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The St. Jakobshalle in Basel transformed into a sanctuary of equestrian excellence from January 8 to 11, 2026, as the Longines CHI Classics welcomed the world's elite riders amid an atmosphere of refined sophistication. This prestigious event, a cornerstone of the international calendar, blended high-stakes competition with the timeless allure of heritage brands like Longines, drawing tastemakers who appreciate the intersection of sport, culture, and luxury.
In show jumping, the spotlight fell on Richard Vogel, the European champion, whose daring ride aboard United Touch S clinched the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ presented by Bank J. Safra Sarasin. Vogel's strategic line past the cheese wall obstacle, playfully attributed to his horse's fondness for Swiss cheese, edged out Kim Emmen (NED) on Imagine N.O.P. and Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (NOR) on Equine America Harwich VDL. This win not only marked a personal milestone for Vogel, celebrated before family and friends, but also reinforced Basel's role as a launchpad for World Cup aspirations.
Dressage, often hailed as the ballet of equestrian arts, delivered moments of grace and precision. Isabell Werth (GER), a paragon of the discipline, defended her title in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Freestyle with Wendy de Fontaine, scoring an impressive 86.155%. Yet, it was local hero Charlotta Rogerson who captivated the crowd, achieving personal bests and second place (81%) with Bonheur de la Vie. A testament to Switzerland's burgeoning dressage scene. Rogerson's performances, lauded by organizers, evoke the sport's aristocratic roots, where poise and partnership between rider and horse embody cultural refinement.
The U25 categories injected youthful vigor, with surprises like Philip Svitzer (SWE) winning the CSI U-25 Talents Final on Alida Nike, and Fabio Thielen taking the Prize of Swiss Equestrian Talents. These emerging talents align with the event's forward-looking ethos, nurturing the next generation amid high society's emphasis on legacy-building.
Under Thomas Straumann's inaugural presidency, drawing from his background in precision engineering and leadership in the Straumann Group, the event prioritized accident-free competitions and continuous improvement. Straumann, a figure synonymous with Swiss innovation in medical and luxury sectors, emphasized close collaboration with riders and jurors, ensuring an impeccable experience. Longines, as title sponsor, infused the proceedings with its 150-year heritage in equestrian timing, symbolizing the seamless fusion of horological mastery and sporting elegance.
The Longines CHI Classics not only delivered thrilling competitions but also reaffirmed its status as a pinnacle of equestrian luxury, where heritage meets innovation in an exclusive setting. The event attracted 25,500 discerning spectators and 104 elite riders from 21 nations, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated enthusiasm that resonates deeply with global tastemakers. As a leg of the FEI World Cup™ series in both jumping and dressage, it underscores Basel's evolution from a 2010 four-star debut to a five-star powerhouse, with ambitions set on hosting the 2028 World Cup Final. A nod to its growing prestige in the international calendar.
Historically, CHI Basel has ascended rapidly, integrating into the highest equestrian echelons by 2011 and earning acclaim for its international character and million-Swiss-franc prize purse. Its prestige rivals events like Spruce Meadows, honored this year with the Award of Honour. For global elites, it matters as a cultural touchstone: equestrianism, once the domain of royalty, now bridges tradition and modernity, promoting values of discipline, elegance, and sustainability. As preparations for 2028 Final commence, the 2026 edition reminds us why such spectacles endure, fostering connections in exclusive circles while advancing the sport's noble heritage.
© All imagery courtesy of LONGINES CHI CLASSICS Basel 2026 / Katja Stuppia
