Germany and Switzerland are set to host several prestigious equestrian events starting this January, attracting top talent from the international equestrian community. The highlight will be the Concours Hippique International (CHI) taking place from January 8-12, 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, marking its 14th edition.
With the hosting of the World Cup final later this year, CHI Basel is positioned as the first event of its kind to have both the World Cup tournament and finale held by the same organizer. "Wir haben ein grosses Jahr vor uns," says Thomas Straumann, the president of CHI Basel, expressing excitement for what lies ahead.
The CHI Basel will not just feature thrilling competitions but will also integrate show acts providing entertainment throughout the event. Starting with the opening ceremony on Thursday, top Swiss musicians will grace the stage, culminating with the farewell of the Olympic champion dressage horse TSF Dalera, celebrated for her achievements with rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.
Meanwhile, dressage rankings remain competitive, with Isabell Werth maintaining her lead, as stated by EQUESTRIAN WORLDWIDE – EQWO.net, which notes, "An der Spitze der Dressur-Weltrangliste beginnt das neue Jahr, wie das alte endete," indicating Werth's formidable presence as the number one ranked dressage rider moving forward.
Additional events include the Agravis-Cup taking place simultaneously from January 8-12, 2025, featuring both national and international dressage and show jumping competitions at the Stallion Market Arena in Münster, Germany. This opportunity allows equestrian athletes at various levels to demonstrate their skills, as the competitions differ by modality, obstacle height, prize money, and ranking points available.
During the Agravis-Cup, several notable competitors across various skill levels will participate, showcasing their talents in pursuit of qualification points for future championships. Notable names like Hans-Dieter Dreher and Sandra Auffarth will also be competing internationally at events during the same week, creating excitement around these concurrent competitions.
Both events are more than just competitions; they also serve as platforms for athletes to earn valuable World Cup qualifying points. Winning events not only translates to immediate financial gain but can significantly impact riders' rankings on national and international scales.
Swiss riders are eager to perform well, particularly with Steve Guerdat, the Olympic gold medalist, and Martin Fuchs, another renowned competitor from Switzerland, heading to Basel. Previous champions of the Grand Prix and World Cup rounds at this venue have included Guerdat, who also sits as the second-ranked rider globally.
Beyond the prizes and accolades, the CHI Basel event is projected to attract thousands of spectators, based on previous years' attendance. Last year's competitions saw around 21,000 visitors over four days, resulting in exceptional audience engagement and excitement, indicating strong ticket sales for the upcoming event.
Going beyond just the competitions, both events reflect the growing equestrian culture and its impact on society and the economy. With everything from horse care education to sponsorship opportunities for businesses, the equestrian community thrives through events like the Agravis-Cup and CHI Basel.
The immediate future for equestrian sports looks bright as these events poised to push talent to the forefront and celebrate the dedication of riders, horses, and all those involved. The intersections of competitive enthusiasm and cultural celebration create vibrant atmospheres for all spectators and participants alike. Organizers remain optimistic about ticket sales continuing to meet demand.
Finally, as the countdown to these equestrian showcases ticks down, the anticipation is palpable for both riders and fans alike. With commitments already made and the excitement on the rise, January 2025 promises to be unforgettable within the equestrian sphere.