The equestrian world is abuzz with excitement as two significant events approach: the Agravis-Cup, happening from January 7 to 12, 2025, and the Concours hippique international (CHI) Basel, set to kick off on January 8. These competitions are not only opportunities for riders to showcase their talent but also platforms for them to boost their positions within the prestigious FEI rankings.
Currently, the competitive atmosphere is palpable, especially with renowned riders like Isabell Werth continuing to hold sway. Ranking first among dressage riders, Werth remains closely followed by Denmark's Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. Both riders have accumulated points at recent events, with Werth leading the pack with 2079 points and Dufour trailing by just five points. This tight race adds to the allure of the upcoming competitions, offering both excitement and intrigue to fans and competitors alike.
The CHI Basel stands out not only for its rich history but also as it prepares for something unprecedented—the World Cup final will also be hosted there later this year. This will be the first time the same organizer—fulfilling the role of host for both the World Cup event and World Cup final—will be managing back-to-back top-tier competitions. “Wir haben ein grosses Jahr vor uns,” states Thomas Straumann, the event’s chairman, highlighting the significance of these gatherings for the equestrian scene.
Throughout the Basel event, which will run through Sunday, participants can look forward to diverse competitions, including three dressage and seven show jumping events. The highlight will be the World Cup show jumping, set to occur on Sunday at 14:15, alongside various exhibitions and even some musical performances from local artists. On Thursday, the aforementioned R&B singer Seven will kick off the festivities, followed by other acts throughout the weekend.
A special highlight of this year's CHI Basel will be the retirement ceremony of the celebrated dressage horse TSF Dalera, who has brought home double-gold for German rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl at the Olympics. This ceremonial farewell has been highly anticipated and reflects the deep bonds formed between riders and their equine partners. "Die von der SRG gewünschte Gesamtmietzeit erreichen wir damit knapp," notes Thomas Kastl when discussing event planning logistics surrounding this special farewell performance.
The Agravis-Cup, running concurrently, will see its own share of talent. Hosted in Münster, it features both national and international competitions, showcasing riders and horses vying for top rankings. Last year, this event drew substantial attention and is expected to do the same this year, especially with participating riders such as Marcus Ehning and sandra Auffarth among others all adding their prowess to the competitions.
Notably, both events come with significant financial incentives, with over one million Swiss francs to be distributed as prize money. This speaks volumes about the level of competition and the stakes involved for the riders. Each event will see its top performances rewarded, which can potentially impact FEI rankings as participants vie for major points.
The anticipation for these two events is mounting, with ticket sales showing strong demand. Both events are expected to see significant attendance, with the Basel event even being touted for its potential to match or exceed last year's 21,000 attendees. And as both competitions draw closer, equestrian enthusiasts are reminded of the importance of attending these showcases—not just for the sport but also for the camaraderie formed within this vibrant community.
With leading riders entering the ring at both venues, spectators are poised to observe some breathtaking displays of skill and horsemanship. Whether you're rooting for established champions or rising stars, the upcoming weekend of equestrian sports promises to be unforgettable.
Indeed, equestrian sports are set to thrive across both Germany and Switzerland this January, capturing the attention of the global horse-riding community and beyond.