Equestrian enthusiasts are gearing up for exciting events this coming January, with significant competitions like the CHI Basel set to showcase elite riding talent and horse performance from around the world. Scheduled from January 7 to January 12, 2025, these events not only promise thrilling action but also serve as pivotal qualifiers for international championships.
The 14th edition of the Concours Hippique International (CHI) Basel will take place at the St. Jakobshalle, transforming the venue once again from January 8 to January 12. Renowned for its high stakes and talented athletes, this year promises to be particularly momentous. "Wir haben ein grosses Jahr vor uns," remarked Thomas Straumann, Verwaltungsratspräsident of CHI Basel, highlighting the upcoming events including the World Cup final slated for April. This marks the first time Basel will host both the World Cup event and the finals organized by the same team.
The CHI Basel will feature three dressage and seven show-jumping competitions, with diversely structured events catering to both professionals and amateurs. Among these, the World Cup showjumping competition on Sunday at 2:15 PM stands out as the highlight.
Adding flavor to the event, live performances will include Swiss musicians like R&B singer Seven at the opening, followed by soul singer Stephanie Heinzmann and pop band Pegasus throughout the weekend. Another significant moment will come with the retirement farewell for TSF Dalera, the esteemed dressage horse who secured gold at the Olympic Games, highlighting the connection of equestrian sports and its champions.
Stars of the equestrian world, including Sweden's number one rider Henrik von Eckermann, will be present, alongside six of the top 10 riders globally, ensuring the event is tightly contested. A total of 20 Olympic medals will be represented among the competitors, illustrating the event's importance on the international equestrian calendar.
Among the competitors from the Swiss delegation, Olympic champion Steve Guerdat and his compatriot Martin Fuchs, who has previously won both the Grand Prix and the World Cup at this venue, represent notable talents. Guerdat is currently ranked second globally, aiming for more World Cup points to secure his place at the finals.
For equestrian fans and competitors, the Agravis-Cup occurring concurrently includes both national dressage and show jumping competitions running from January 8 to January 12, 2025. Participants encompass notable German riders such as Isabell Werth, whose impressive track record places her consistently at the forefront of dressage rankings. She, alongside younger athletes, will compete fiercely to improve their standings and gain experience.
This cluster of events serves as not only entertainment but also as development opportunities for riders aiming for higher qualifications. The multiple ships of competitions will allow riders to gather points necessary for their ranks, especially with the leading athletes competing for the top spots.
Equestrian events not only showcase the talents of horses and riders but also drive engagement from dedicated fans, raising the profile of equestrian sports globally. The prize pool for the CHI Basel exceeds one million Swiss Francs, with the World Cup show jumping offering the most at 330,000 Francs. This financial incentive fuels competitive spirit and highlights the significance of skillful riding.
Of note, the absence of the Voltige discipline, which made its Basel debut last year, has been confirmed for this edition. "Die Disziplin hat zwar Potenzial, aber noch nicht die gleiche Bedeutung wie das Springen oder die Dressur," explained Andy Kistler, emphasizing the current focus on the more commercially viable disciplines. Nevertheless, excitement builds as the equestrian community rallies behind these events.
The anticipation for these competitions showcases the vibrant equestrian sports culture existing within Germany and Switzerland, nurturing both competitive spirit and strong community ties. Leading up to both events, ticket sales remain buoyant, indicating high interest among fans and ensuring substantial attendance.
With the competitions set to attract audiences from all corners of the equestrian world, interest continues to rise, promising to bolster the status of equestrian sports within mainstream athletics.
Overall, the equestrian events taking place from January 7 to January 12, 2025, offer a blend of elite competition and community engagement, positioning Germany and Switzerland as key players on the global equestrian stage.