Championship Begins in Basel with Veterinary Inspection

On Tuesday, the first veterinary inspection occurred in Basel as the championship prepares to commence. The opening ceremony is scheduled for this evening. Henrik von Eckermann, a notable figure in the equestrian community with titles as a double world champion, European champion, and Olympic team medalist, will compete as the defending champion, having won the World Cup Finals in both 2023 and 2024.

The event schedule includes a training session on Wednesday, April 2, where each horse-rider combination has 90 seconds to practice in the arena. The opening ceremony will also include a draw for the starting order. The first round of the Longines FEI World Cup Final is set for Thursday evening, featuring a Table C course at a height of 1.60 meters. Scoring will award points based on the number of starters, with the winner receiving one additional point over the total starters, followed by a descending point scale for subsequent places.

Friday evening features the second competition, which will also present a 1.60 meter course with a separate jump-off. All eligible combinations that were not eliminated or withdrew on Thursday may participate. Here, too, points will be calculated in the same manner, ultimately converting to penalty points based on the leader's score.

Saturday will provide a rest day for showjumpers, while dressage combinations will compete. A second veterinary inspection for showjumpers is also scheduled for that day. The final round of competition takes place on Sunday, where only the top 30 horse-rider combinations will compete in the first round, with the top 20 advancing to the second round, culminating in the determination of the champion.