Text © World of Showjumping

“It is a privilege to count on such a team, such horses, and your unwavering support,” Steve Guerdat – 2012 Olympic champion, 2023 European champion, 2024 Olympic vice champion and current world number eight – shared in a statement as he today announced that he has been sidelined due to another back surgery.

This is the second back surgery for Guerdat this year; in February the Swiss 43-year-old was forced to take a break from riding after an emergency operation on his back due a herniated disc. 

In May, Guerdat returned to competition but issues reoccurred during Jumping International Dinard in July. Despite his discomfort, Guerdat continued to compete and jumped at the Brussels Stephex Masters in August, as well as at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' at the beginning of September where he placed third in the CSIO5* 1.60m CPKC International, presented by Rolex, with Venard de Cerisy (Open Up Semilly x Djalisco du Guet).

In his announcement, Guerdat explained: 

"Unfortunately, I had to undergo back surgery again last Thursday. Everything had been progressing well, and I was feeling better since my return. My horses, in excellent form, have undoubtedly helped me a lot. However, during the Dinard competition, the pain returned at the end of my Friday round. I was no longer able to ride and returned home for examinations, which revealed a recurrence.

Indeed, in some cases, the operated disc can protrude again. Many people advised me, and we tried several alternative therapies to avoid another surgery. Unfortunately, the situation only worsened. I consulted many specialists worldwide, and they all came to the same conclusion: there were no alternatives to surgery.

I asked my entire team, both at the stables and those who take care of my health, to do everything possible so that I could participate in the Spruce Meadows Grand Slam, which I didn't want to miss for anything. Thanks to them and my fantastic horses, we succeeded. It was amazing.

I entered the hospital upon my return, and the surgery went well. I am now at home and facing a long recovery. I am eager to start my rehabilitation and look forward to riding my horses again and meeting all of you at competitions. In the meantime, a big thank you to everyone. It is a privilege to count on such a team, such horses, and your unwavering support."

At World of Showjumping, we wish Steve a full and speedy recovery!