Equestrians are gearing up for an exciting start to the competitive season with several key events taking place across Germany and Switzerland. The spotlight will be on the Concours hippique international (CHI) Basel, set to occur from January 8 to January 12, 2025, alongside prestigious tournaments like the Agravis Cup and CSI events.
The CHI Basel, taking place at the St. Jakobshalle, has emerged as one of the elite horse jumping and dressage events. It is expected to draw top competitors from around the globe, including reigning stars from the sport, making it certainly not one to be missed. Thomas Straumann, the president of the CHI Basel organizing committee, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming year, stating, "We have a great year ahead of us."
This edition not only adds to the timeline of successful equestrian events hosted by the city but also serves as the dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals, scheduled for April 2025. This dual-hosting of both the World Cup and the world cup finals is unprecedented and adds weight to the competition. Organizers aim to deliver performances at par with international standards, and Andy Kistler, also part of the organizing committee, emphasized the need for top-tier showmanship, declaring, "The elite of equestrian sports is prominently represented."
Diving more deeply, CHI Basel will host three dressage events and seven show jumping competitions, culminating with the World Cup jumping event on Sunday, January 12. Each event will vary by rules, prize money, and the level of competition, giving opportunities for both professional and amateur participants. This format allows riders of different backgrounds the chance to compete, showcasing all facets of the equestrian sport.
Prize money totals for these events are impressive, with over one million Swiss francs cumulatively available across competitions. The main jumping event itself boasts individual prizes of 330,000 Swiss francs, making it one of the most lucrative competitions on the calendar. Riders are not only competing for cash but also for coveted points valuable for championship qualifications.
Interestingly, the artistic dimension of the event will also be presented through live performances. The organizers have scheduled acts featuring prominent Swiss musicians, enhancing the atmosphere of the competition. Notably, the finale of the CHI Basel will see the official retirement of TSF Dalera, the legendary dressage horse who has brought home multiple Olympic Golds with rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.
For many riders and horse enthusiasts, CHI Basel stands as one of the highlights of the annual calendar. The anticipation builds as many local and international competitors, including stars such as Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs, prepare for their chance to take part. With accolades spanning European and world championships among them, these athletes attract considerable attention and excitement among fans. Guerdat, ranked second globally, has previously won major events held here, marking him as one of the favorites.
Taking stock of participation, the CHI Basel will see over six riders from the top ten rankings of equestrian sports. The attendance of such elite competitors promises thrilling displays of talent and skill. Competition Coordinator Kistler articulated what many are feeling, stating, "We are not expecting the horse enthusiasts to split between CHI Basel and the World Cup finals," whether analyzing ticket sales or competitors’ participation.
Affirmative signs are already appearing too, with pre-sale figures topping expectations drawn from last year’s attendance rates, which saw 21,000 spectators filling the stands across the four-day event at 91 percent capacity. With tickets nearly sold out months before the events, excitement for both equestrian competitors and onlookers alike is at fever pitch.
Meanwhile, complementing the CHI Basel are other key national competitions, such as the Agravis Cup set for January 7 to 12, 2025, and the International Spring Tournament (CSI) at Neustadt-Dosse. These events will feature considerable participation from both seasoned competitors and promising newcomers, showcasing both the depth and breadth of talent within the community.
The Agravis Cup will include dressage and jumping trials localized at Münster, leading to rigorous competition comparable to the international standards set by the CHI Basel. The enthusiasm around these national events continues to support the development and promotion of the sport within Germany and Switzerland.
Overall, the upcoming equestrian events are set to kindle enthusiasm within the community. With legends and rising stars taking center stage and millions of francs at stake, 2025 promises to be extraordinary for horse riding fans around the world.