AWARD
OF HONOUR.
A TRIBUTE TO THE
LEGENDS OF EQUESTRIAN SPORT.
AWARD 2026
The 2026 Award of Honor goes to Linda Southern-Heathcott of Spruce Meadows.
The renowned Canadian institution celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is one of the most important hubs for international equestrian sports. With great dedication, Linda Southern-Heathcott, together with her family, carries on the tradition of her ancestors, fostering exchange within and outside the equestrian community and ensuring the continuation of one of the world’s most important international tournaments.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2025
The Award of Honour 2025 goes to Max E. Ammann.
It is thanks to Max E. Ammann that the Show Jumping World Cup was launched in 1978. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to equestrian sport, he received the coveted Award of Honour in 2025.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2024
The Award of Honour 2024 goes to Fredy Knie junior.
Fredy Knie Jr. is a passionate and renowned animal trainer whose relationship with and connection to horses inspires both experts and the general public alike. He trains animals with great empathy and respect, and shares his knowledge at regular events. Fredy Knie Jr. was honoured with the coveted Award of Honour 2024 for his impressive work and groundbreaking methods in horse training.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2023
The Award of Honour 2023 goes to Christian Graf von Plettenberg.
The award went to Christian Graf von Plettenberg, the stadium announcer who has been a defining figure at the Basel tournament since its introduction in 2010. He was last heard at the St. Jakobshalle microphone in 2023.
AWARD 2022
The Award of Honour 2022 goes to John Roche.
For his outstanding achievements in the equestrian world, John Roche is being honored with the 2022 Award of Honor. He thus joins the ranks of previous recipients of the award, which was first presented in 2012.
AWARD 2020
The Award of Honour 2020 goes to Ruedi Keller.
Ruedi Keller was presented with the Award of Honour 2020 at our annual ceremony honouring outstanding achievements in the equestrian world.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2019
The Award of Honour 2019 goes to Christine Stückelberger and Otto Hofer.
Christine Stückelberger and Otto Hofer have won a combined total of 36 individual and team medals at European and World Championships, as well as at World Cup Finals and the Olympic Games, making them two of the most successful Swiss athletes of all time. Between 1973 and 1989, they defined a golden era in Swiss dressage.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2018
The Award of Honour 2018 goes to the German Friendships.
The German Friendships, introduced in 1999, were honoured. A unique event, initiated and organised by former Nations Cup rider Ulrich Meyer zu Bexten, his wife Friederike and the world-renowned course designer Frank Rothenberger. The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, as the ‘Friendships’ are bound to make the hearts of anyone with even a modicum of empathy beat faster: practising international understanding, embodying team spirit, showing respect for others, internalising horsemanship, living a love of horses, and demonstrating openness towards people from other cultures.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2017
The Award of Honour 2017 goes to Dr. Christoph Eymann.
As a member of the cantonal government, Dr Christoph Eymann has made a significant contribution to the development of Basel as a sporting city in recent years. His term in office has seen not only the founding of CSI Basel, but also, for example, the European Football Championship and the promotion of sport through the introduction of sports classes in Basel’s schools. Christoph Eymann’s passion for sport has served him well throughout his time in government. He was a godsend for location marketing and the presentation of Basel as a sporting city.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2016
The Award of Honour 2016 goes to Dr. Markus Müller.
Many people have the name Müller – but very few are leading experts in equine veterinary medicine. Markus Müller is one of these rare exceptions. Not only does he possess outstanding specialist knowledge, but he has always practised his profession with passion. He is, quite simply, a man with a great love for horses.
Since the very beginning of the Longines CSI Basel, Markus Müller has served as the chief veterinarian, looking after the prized horses at this world-class tournament. These sensitive animals have always benefited from his professional care and his vast experience.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2015
The Award of Honour 2015 goes to Madeleine Winter-Schulze.
At the sixth tournament held at the St. Jakobshalle, a fine tradition was continued with the presentation of the Award of Honour to a distinguished figure in equestrian sport. The 2015 award went to Madeleine Winter-Schulze. Her riders and horses are her family. She is the heart and soul of German equestrianism and the ‘Grande Dame’ par excellence of the sport. Her dedication is just as highly valued as her expertise. Without the support of this modest Berlin entrepreneur, Olympic champion show jumper Ludger Beerbaum, the dressage rider Isabell Werth, and the eventing rider Ingrid Klimke would not have been at the top of the world rankings for years.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2014
The Award of Honour 2014 goes to Paul Weier.
The recipient of the 2014 award, Paul Weier, is a master of his craft and a pioneer – a true horseman through and through. As an Olympic rider, course designer, trainer and consultant, he has left a lasting mark all over the world. The former cavalry officer from Elgg in the canton of Zurich is not only an excellent rider, at home in every saddle, but remains even today at the age of 92 a globally respected expert and valued adviser in a wide variety of equestrian disciplines.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2013
The Award of Honour 2013 goes to Prof. Dr. Björn von Salis and the brothers Rolf and Urs Theiler.
Prof. Dr. Björn von Salis was honoured in 2013. Prof. Dr. Anton Fürst delivered the laudatory speech for this innovative veterinarian, who, amongst other things, founded Switzerland’s first private equine clinic and was also a co-founder of an extensive animal rescue service. A further award was presented to brothers Rolf and Urs Theiler, the founders of the CSI Zurich, which was first held 25 years ago
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2012
On the occasion of the 3rd CSI Basel, an ‘Award of Honour’ was presented for the first time. The recipients were Markus and Thomas Fuchs, Walter Gabathuler, Philippe Guerdat and Willi Melliger..
This award is presented to individuals in recognition of their valuable contributions to equestrian sport, and to those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service in various ways to the equestrian community. The award was presented in the form of a small sculpture combining the Basel heraldic staff and the horse’s head of CSI Basel.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
