The 2022-edition of CHI Geneva was full of highlights, and over two photo specials we look back at the Trophée de Genève, Prix des Communes Genevoises, Coupe de Genève and Credit Suisse Challenge.
In Saturday night's CSI5* 1.55m Credit Suisse Challenge, Conor Swail and Vital Chance de La Roque stole the show... Clearing the last fence, Swail got out of balance in the landing and accidentally lost the bridle through some of his acrobatics. Vinny decided that this was his chance for some me-time, and set off on an extra round – free to do as he pleased. Luckily, Swail stayed completely calm, gradually slowed the gelding down and eventually Vinny decided it was enough – he stopped and the bridle could come back on. For a full re-cap of The Swail Show, scroll further down in the photo special.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
A big smile from Shane Sweetnam after the Irish rider won the Credit Suisse Challenge with Alejandro.
Henk Nooren keeping an eye on the French.
Team Charles.
A big kiss for Bingo du Chateau, who finished fifth in the Coupe de Genève with Joe Stockdale.
A job well done: Swiss super-talent Edouard Schmitz and Gamin van't Naastveldhof finished second in the Coupe de Genève.
A little treat for H&M Christian K.
Romain Duguet after jumping clear in the Coupe de Genève.
Unicorns do exist.
Clooney 51 out for a stroll.
Janika Sprunger and her long-time supporter George Kähny.
Nayel Nassar and Coronado in the Coupe de Genève.
Ken Balsiger's Heros du Roumaillard stretches over the triple bar in the Credit Suisse Challenge.
Steve Guerdat and Venard de Cerisy were the fastest in the jump-off in the Coupe de Genève, and just like in 2019 they brought home the win for the host nation. "It’s a good exercise for the horses, it can be a young horse or an experienced horse – they like to jump it, and it’s not a very technical class as it’s more about the ability of the horse," Guerdat said about the special combination competition.
Philippe Guerdat and Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli.
Megane Moissonnier's lovely Bracadabra in the Credit Suisse Challenge.
Paris Sellon showing her appreciation for her wonderful mare Cassandra.
Swiss celebrations as Christian Tardy and Vic du Marais jump clear in the Credit Suisse Challenge.
Henk Nooren and Nick Skelton.
Victor Bettendorf keeping the tack at a refreshing minimum on Simolo de La Roque Z.
A big smile from home rider Yannick Jorand after a clear round in the Credit Suisse Challenge with his faithful partner Cipetto 2.
Shane Sweetnam and Alejandro en route to the win in the Credit Suisse Challenge. “He has always had his own way of jumping, but he really wants to leave the jumps up,” Sweetnam said of the 13-year-old gelding.
Back to The Swail Show... PS. The two also finished fourth.
The last fence...
...the landing (bit unclear unfortunately)...
...and off they go!
How on earth did he manage to stay on?
Once he found his balance back, Swail tried to calm Vital Chance de La Roque down...
...but the gelding had other plans.
But, eventually Swail managed to make Vinny stop and the bridle could come back on.
That was epic!
Then