2025 Longines League of Nations: Team Switzerland

Switzerland has secured its place in the prestigious Longines League of Nations™ 2025 series, ranking seventh with an impressive 11,643 points. This achievement underscores Switzerland’s position as a formidable force in the world of equestrian sports, as the nation continues to build on its rich history and recent successes.

Switzerland’s qualification follows a series of remarkable performances, including their victory in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2023 in Dublin (IRL) and a thrilling podium finish in Ocala (USA) during the Longines League of Nations™ 2024 series, undoubtedly a highlight for them. These accomplishments provide a solid foundation for the upcoming season, where the team aims to reclaim its place among the top contenders.

A Legacy of Excellence

Jumping holds a revered place in Swiss equestrian sport. With 340 national and over a dozen international events hosted annually, the discipline is deeply ingrained in the country’s sporting culture. Switzerland’s proud history includes being crowned the winner of the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship in Riesenbeck (GER) in 2021, and earning three Olympic team medals: silvers in Paris 1924 and Sydney 2000, and bronze in Beijing 2008. Internationally renowned athletes such as Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs have further elevated the nation’s reputation on the global stage.

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This legacy is matched by a commitment to nurturing future talent. The Swiss Equestrian Federation emphasises the importance of strong foundational training and the level-appropriate promotion of young riders. According to the Federation, “Optimal conditions enable great success,” a philosophy that guides their approach to developing the next generation of equestrian stars.

New Leadership, New Goals

Leading the Swiss team into the 2025 season is chef d’equipe Peter Van Der Waaij (NED). Taking over from Michel Sorg (SUI) in January 2024, Van Der Waaij has brought a wealth of experience from his previous role as Dutch team assistant.

Switzerland is focused not only on being competitive in the Longines League of Nations™, but to leverage this platform as a top-level opportunity to prepare their athletes for major upcoming events, including the FEI World Championships in Aachen (GER) in 2026 and the Olympic Games 2028 in Los Angeles (USA). The strategy involves introducing new horse-athlete combinations to the highest level of competition, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent for the future.

Lessons From 2024 and Expectations for 2025

Reflecting on the 2024 season, Van Der Waaij highlights the team’s resilience and adaptability in the face of the new format’s challenges. “We have experienced that it is not over until the last athlete has finished. This adds a thrill for the spectators but also requires the athletes to keep their cool, especially in the second round.”

The highlight of the 2024 series for Switzerland was undoubtedly their second-place finish in Ocala (USA). Competing against a star-studded field, the Swiss team climbed the ranks in the second round to secure a second place podium finish. Looking ahead to 2025, their goal is clear: more podium finishes and to continue building momentum toward their long-term objectives.

Strategising for Success

A key element of Switzerland’s success lies in the dedication and persistence of its athletes.

“Our team is very persistent. They keep working on their weaknesses and striving to enhance their strengths. The level of horsemanship among our riders is very high, and they prioritise the well-being of their horses above all. This sometimes means giving horses time off and carefully planning show schedules to ensure peak performance,” said Van Der Waaij.

Inspiring Fans and Future Generations

The Swiss Equestrian Federation is committed to growing the sport’s popularity and inspiring the next generation of equestrians.

“We strongly believe that big crowds help our sport move forward, both in the short and long term,” says Van Der Waaij. They are calling on Swiss supporters to rally behind the team, saying, “Families and young children getting fascinated by our sport are of great importance to the sport as a whole.”

Van Der Waaij is optimistic about the future of Jumping with opportunities like this series’ high-level CSIO events, which provide valuable opportunities for a broader range of athletes to compete at the sport’s highest level. This approach not only strengthens Switzerland’s current roster but also ensures a pipeline of skilled athletes for years to come.

Forward Focus

As Switzerland prepares for the 2025 Longines League of Nations™, Van Der Waaij says that their focus remains on fostering talent, achieving podium finishes, and engaging fans. With a blend of seasoned expertise and emerging talent, Switzerland is poised to make its mark on the global stage once again. The Swiss Equestrian Federation invites fans to follow their journey via Swiss Equestrian Friends, and support what is always a thrilling competitive nation as they pursue another season of podiums and perfection.