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“It was a huge year,” Michel Sorg tells World of Showjumping when looking back on 2023. The 38-year-old, who from August 2020 to December this year was Swiss chef d’equipe, took over the role as the CEO of Swiss Equestrian – the Swiss Equestrian Federation – in October, and in November, he was appointed to the FEI Jumping Committee for the four-year term 2024-2027, replacing outgoing member Henrik Ankarcrona. 

“It was an amazing year for Switzerland,” Sorg says from his point of view as former chef d’equipe, with CHI Geneva marking his last show with the team. “Of course, winning four of the most important Nations Cups during the year – in St Gallen, Aachen, Falsterbo and Dublin – was like a dream coming true for us. This made me happy, but what made me really happy, is how successful the whole team was. This year, a total of 23 Swiss riders and 32 horse-and-rider-combinations had the chance to take part in Nations Cups, from three-star to five-star level – something that for me personally is of great importance. From the beginning, my goal as a chef d’equipe – and the goal of Thomas Fuchs as the Swiss trainer – was to give as many riders as possible the chance to wear the red jacket, because we of course want to have a broad field of choice for the top events. Another point that makes me proud is the team spirit we have: When you hear riders like Martin [Fuchs] and Steve [Guerdat] saying that we are like a family; to be able to bring a team together in this way is the greatest achievement for a chef d’equipe.” 

It was an amazing year for Switzerland

“I think winning the Nations Cup in Aachen,” Sorg answers when asked which of the many wonderful moments stood out for him personally. “I can remember the first time I was in Aachen, 18 years ago with my father. When you love the sport as I do, it was an unforgettable event as a kid – and this year, standing in the middle of this mythical arena as the chef d’equipe of the winning team was absolutely amazing.”

However, there were also challenging at times. “The Europeans were not what we expected as a team, but in the end we finished with Steve’s individual gold so it was again very emotional,” Sorg recalls. “The 6th place was not what we expected for the team, but this is sport and we can never know what is going to happen. I know my riders have given their best when they enter the arena and sometimes it is your weekend and other times it is not. In the end, our goal was to qualify for the Olympic Games and we achieved that – even though we did want more.”

On a personal level, switching from the role as a chef d’equipe to CEO of Swiss Equestrian was the biggest transition in 2023 for Sorg. “What I lived through was a sport adventure, but even more so a human experience,” he tells about his time at the helm of the Swiss showjumpers. “Words fail me in expressing how much you share; there are so many important moments with the riders, with the grooms, the owners… I will never forget this time; we have created memories for life.”

I will stay involved in this sport that I love so deeply

“However, I am not someone who looks back,” Sorg continues. “It is a privilege to have the possibilities I have had, and I will stay involved in this sport that I love so deeply. It is a new chapter in my life and in my career, but I will remain close to the sport, I will keep going to the shows and have contact with the stakeholders. I know we have a good team with great team spirit and the new chef d’equipe Peter van der Waaij is the right person to continue with it, which makes it all easier. It was my decision to accept the role as the CEO of Swiss Equestrian and there are many challenges, many projects, that I am really looking forward to.” 

When it comes to the new year ahead, Sorg is positive ahead of various challenges. “First of all, I have to understand how everything works,” he says about his role within the FEI Jumping Committee. “My first meeting with them will be at the beginning of the new year, and at the moment there are many challenges, many goals we have to achieve. As the CEO of Swiss Equestrian, I think it is a challenging time for our sport. We do this sport because we love horses and everyone must realize what these horses mean to their riders and the teams around them. I have seen that from the inside, but we have to explain our sport much better to the general public. We shouldn’t always be using a defending tone, but instead showcase better what we are doing right.” 

You can always create a new rule, but what is more interesting is to educate better

“Regarding the rules, you can always regulate more, but my goal in the future, also within the Swiss Federation, is to educate and to create a climate where it is natural to stay as far from the limits as possible,” Sorg continues. “You can always create a new rule, but what is more interesting is to educate better – and earlier. Education will be an important part of the Swiss Equestrian Talents, one of our new projects that will be launched in January and which is aimed at youth in the three Olympic disciplines. Additionally, we should not only focus on the riders; educating the officials is very important as well.” 

“Unfortunately, there will always be individuals who push over the limits, but we have way more of those who work correctly with their horses. We should not pretend that everything is wonderful – the reality is what it is – and those who are going across the line must be sanctioned, and sanctioned in a way that makes a difference. Our goal is to educate, and that is the most challenging thing there is. Putting up charters with nice words, doing cosmetic washing, won’t be enough; we really need actual understanding of the sport and real horsemanship. In Switzerland, we have some great testimonees for the sport who I hope can inspire the next generation.” 

“Next year will be very important with the Olympic Games in Paris and for us in Switzerland; France being our neighbouring country makes it even more special,” Sorg concludes. “Everybody will be focused on Paris, and if everything goes right, I think it can be a nice year for the Swiss, because we have top riders and top horses, and most importantly, good management. Our top teams are at their best with a big goal ahead of them.” 

27.12.2023 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.