Press release from Falsterbo Horse Show, edited by World of Showjumping

Led by Chef d’Équipe Peter van der Waaij, the team of Steve Guerdat on Dynamix de Belheme (Snaike de Blondel x Cornet Oblensky), Gaëtan Joliat with Just Special VK (Falaise de Muze x Toulon), Jason Smith aboard Picobello van’T Roosakker (Kassander van’T Roosakker) and Martin Fuchs on Lorde (Clyde LVB Z x Elan de La Cour) secured Switzerland’s third victory in the CSIO5* 1.60m Agria Falsterbo Nations Cup in front of full stands at the Swedish venue.

Designed by Frank Rothenberger (GER), the 1.60m track immediately tested some of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations as ten of the sport’s leading nations went head-to-head, with every performance carrying additional significance as the first round also determined the opening group of riders to qualify for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix presented by Agria.

Eight teams advanced to the second round, where the starting order was based on the results of the first round in reverse order, putting the leading teams under pressure to maintain their advantage. Switzerland, who topped the standings after the opening round, entered the arena last with high expectations on their shoulders.

When the final rider crossed the finish line, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. Both Switzerland and Belgium remained on 0 faults, setting the stage for a jump-off to decide the 2026 title.

Belgium selected Pieter Devos and Primo DV (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Heartbreaker) for the jump-off, and they were first to go. A couple of unfortunate faults, including a stop at one of the fences, opened the door for Switzerland. Martin Fuchs and Lorde were chosen to ride the decisive round, and with a clear they secured the third Falsterbo victory for Team Switzerland.

– We’ve had some fantastic rounds here today; the horses are in super shape and we’re very proud that all the four of them have contributed to this victory. Amazing feeling to win here in front of the Swedish crowd and here at such a fantastic event. I’m very proud of these four guys and the whole team that stands behind it, Peter van der Waaij said during the press conference after the prize giving ceremony.

Team Belgium – Nicola Philippaerts on Katanga vh Dingeshof (Cardento 933 x Tornedo FCS), Devos on Primo DV, Abdel Saïd on Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z (Quicksilver St Simeon x Hickstead) and Thibeau Spits aboard Impress-K van’T Kattenheye Z (Indoktro K van’T Kattenheye x Vagabond de La Pomme), led by Peter Weinberg – had to settle for second, while Robert Ridland’s Team USA – Kent Farrington on Descartes SR (Caramelo x Oklund), Natalie Dean and Fornett d’Emeraude (Cornet Obolensky x L’Arc de Triopmhe), Mimi Gochman with Iron Maiden (Clarimo x Kashmir van’T Schuttershof) and Charlotte Jacobs on Playboy JT Z (Presley Boy x Plot Blue) – took the third place.