Equestrian enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting series of events as the prestigious CHI Basel, Agravis-Cup, and CSI Neustadt-Dosse approach, bringing top-tier equestrian talent to Germany and Switzerland.
From January 11 to January 14, 2025, the St. Jakobshalle in Basel will transform for the 14th consecutive year to host the Concours Hippique International (CHI). This year's event marks not just another gathering, but also serves as the gateway to the season’s World Cup finals, scheduled later in April 2025. "We have a big year ahead of us," says board chairman and patron Thomas Straumann, highlighting the significance and scale of the event.
During the CHI Basel, equestrians from around the globe, including famed Swedish rider Henri von Eckermann and multiple medalists, will compete fiercely for top honors. The organizers expect record participation, owing to the prestige of the World Cup qualifiers vested within the event.
Not only will prominent competitions like the World Cup show-jumping be featured—set to take place on Sunday at 14:15—but there will also be performances from notable Swiss musicians, with R&B singer Seven, Soul singer Stephanie Heinzmann, and pop band Pegasus gracing the stage to entertain audiences across the four-day event.
Equestrian sports fans will also witness the ceremonial retirement of the exceptional dressage horse TSF Dalera, recognized for winning double gold at the Olympic Games with rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.
But excitement doesn’t end at CHI Basel; the Agravis-Cup, running from January 7 to January 12, 2025, features national dressage and show-jumping competitions, showcasing budding talents and seasoned riders alike. This event will take place alongside the International Spring Tournament (CSI) being hosted in Neustadt-Dosse, which will also run from January 8 to January 12. These parallel competitions set the stage for rising athletes and provide ample opportunities for participants to accrue valuable points, contributing to their qualifications for future prestigious events.
Key equestrians to watch include Austrian riders making their mark globally, as Isabell Werth from Germany continues her reign at the top of the FEI rankings with her stellar record. Notably, she remains at the forefront with 2079 points, just five points clear of Denmark's Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. With such close competition at the top, spectators can anticipate thrilling displays of skill and athleticism.
For those attending the CHI Basel, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Fans can expect over one million Swiss Francs up for grabs across events, with the show-jumping competitions boasting individual prize pools of up to 330,000 Francs, highlighting the lucrative nature of the competitions.
“The discipline has potential, but does not yet have the same significance as jumping or dressage,” explains organizing committee president Kistler, as he seeks to establish the CHI Basel as the go-to destination for elite equestrian sports globally.
With ticket sales already projected to surpass last year's impressive turnout of 21,000 attendees, the buzz surrounding CHI Basel only continues to grow. The excitement lingers after Basel secured the hosting rights for the Eurovision Song Contest, raising questions about the city’s ability to juggle two major international events back to back.
Later competitions leading up to the World Cup finals at the CHI Basel will involve additional qualifiers and ranking opportunities, ensuring each rider has multiple chances to secure their spot among the top 18 competitors from the Western European League.
From the communal excitement of local enthusiast gatherings to elite competitions showcasing some of equestrian sport's most talented individuals, the upcoming equestrian events promise to deliver not just competition, but also cultural celebrations interwoven with music and tradition. The international spotlight on these competitions will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport, reinforcing Basel’s status as one of the premier equestrian destinations.
With the anticipation building for what promises to be unforgettable performances across both Basel and beyond, equestrian lovers can prepare for thrilling moments and groundbreaking displays of expertise. The stage is set, and the world of equestrian sports is ready to shine brightly this coming January.