ph. Mercedes -CSI Zürich
Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer was awarded the 2014 Swiss Rider of the Year today in Zurich. The long-standing international Swiss representative has honored the Swiss flag in no less than two Olympic Games, two World Equestrian Games, four European Championships and five World Cup Finals. Notably earning Team Bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Team Gold at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor, Great Britain and a second place finish in the 2010 FEI World Cup Finals in Geneva, Switzerland.
Today, however, was organized to honor the Swiss riders accomplishments in 2014, where he remained consistently in the World Top 20. Completing his 2014 season with a win at the CSI5*-W event in Geneva, Switzerland, Schwizer won the CSI5*-W Prix Starling Hotel Geneva with Chika’s Way. In addition, Schwizer won an impressive total of 26 international classes in 2014, including a number of Puissance events, the CSI5* World Cup Grand Prix of Zurich and the CSIO5* MS Mail Service AG competition in St. Gallen.
Accepting the honor aboard his World Equestrian Games mount, Toulago, Schwizer was all smiles as the Swiss crowd cheered on their much-loved rider. “Being elected rider of the year is something really special for me, thank to all of you for your support and to my whole team for their work!”
In addition, Urs E. Schwarzenbach, owner of Guerdat’s Nino of the Buissonnets since 2011, was awarded the Owner of the Year once again.