Home Glory: Switzerland Clinch Thrilling Jump-Off Victory in Longines EEF Series Final at Avenches

Report: Emily Bevan

Switzerland gave their fans plenty to cheer about when they emerged victorious in the Longines EEF Series Final on home turf in Avenches. France was second while Germany took third.

The Swiss quartet led at the halfway stage on an impressive score of four ahead of France and Germany, who were both on 12, but eight faults in the second round meant they ended up in a nail-biting jump-off with the French to decide who would take the title decider.

All four of the Swiss team played their part in the result but it was Gaetan Joliat and Olivier De Coulon’s Chelsea Z – the discard score in the first round – who came up with the goods in the jump-off.

Gaetan, who is just 20 years old, displayed nerves of steel as he posted a clear round with the 12-year-old Belgian gelding. They were more than a second quicker than Sara Brionne and Alain Leclerq, E.A.R.L and Quibel Stables’ Grand Duc du Paradiso - to secure a maiden victory in this competition, which took place for the first time at the National Equestrian Institute of Avenches (IENA) - for Switzerland.

“We hoped that it was going to be easier, but it wasn't. It isn’t over till it’s over they say so that was really the case,” said Switzerland’s chef d’equipe Peter van der Waaij.

“It was very good to see how, for example, a guy that came back in second round with such a strong result. We knew that the jump off, he is very fast, and he can also keep it cool, so he really brought it home for the team and all the other the three other riders also had fantastic contributions.”

Gaetan added: “I was a bit disappointed with the first round. I didn’t think I would have had two faults like that. So disappointed after the first round but I know that if I did well in the second round it would be ok. It would help me forget. I knew I had to go clear in the jump off. I was really in focus and it worked today.”

Also in the Swiss team were Alain Jufer with Marlis Muhlebach’s Dante MM and Anthony Bourquard riding Esther Steiger’s Everest d’Ellipse, who both produced clears in the first round, and Barbara Schnieper on Martin Hauser’s Canice.

“I have been lucky to be able to compete in this series this year with two very good horses and to be able to develop these horses for the future in this great series,” said Anthony.

“I had prepared with Everest for several months for this competition and today he was just exceptional. He really showed that he’s a great horse. A really good horse for the future.”

France’s impressive results in the second round helped them pile the pressure on the Swiss and ultimately forced a jump-off. Young rider Sara Brionne - who was completely unfazed by the big occasion - and Grand Duc du Paradiso produced were fault free as were Robin Lesqueren riding SNC Ellipse’s Fbi d’Ellipse and Megane Moissonnier on Sas Plcb’s Crooner Tame.

Double clears around Gerard Lachat’s testing track were rare – just two combinations achieved the feat. Sara and Grand Duc du Paradiso were one of them, Germany’s Hannes Ahlmann riding Ulrich Rodde’s Cayadino, an exciting 10-year-old grey Holsteiner gelding, were the other.

Germany finished third for the second consecutive year. Also in their team was Marie Ligges on Anke Nettebrock and Kai Ligges’ Ballerina NRW, Markus Renzel with Wolfgang Brinkmann’s Pikeur Lemar NRW and Michael Viehweg aboard Gabriele Viehweg and the rider’s Contario.

Belgium narrowly missed out on a podium position in fourth, Netherlands occupied fifth while Norway was sixth.

Previous winners Italy – who were champions in 2021, 2022 and 2024 – had to settle for seventh place this time after a disappointing competition, while 2023 victors Austria occupied 10^th. Sandwiched between them were Sweden in eighth and Spain in ninth.

“We did not exactly know what to expect, but I think in the end, it came out very good. The sport is being amazing but this only is possible because I had this dream and this idea to do this show, but in the end, I couldn't do it alone,” said show director Edwin Smits.

“The first edition for us is already very successful and it's about looking for the sport in Switzerland and we want to grow at the level after this year. There are a few points that we want to make better than we saw this year but the biggest gift and the biggest cadeaux that I've got this week, is these guys sitting next to me here now and taking home the trophy in the Nation's Cup. That for me is what we want. We want the sport. Thank you guys for winning this.”

Full results here