History 2006

The new Hallenstadion was prepared for its 18th CSI (January 26 - January 29).

42'800 spectators were attracted by top showjumping sports presented by 15 of the top 17 equestrians in world ranking accordance. The audience was thrilled by a passionate display of an orchestra of 100 musicians in a live performance creating a wonderful backdrop in the arena. At the press conference the executive board announced: "The CSI 2006, was maintaining its success!" The 4 Presidents informed of the potential to optimize the event, such as to extend the exposition or customize the warmup area: CHF 1 million in prize money, the highest amount of points for the world ranking list, lured the top equestrians to CSI Zurich.

It was Jessica Kürten from Ireland who created this absolute excitement at CSI. Winning the Mercedes Swiss Masters and the Mercedes Classics gave her the chance to win the «Art on Ice Rittberger» special prize which awarded CHF 300'000. The equestrian winning all 3 Grand Prix challenges during one CSI will receive this amount. But as fate would have it, one little mistake blew her chances of this achievement.

The balance of the Swiss equestrians was good, even without any victory. Beat Mändli with Ideo du Thot on position 2 at the GP Credit Suisse - Liebherr and Mändli could win the challenge - where the equestrians have to change horses. This year, not only was the sport exciting, but also the show - world premiere at CSI - the audience was impressed by the harmony between man and horse. The spectators could be entertained with special presentations of dressage, Western Riding, music presented by 100 musicians and an encounter once again with Bruno Isliker and his showjumping cow Sybille - this time a new high jumping world record for Sybille of 77 centimeters.