(31.7.2015) The Swiss show-jumping team took an important second place in Hickstead’s Nations Cup. Belgium stormed to victory in the jump-off, just in front of Switzerland, the United States came third. Paul Estermann with Castlefield Eclipse and Janika Sprunger with Bonne Chance stayed always clear, Martin Fuchs and Clooney also had a clear first round and in the second round had just one fault. Pius Schwizer, as the final rider, did not participate in the first round, because there was nothing to improve on the 0 points of the team. He saw no need to show the course to his horse Giovanni van het Scheefkasteel, because he did very well the day before. Unfortunately his ride in the decisive round did not go to plan, the stallion collected 15 points.  „We had a volte, one fence down and some time faults. Giovanni war impressed by the stadium, he is only nine and still rather unexperienced. And has to get his experience here, in Hickstead, one of the most difficult show grounds in the world“, Pius Schwizer said. – Anyway there was reason for joy in the Swiss team: With this result Switzerland has come a step closer to the qualification for the final. Next week there will be the last Nations Cup at CSIO Dublin.

Nations Cup classification Europe Division 1:
1. Belgium, 350 (4 qualifications)
2. France, 310 (4)
3. Sweden and Holland, 295 (4)
5. Germany, 285 (4)
6. Great Britain, 255 (3)
7. Switzerland, 250 (3)
8. Ireland, 205 (3)
9. Italy, 200 (3)
10. Spain, 195 (3)