Switzerland Claims Victory at the Longines EEF Series Final in Avenches

AVENCHES (Switzerland), September 8 2025 – Switzerland gave their home crowd plenty to celebrate by winning the Longines EEF Series Final, hosted for the first time at the National Equestrian Institute of Avenches (IENA). France finished second while Germany once again claimed third.

The Swiss team led after the opening round on just 4 faults, well ahead of France and Germany who both stood on 12. But with 8 penalties in round two, the hosts were pushed into a thrilling jump-off against France to decide the title.

The hero of the day was 20-year-old Gaëtan Joliat aboard Chelsea Z (a 12-year-old Belgian gelding owned by Olivier De Coulon). Having been the discard score in the first round, Joliat rose to the occasion, producing a lightning-fast clear round in the jump-off – more than a second quicker than Sara Brionne with Grand Duc du Paradiso (E.A.R.L. & Quibel Stables). The performance sealed a maiden home victory for Switzerland in this prestigious team competition.

“We hoped it was going to be easier, but it wasn’t. It isn’t over till it’s over, and today that really was the case,” said chef d’equipe Peter van der Waaij.
“Gaëtan is fast and can keep his cool, and he really delivered. But all four riders played their part and contributed to this great result.”

Joliat admitted he used his early disappointment as motivation:

“I was upset after the first round with those two faults. But I knew if I rode well in the second round it would be fine. In the jump-off, I had to go clear – I was totally focused, and today it worked.”

Swiss Team Contributions

Alongside Joliat, the Swiss squad featured Alain Jufer with Dante MM (Marlis Muhlebach), Anthony Bourquard on Everest d’Ellipse (Esther Steiger), and Barbara Schnieper with Canice (Martin Hauser). Jufer and Bourquard jumped clears in round one, keeping Switzerland at the top of the leaderboard.

“I’ve been lucky to compete in this series with two very good horses and to prepare them for the future,” said Bourquard.
“With Everest we trained for months for this competition, and today he was exceptional. He really showed he’s a great horse.”

France and Germany Pile on the Pressure

France mounted a remarkable comeback in round two, forcing the decisive jump-off. Outstanding performances came from Sara Brionne, Robin Lesqueren with Fbi d’Ellipse (SNC Ellipse), and Mégane Moissonnier riding Crooner Tame (Sas Plcb). Brionne was one of just two riders to jump double clear over Gerard Lachat’s demanding course.

The other belonged to Germany’s Hannes Ahlmann with Cayadino, a talented 10-year-old Holsteiner grey gelding owned by Ulrich Rodde. Germany secured third place for the second consecutive year, with additional team members Marie Ligges on Ballerina NRW (Anke Nettebrock & Kai Ligges), Markus Renzel aboard Pikeur Lemar NRW(Wolfgang Brinkmann), and Michael Viehweg with Contario (Gabriele Viehweg).

Final Standings

Belgium narrowly missed the podium in fourth, followed by Netherlands in fifth and Norway in sixth. Reigning champions Italy – winners in 2021, 2022, and 2024 – had to settle for seventh this time. Austria, champions in 2023, ended 10th, behind Sweden (8th) and Spain (9th).

A Successful First Edition in Avenches

Show director Edwin Smits expressed his delight with the inaugural edition at IENA:

“We didn’t exactly know what to expect, but the outcome was fantastic. This show was my dream, but I couldn’t have made it happen alone. The first edition is already a success – now we want to improve and grow. But the biggest gift was seeing these riders sitting next to me and taking home the Nations Cup trophy.”

With the home team lifting the trophy after a day of drama and high-level sport, the Longines EEF Series Final in Avenches has written a new and unforgettable chapter in European show jumping.

📑 Full results: Hippodata – Longines EEF Series Final 2025

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