Text © World of Showjumping

“This job has changed my life, but not the person I am,” Michel Sorg, the Swiss Chef d’Equipe, tells World of Showjumping. And there is no hiding the person he is; educated, emotional and passionate – a true ambassador for the sport.

As a former sports journalist, Sorg has been involved in equestrian sports for over twenty years and has a strong vision for the generations to come. To WoSJ, Sorg tells about his journey from the local pony club to championship medals, the importance of team spirit and his view on the future. 

When Andy Kistler announced that he was going to resign from his role as Swiss Chef d’Equipe after the Tokyo Olympic Games, Sorg was named as his successor – a choice that originally came as a huge surprise to the 37-year-old. “When Andy asked me to be his successor, another chapter in my life began,” Sorg tells. “I still remember that day. It was at the end of a meeting with the Swiss Team Trophy that he told me about his plan to resign and that he had been thinking about someone that he could propose as his successor to the Swiss federation. My immediate reaction was, “OK, we can think about a good candidate together!”. It took me a long while to understand that he had already done his thinking, and that it was me he wanted to suggest.” 

I could not miss the opportunity I had been given; to be a part of one of the greatest teams in the world

“First of all, it was a surprise for me that he wanted to stop – even though I understood his reasoning – and it was a huge honour that he had thought about me,” Sorg continues. “I told him that I had to think about it – I could not say yes or no without discussing it with my wife, we have a family I have to consider. I felt motivated, but I wanted to know more about the details of the job. When I got home, I told my wife and she just looked at me and said: “You look so happy just speaking about it, of course you should do it.” What finalized my decision was seeing the parade of nations at CHIO Aachen that summer. When I watched this, I thought I could not miss the opportunity I had been given; to be a part of one of the greatest teams in the world. It was such an honour and a huge opportunity for me and today, I am very happy to have made the decision to accept Andy’s idea – and grateful to him and the Swiss federation for giving me this chance. It was not only about saying yes to Andy, I also had to present my project to the federation to get their approval.” 

“I have learned so much between the first year and now; I learn all the time,” Sorg says. “However, the biggest lesson has been something I never understood as a journalist: I was lucky to interview some great athletes in different sports, and they would always speak about emotions and how much meaning sport brought to their lives – and only now I truly understand what they meant, I think I have never felt these kinds of emotions before! Being a part of a team, you can imagine how it is, but to really live it and feel it – that is something else.”

It is not something you do 9-5, it is a 24/7, 365 days a year commitment

“In sports, you win but you also lose, and you learn on both occasions. I am so passionate with everything that I do – I live everything 200%. Thanks to this job, traveling around the world is another gift, and the endless experiences that come with it. As an example, in Aachen, I ended up having dinner with John Whitaker – something I never thought would happen in my life! My life has really changed. There is only one Chef d’Equipe in each country, so it is a gift to have this job, but it comes with a huge responsibility. I think it is not only a job, it becomes your life; it is not something you do 9-5, it is a 24/7, 365 days a year commitment. However, I think it is a privilege I get to do this, and I am really aware of how lucky I am.”

Sorg got introduced to the equestrian world as a child. He started riding at the age of ten, near Lausanne, and the first time he sat on a horse, he understood something profound: “From the first moment, I immediately understood that this animal will have a special place in my life,” he explains. “And I never stopped having a relationship with horses since.”

“I competed nationally in Switzerland, and learned a lot from Michel Pollien. For me, he is one of the greatest horsemen in Switzerland – the best is of course Thomas Fuchs,” Sorg smiles. “Michel didn’t only teach me to jump, he passed on his values and it’s thanks to him that I gained the philosophy of this sport that I have today. With him, I learned what it means to be a good horseman. I learned everything from cleaning the boxes in the morning to picking up straw and hay from the neighbouring farms with his son; we volunteered at shows, we had a very good team spirit in his stables. He was also the first one to give me an opportunity to work as an announcer at one of his competitions when I was sixteen – and that was something that really sparked my passion for the sport as a whole. I would spend every weekend in the jury box as a speaker, around Switzerland and sometimes in France.” 

Being involved in equestrian sports is more than a job, it is a passion

Sorg has an interesting and varied background – he studied journalism and communication in Lausanne, and has worked for national TV and radio broadcasters in Switzerland, as well as written articles for Alban Poudret’s prestigious magazine Cavalier Romand. “For the last fifteen years, I have also been a part of the organising committee at CHI Geneva – working in the communication and sport section, and eight years ago I was asked to be the Vice Director of the show,” he tells about his background. “Being involved in equestrian sports is more than a job, it is a passion – and it is a gift when you can turn your passion into your job. I always knew I wanted to be involved in this sport, be more than “only” a speaker; I really wanted to go further.”

“Five years ago, I got an opportunity to become the sport chef of the jumping department in the Swiss federation,” Sorg continues to tell about his career path. “I have also been involved in the Swiss Team Trophy, an association that supports elite and youth showjumping in Switzerland. From April 1st, I will work 100% for the Swiss federation and be in charge of a new project with an aim to create an equestrian academy for the youth of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines in Switzerland – in addition to my job as the Chef d’Equipe.” 

