Last weekend, the 2024-edition of Longines CHI Classics Basel in Switzerland hosted the 10th leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League series – and the first of the year. While Belgium's Pieter Devos and the wonderful MoM's Toupie de La Roque took the win in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™, the Swiss showed great form with home heroine Janika Sprunger and her 10-year-old Orelie taking the runner-up spot.
With this photo special, we take a look back at the action in Basel; a venue that next year will host the FEI World Cup™ Finals.
All photos © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping.
Pieter Devos and MoM's Toupie de La Roque presented as winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ of Basel.
The fantastic 17-year-old mare looking as fresh as ever!
The winner seemed to enjoy the attention...
World no. one Henrik von Eckermann was among the first to congratulate both Toupie...
...as well as Pieter Devos' long-time groom Simon Rousic for their World Cup win.
For last year's World Cup-winners von Eckermann and King Edward it was not to be this time around; with a fence down in round one, they placed 10th.
This time around, it was von Eckermann's wife Janika Sprunger's time to shine as she placed second in Sunday's World Cup with Tina Pol's talented 10-year-old mare Orelie – as best of the Swiss.
All smiles from Janika Sprunger on home soil.
Orelie and her groom Charlotte Verger together with Melanie Mändli.
The indoor season always includes late nights...
...and when in Switzerland, chilly mornings.
Victoria Gulliksen and Papa Roach on a morning stroll.
Germany's Jana Wargers keeping warm.
Ireland's Denis Lynch walking the course at St Jakobshalle.
Always in a good mood; France's Roger Yves Bost.
FEI Jumping Director Todd Hinde was also present in Basel.
Germany's Hans-Dieter Dreher had his own fan club in Basel.
And with Cous Cous 3, Dreher won Thursday's Prize of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois Basel.
New pair out: Sweden's Peder Fredricson made his first international appearance with Alcapone des Carmille, Angelie von Essen's former ride.
On Friday evening, Dominique Mégret – Chairman of the Jumping Owners Club – presented the Longines Owner of the Year award.
And it was once again Georg Kähny – the owner of Henrik von Eckermann's top horses King Edward and Iliana – who was awarded as the 2023 Longines Owner of the Year.
On Friday night, former Swiss Chef d'Equipe and current CEO of Swiss Equestrian Michel Sorg got a surprise...
...as he, along with Steve Guerdat and Sabina Cartossi, was awarded with the Swiss Equestrian Golden Badges of Honour.
Switzerland's national treasure Steve Guerdat.
Sabina Cartossi, the owner of Steve Guerdat's Dynamix de Bélhème and Venard de Cerisy.
A very happy Swiss team in Basel!
Bye Basel; we can't wait to be back for the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals!
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