Interview with Gérard Lachat, Course Designer of the CHI Geneva: where sporting challenge meets respect for the horse

The CHI Geneva is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and, at the same time, most horse- and rider-friendly events on the international show jumping calendar. Striking the right balance between technical difficulty, sporting spectacle and horse welfare is no small task—especially when the world’s best combinations come together under the spotlight of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Gérard Lachat, course designer of the Swiss event, explains the philosophy behind his course building.

CHI Geneva has a reputation for being one of the most horse- and rider-friendly venues in the world. As the course designer, how do you balance maintaining that reputation while still creating tests that challenge the best combinations on the planet?

“Our aim is to build a course that riders enjoy discovering, while ensuring that the horses are never pushed too hard,” says Lachat. “It remains a very demanding track, but one that balances challenge with fairness. If you look at other Grand Slam events, many include two rounds, which can be much tougher on the horses. At CHI Geneva, we have 14 jumps and the course is fairly long, but since the competition takes place over a single round, we believe this format is better suited to the horses. The goal is that when they leave Geneva, they are still fresh enough to compete elsewhere.”

Technicality is essential, but always with fairness in mind. “The course must be technical to push riders to perform at their best and to keep the number of clear rounds limited, yet it must remain fair for the horses. We are fortunate to have an outstanding arena that has been used for many years. The footing is neither too hard nor too soft, and in my opinion, that is the main reason why horses feel so comfortable here.”

The Rolex Grand Slam adds enormous prestige and pressure. How does the Rolex Grand Slam narrative influence your approach to course building at CHI Geneva?

“Yes, it certainly has an influence,” Lachat confirms. “This competition brings together the very best horse-and-rider combinations. CHI Geneva, in particular, is a highly anticipated event, and everyone prepares well in advance. In response to that level of preparation, it is our job to design a challenging course that limits the number of clear rounds and keeps the competition exciting right to the end.”

Without giving away details, what themes or technical principles are guiding your design for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix? Are there particular skills you especially want to evaluate this year?

“The course is not designed to test a single skill,” he explains. “As in previous years, it will be technical. Jump heights are set at the maximum allowed, with obstacles up to 1.65 metres. We will not overdo the oxers, knowing that they are the most demanding for horses, but we will still aim to create a very challenging course—almost at Olympic level.”

Once again, CHI Geneva confirms its unique identity: a competition where elite sport, attention to detail and deep respect for the horse come together to create one of the most admired events in the world of show jumping.

© Rights Reserved.