Text © World of Showjumping

Pius Schwizer strengthens his string of horses considerably as he has been announced as the new rider of twelve horses from Olivier de Coulon, including AK’s Courage (Chepetto C x Lennon 5), Chelsea Z (Chellano Alpha Z x Cicero Z) and Dubai du Bois Pinchet (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Andiamo) – up until recently seen with Bryan Balsiger in the saddle. 

Earlier this week, Balsiger announced that he is parting ways with Olivier de Coulon’s Ecuries les Verdets – after a long-term partnership that has lasted for seven years. As a young rider, Balsiger won the individual title at the 2017 Europeans in Samorin with Olivier de Coulon’s Clouzot de Lassus (Ugano Sitte x Tenor Manciais), while he more recently was part of the winning Swiss Nations Cup teams in Dublin as well as St. Gallen with Chelsea Z and Dubai du Bois Pinchet respectively. Balsiger was also part of the Swiss team at the 2023 European Championships in Milan with Dubai du Bois Pinchet, and helped Switzerland win team gold at the 2021 Europeans with AK’s Courage. 

Announcing the split on his official Instagram account, Balsiger wrote: “Today a page is turned. I chose to take another path on my side in my family stables in Corcelles. I thank the whole @ecurieslesverdets team and especially the De Coulon Family for these 7 years spent together. I will never forget those unforgettable moments that I had the chance to live. Thanks to you and the amazing horses that you entrusted to me.” 

To World of Showjumping, Pius Schwizer commented: “I am incredibly grateful and honoured to have this once in a life opportunity. My clear goal with so many great horses is to get back into the Top 10. With these new horses supporting Vancouver de Lanlore, I can give him all the time to build up again to jump at the highest level. I hope for a long-lasting relationship with happy horses and a happy team, a lot of success – and most of all, that everybody stays healthy.”