Sorg is close to his riders, something that can be seen whenever the Swiss team is around – they are always together. “That is something I am really focused on,” Sorg tells about his approach. “However, I want to be close not only to the riders, but also to their owners, their grooms, their supportive teams, our team vet and farrier. The sport is a priority, but it is so important to be able to bring the team together, to make sure they all fight for one common goal. I have learned a lot about this in my previous jobs. As an organizer at CHI Geneva, I learned how you have to create a team around you; you cannot have people working on their own, you need to have people working together – that is the most important, and I really believe that is one of the secrets behind the successes we have had with the Swiss team.”

You cannot have people working on their own, you need to have people working together

“Obviously, the team spirit is good when we win, but it is also important that the spirit stays good when the results are not what we have expected,” Sorg continues. “The riders on our team are real team players; just look at Martin and Steve. They are not there only to achieve something alone. When they are done with their round, they support the others, and after the competitions we all stay together. They are not only great athletes; they are beautiful people as well. For me it is very important that everyone feels comfortable and happy together; it is impossible to have success without a good team spirit. If you want to win a Nations Cup, or a championship medal, it is almost impossible if you have four individuals – you need to have four individuals fighting together for a common goal, and there is a huge difference between those two scenarios. I also know my limits; in the end, the riders are alone with their horse in the arena. When they ride well, I am part of the success, but it all comes down to them in the end.”

There are many aspects to the job of being a Chef d’Equipe, Sorg explains. “I believe it’s a bit different in Switzerland compared to some other countries. As a Swiss Chef d’Equipe, you are more like a team manager, and then we have Thomas Fuchs who is the technical coach. I am not trying to give any advice about the competition to the riders, that is Thomas’ job. I am a manager, sometimes a confidant with whom the riders share their issues, sometimes the general secretary of the team… It is not only about making selections and traveling around the world, but also about all the general management around the team; the budget, communication, the planning, the development of the sport. There are many aspects to this job, which I like. However, the most important part is that the riders have to trust me, not only as a Chef d’Equipe but as a person. Without trust you cannot do anything. I actually prefer to be called team manager; I don’t like the word ‘chef’ – it can be understood negative as well. Of course, in my role I do decide certain things – that is a fact – but my job is more about management.”

The most important part is that the riders have to trust me, not only as a Chef d’Equipe but as a person

“Everything that I do would not be possible without Thomas Fuchs,” Sorg points out. “I would not be able to do my job without him. He is the greatest coach and horseman that I know. We work closely and well together; we have the same vision of the sport and what we want for the Swiss team. He has grown to be a close friend for me, and I am really thankful to have the privilege to work alongside him. It is my name on the start and result lists, but I always say his name should be there as well.”

“In general, it is great to see energy that is generated to our youth; we are building the future of Switzerland,” Sorg continues about the work the Swiss federation is doing. “Our new president Damian Müller is close to the riders and really wants the sport and the federation to grow. He wants to improve the structure, and he has a great vision for the sport. The future of our team is very important for me; we have really promising youth in Switzerland and a good organization around those age groups. Our new program – an academy for equestrian sports that will be created for the youth in the three Olympic disciplines, supported by the Straumann-family – is going to give them further possibilities to improve and become great athletes, horsemen and -women as well as managers of their own careers. This sport is not only about riding, and we want to give the riders the possibility to learn all the aspects of it.” 

There are no hidden emotions when it comes to Sorg. His passion for the sport and love for his job comes through as he speaks, and during his three seasons in the role of the Swiss Chef d’Equipe he has already enjoyed plenty of success. “I have been lucky,” he sighs. “The most amazing moment would have to be the European team gold in Riesenbeck in 2021. We had great riders but on some newer horses, and I think the team’s performance there is one of the best examples of the Swiss team spirit: All four riders were fighting not for themselves, but for the others and for the team, and that is probably what I am most proud of. The victory in the Nations Cup of St. Gallen was something exceptional as well; it had been 22 years since a Swiss team had won in Lucerne and 26 years since the last Swiss team victory in St. Gallen, so it had been a long wait. Winning on home soil, it is really difficult to describe what you feel in that moment… And the team, their spirit; it was the first Nations Cup for Edouard Schmitz, the first Nations Cup for Pius with Vancouver, and again, it was a victory for the team. I think it did a world of good for the image of the sport in Switzerland, and that is really important. We all want as many people as possible interested in our sport, and to inspire the next generation. We have to be ambassadors; I want the riders to be a testimony for the sport, so that the next generation gets pulled in – because the next Martin Fuchs or Steve Guerdat is at their local pony club right now. I knew I would get to live many amazing moments, but I was not able to imagine how big the human experience behind the sport achievements can be – I get emotional just talking about it.” 

