CHI Geneva celebrates its centenary: a landmark edition blending history, tradition and world-class sport
The CHI Geneva is preparing to celebrate a historic milestone. The 2026 edition will mark the 100th anniversary of one of the world’s most prestigious indoor equestrian events, with a programme designed to combine the heritage of the competition with the highest level of international sport.
To commemorate a century of history, the organisers have created a schedule that brings together legendary competitions from the past with the iconic classes that have made the Geneva show one of the sport’s most respected fixtures.
Wednesday’s programme will feature the long-awaited return of the Six-Bar, making its comeback after a nine-year absence, alongside the Prix des Communes Genevoises, a qualifying competition for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.
On Thursday, attention will turn to the Trophée de Genève, another key qualifier for the Grand Prix, followed by the spectacular Centenary Parade, led by the historic Compagnie 1602, one of Geneva’s most cherished cultural institutions.
Friday promises two of the event’s most anticipated highlights: the ever-popular Indoor Cross, presented by La Tribune de Genève, and the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, which celebrates its 25th edition, bringing together the world’s top ten riders.
Among the special attractions of this centenary edition is also the Prix des Familles, sponsored by Protectas, a unique class in which teams of three riders from two generations of the same family will compete, paying tribute to the great equestrian dynasties that have shaped the sport.
A century of equestrian history
The history of the CHI Geneva spans an entire century, with one of its defining moments coming in 1947, when the competition returned to the Palais des Expositions in Plainpalais after four years held outdoors on the Plaine de Plainpalais.
That year also marked a permanent change in the event’s calendar, moving it to the end of the year. From 8 to 16 December 1947, the Palais welcomed 93 horse-and-rider combinations representing Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United States. The Grand Prix was won by American Lieutenant Colonel James Kaiser aboard Dagmar.
CHI Geneva Sports Director Alban Poudret has often described the Palais as a venue “with a soul”, recalling its imposing architecture, soaring ceiling and the famous elevated gallery known as the promenoir, where spectators could watch the competitions for just one or two Swiss francs.
A passion passed down through generations
The story of CHI Geneva is also the story of the people who helped transform it into one of the world’s leading equestrian events.
Former organising committee president Pierre Genecand grew up behind the scenes at the Palais des Expositions, where, as a young boy, he was entrusted with raising the national flags during official ceremonies. Today, he still preserves an extraordinary collection of CHI Geneva memorabilia, including rosettes dating back to the 1920s, commemorative plaques and vintage magazines that chronicle a century of Genevan equestrian history.
Among those who faithfully returned to the show year after year was Yves Piaget, a member of the renowned Swiss watchmaking family, who travelled by train from Neuchâtel every November simply to experience what he considered Switzerland’s greatest equestrian event. Although never a competitive rider himself, Piaget vividly recalls the unique atmosphere of the show, the ceremonial pageantry, and the legendary champions who competed there, including brothers Piero and Raimondo d’Inzeo, as well as Nelson Pessoa.
As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, CHI Geneva once again demonstrates its ability to honour its remarkable heritage while continuing to look ahead, offering a centenary edition that promises to combine history, sporting excellence and unforgettable spectacle on one of show jumping’s most iconic stages.
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