle, the CHI Basel serves as both a celebration of equestrian excellence and as the lead-up to the World Cup finals, which will also be hosted here later this year. "Wir haben ein grosses Jahr vor uns," says Thomas Straumann, Chairman of the Board of CHI Basel. He emphasizes the importance of this event, as it marks the first time both the World Cup tournament and its finale are organized by the same entity.
This highly anticipated gathering will feature three dressage competitions alongside seven show jumping competitions, attracting top-tier riders from around the globe. Notable competitors like Isabell Werth, currently leading the FEI dressage rankings, and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who will formally retire her Olympic champion horse TSF Dalera during the event, will be present.
The main show jumping competition is scheduled for Sunday, January 12, starting at 14:15, where competitors will vie for valuable World Cup points. Riders participating at the CHI include Swiss legends such as Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs, both of whom have previously won the Grand Prix and show jumping events at this venue. Their participation adds to the excitement, as fans look forward to red-hot performances.
Besides the competitions, the CHI Basel will feature entertainment segments, showcasing renowned Swiss artists. On opening night, Aargau-based R&B performer Seven will take the stage, followed by soul singer Stephanie Heinzmann and pop band Pegasus during the subsequent evenings.
Tickets for the event are still available for the first two days, but interest is high with many seats quickly sold out, similar to the previous year's event, which saw 21,000 spectators over its four-day run. The logistics of hosting such significant events means extensive preparation is involved, especially with the World Cup finals approaching.
Meanwhile, the Agravis-Cup will be held from January 8 to January 12, 2025, showcasing national dressage and show jumping competitions. International participation has been confirmed, including premier equestrian athletes like Isabell Werth and several others who will participate at both the Agravis-Cup and CHI Basel.
Starting at the same time, there will be multiple competitions happening concurrently across Germany and Switzerland. Riders will look to secure their positions for the World Cup finals by accumulating points from these prestigious events.
Notably, the CHI Basel will be historic not only for the competitions but also for the farewell ceremony dedicated to the much-celebrated horse, TSF Dalera, championed by von Bredow-Werndl. This powerhouse horse has achieved remarkable accolades at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, earning gold medals under the talented rider.
With significant prize money totaling over one million Swiss francs up for grabs and the main show jumping competition featuring the highest single prize of 330,000 francs, many participants will be eager to prove their skills and claim victory.
Thomas Kastl, Director of the St. Jakobshalle, highlighted the tight scheduling as they prepare for both events simultaneously, mentioning, "Die von der SRG gewünschte Gesamtmietzeit erreichen wir damit knapp." The swift turnover between events proves the efficiency of the organizing teams and showcases the importance of both occasions.
While preparations are well underway for these events, excitement continues to build across the equestrian community. Expect to see exceptional performances, stunning displays of horsemanship, and the camaraderie of the equestrian world flourishing during this jam-packed week.
The stage is set for what is sure to be memorable, as athletes, horses, and fans converge for this remarkable showcase of equestrian talent. Be sure to mark your calendars for January 7-12, 2025, as these events promise to deliver exhilarating competition and unforgettable moments.