I was not able to imagine how big the human experience behind the sport achievements can be

However, there have also been difficult moments. “We had a really tough time with the death of Bianca in 2021,” Sorg recalls with sadness in his voice. “And a few months later came the accident of Clooney, followed by the accident of Twentytwo. Those were by far the most difficult moments we have all lived together. All the riders were there for each other, and it was important for me. Knowing how much these horses mean to their riders, owners and grooms, these moments were so difficult. We are all passionate about horses, that is why we are involved in this sport, but it is almost impossible to explain the role these horses play in the lives of the people closest to them. To see how deeply affected they were by these moments was difficult. From a pure sport aspect, the World Championship in Herning was another difficult experience. We had a really good team, we managed the build-up really good, but you can be ready, you can have a good team – but in sports, sometimes it is your championship and your show, and sometimes it isn’t. And in Herning it wasn’t our time, and it was not easy to accept – but now we have left it behind and focus on what is ahead of us.” 

“The biggest and most important goal for this year is the European Championship in Milano,” Sorg says about the 2023-season and the goals that have been set for the Swiss. “We are planning the whole season around this, to bring the best horse-and-rider-combinations there to get our ticket for Paris. However, we don’t want to just get the ticket – we want to perform well. Then, the second mission is that we will arrive to St. Gallen as the title defenders, and I hope we again can have a good result in front of our home crowd. What is really important for Thomas Fuchs and me is also to give a chance to new horses and riders, new combinations, at different shows. That is also the reason why we are really interested in the EEF series, because it is a great opportunity to give a chance to new faces. We are building the A-team of tomorrow today, so we have to create opportunities. As an example, Edouard Schmitz started at these three-star events, just like Elin Ott, and now they are both part of our A-team. Last year, we had 20 different riders in Nations Cups and 31 different combinations – that means a lot for us and we want to continue this way.” 

First of all, we have to focus on the current season and only after that think about Paris

“Paris is also a goal, but that is in 18 months,” Sorg says. “When I was a journalist, I never understood when an athlete or a coach answered questions with “we have to see game by game” – but now, in my new role, I understand. To get to Paris, we first have to qualify. These Olympic Games will be very special, they are held in our neighbouring country, we will have a lot of support from our fans. The Olympic Games are the goal for all athletes around the world and of course we are already thinking about combinations that can have a chance to take part there. However, first of all, we have to focus on the current season and only after that think about Paris – we have ideas, but so much can happen in the coming months.” 

When it comes to the future of the sport, Sorg believes that the only way forward is together. “What is already on the table, and what we all have to really work on together, is the future of the Nations Cup-series,” he says, pointing out that to him, this is the biggest issue our sport is faced with at the moment. “I think it is the soul of our sport. It is good to have ideas; riders have some, Chef d’Equipes have some, the national federations and the organizers have their views, but we need to find a common solution with the FEI, to make sure that the Nations Cup remains the most important series of our sport. I am a lucky man and can live this on the inside, and there is no comparison to the emotions you experience when you win a Nations Cup with your team and have the Swiss jacket on – and everyone agrees with this.”

I think we have to simplify certain things and focus on the relationship between a rider and a horse

“Another issue – and something I keep explaining to my Swiss riders – is that riders must all come together,” he continues. “Even in the political issues surrounding our sport, it will be a team that brings things forward. The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) does a lot – their president Kevin Staut, or Steve Guerdat who is a board member, are really fighting left and right – but they cannot do it alone; the more riders we have involved, the better. This is our sport, and you cannot simply sit and disagree, you have to be pro-active. And the same goes for the grooms as well; I am happy to see them finally officially recognized within the FEI. We all have to work together for our sport; everyone can do something. Myself, I am interested and motivated to be even more involved in the development, strategy and political aspects of our sport." 

“The problem is that in our sport, you need half a day to explain all the different series, leagues, tours and rankings that we have. That is maybe the first issue we all have to consider; the general public does not understand the difference between Basel, Geneva and St. Gallen. But they know and understand that they are important shows. However, if you ask the general public, everyone knows someone who has ridden a horse at some point of their lives, or has a memory involving a horse – horses are a part of the society. I think we have to simplify certain things and focus on the relationship between a rider and a horse. As an example, in Basel, the organising committee invited 2000 children to attend the show, and if even 5% of those kids go back home and say ‘I want to ride’ – we have won.”

“In my opinion, our sport is the best school of life: You have to take care of a living animal, and you create a relationship that is impossible to describe if you have never experienced it,” Sorg says. “These are the things we have to show to the general public and maybe some governing bodies can do a better job at this as well – not only saying X won, but highlight what is behind the success. What is really important, is to communicate in a way that is understandable, not only to those who are already involved in our sport, but in a way that brings new people in. Among those new people there can be a future rider, owner, groom, organizer, journalist… maybe a new sponsor. It is easier said than done, but there is a lot to improve and we can only do this if we all work together – and that is a fact.”  

“Our sport is also facing challenges when it comes to our social license to operate,” Sorg concludes. “It is important to not only be defending, explaining how we are not doing anything wrong, but to be active in highlighting what we are doing right – and there is a big difference in these two approaches. There is a really great community within our sport, and I believe it is something we should highlight. We all come from the same background; we all come from the pony club, we all share the same passion and love for the horses. We have to show the world how beautiful it is to be a team with this animal.”

31.1.2023 No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.