History 2000

This year the CSI (February 3 - February 6) again had been the highest rated indoor showjumping event in the world. The sponsoring earnings for the following 3 years were amounted to Sfr 10 million. Mövenpick as new main sponsor and Credit Suisse as co sponsor guaranteed the event for the next years. The challenges were adjusted according the state of training of the horses.

For stars such as Rodrigo Pessoa, Ludger Beerbaum, Franke Sloothaak, Lars Nieberg, Jos Lansink, Hugo Simon and the brothers John and Michael Whitaker and all Swiss equestrians the "cold start" into the Olympic season and the participation at CSI had been somewhat of a tribute to the organizers. With a new spactator record (43'900) the public acknowledged the efforts of this wonderful organizing team.

This year the first act of CSI was presented one day before the official start. More than 7'000 guests came to Hallenstadion to see the presentation of the new car of Formula 1 Sauber team. The owner of the team, Peter Sauber from Switzerland - loving horses - took the chance to proudly present his efforts ... the new Formula 1 car for the coming season. A Swedish Lapland group presented 40 reindeer and huskies in an all impressive performance. The Swedish National Stud "Flyinge" attraced the audience with magnifcant dressage horses.

German Marcus Ehning managed a special "stunt" with his stallion For Pleasure at the start. They won the Grand Prix on Thursday and as well as the Classics on Sunday. Helena Weinberg with Little Gun was placed 2nd and Cameron Hanley (Ireland) with the Swiss mare Wandonga was 3rd. Markus Fuchs finished the challenge with Tinka's Boy as best equestrian in position 6.