Basel Hosts the Finals of the Dressage and Show Jumping World Cups

For the first time in its history, the Swiss city of Basel was the stage for the Finals of the Dressage and Show Jumping World Cup. During an intense weekend of competition, from April 1 to 6, the best rider-horse pairs on the international scene put on an equestrian showcase. The new champions were Charlotte Fry and Julien Epaillard.

British rider Charlotte Fry claimed a dominant victory in the Dressage Final riding Glamourdale. After a bitter disqualification in the previous edition, Fry arrived in Basel with a single goal: to prove why she is one of the most powerful figures in today’s equestrian world. And she did so brilliantly.

She won Friday’s Grand Prix and concluded her performance with an exquisite freestyle routine in the Grand Prix Freestyle. Her average score exceeded 88%, leaving no chance for her rivals.

Isabell Werth, a true legend in the discipline, showed consistency with DSP Quantaz, securing second place with an average of 84.365%. Isabel Freese, riding Total Hope OLD, completed the podium with an average of 81.850%.

From a Spanish perspective, Borja Carrascosa ranked among the top twelve in the world with Sir Hubert NRW, achieving a commendable average of 74.735%.

In the Show Jumping Final, it was Frenchman Julien Epaillard who claimed the title in a highly intense competition. Riding Donatello d’Auge, he dominated from the beginning and managed the pressure throughout the three days of competition.

Despite a knockdown in the final round, his excellent time allowed him to remain at the top of the standings and become the first French rider to win a World Cup Final.

British rider Ben Maher finished second with Point Break, while fellow Frenchman Kevin Staut completed the podium with Visconti du Telman.

Access to these finals is the result of a qualification system that ensures the presence of the very best. In Dressage, only 18 rider-horse pairs secure a spot. In Show Jumping, the number of qualifiers increases to 40, but the level of demand remains just as high.

Cover image: FEI/Benjamin Clark