AWARD
OF HONOUR.
A TRIBUTE TO THE
LEGENDS OF EQUESTRIAN SPORT.
AWARD 2026
The 2026 Award of Honor goes to the Linda Southern-Heathcott Spruce Meadows equestrian centre
The renowned Canadian institution celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is one of the most important venues for international equestrian sport. With great dedication, Linda Southern-Heathcott, together with her family, upholds the tradition of her ancestors, fostering exchange both within and outside the equestrian community and ensuring the continuation of one of the world’s most important international tournaments.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2025
The Award of Honour 2025 goes to Max E. Ammann.
Max E. Ammann launched the Show Jumping World Cup in 1978 and had a lasting influence on the development of international equestrian sport. His vision, his innovative spirit and his long-standing commitment made the World Cup one of the most important series in show jumping.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2024
The Award of Honour 2024 goes to Fredy Knie junior.
The renowned animal trainer has been inspiring people for decades with his extraordinary understanding of horses and animals. With respect, patience and a high level of expertise, Fredy Knie junior developed pioneering training methods and shared his knowledge with a wide audience. His work has had a lasting influence on modern horse training.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2023
The Award of Honour 2023 goes to Christian Graf von Plettenberg.
As the stadium announcer, Christian Graf von Plettenberg has been a defining figure at the Basel Tournament since its inaugural event in 2010, lending the events an unmistakable identity with his voice. Following his final appearance in 2023, he was presented with the Award of Honour in recognition of his many years of dedication and his services to equestrian sport.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
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.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2020
The Award of Honour 2020 goes to Ruedi Keller.
For many years, Ruedi Keller was a highly committed advocate for equestrian sport. Drawing on his expertise and passion, he supported numerous projects and helped to develop equestrian sport in a sustainable way. Ruedi Keller inspired countless people. His work left its mark far beyond Switzerland’s borders.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2019
The Award of Honour 2019 goes to Christine Stückelberger and Otto Hofer.
With a total of 36 individual and team medals at European and World Championships, World Cup Finals and the Olympic Games, the two are among the most successful figures in Swiss equestrian sport. Between 1973 and 1989, they defined an exceptionally successful era in the history of Swiss dressage.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2018
The Award of Honour 2018 goes to the German Friendships.
German Friendships stands for international understanding, team spirit and genuine friendship. The event, initiated by Ulrich and Friederike Meyer zu Bexten and Frank Rothenberger, brings together young people from different countries and unites them through their shared passion for horses. It is regarded as a unique project in international equestrian sport.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2017
The Award of Honour 2017 goes to Dr. Christoph Eymann.
During his 17-year tenure as a member of the cantonal government, Dr Christoph Eymann was a staunch advocate for the development of Basel as a city of sporting significance both nationally and internationally. He promoted youth sport and supported the organisation of major sporting events. The founding of our tournament also took place during his tenure.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2016
The Award of Honour 2016 goes to Dr. Markus Müller.
This renowned equine vet combines outstanding expertise with a deep passion for animal welfare. Dr Markus Müller has been the vet in charge of our tournament since its very first edition and, thanks to his experience, prudence and professionalism, ensures the horses receive the very best possible care. He is one of the leading figures in international equestrian sport.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2015
The Award of Honour 2015 goes to Madeleine Winter-Schulze.
This dedicated entrepreneur is one of the most important patrons of German equestrian sport. For decades, Madeleine Winter-Schulze has supported top athletes on their journey to the very top of the sport, thereby making a significant contribution to numerous international successes. Her commitment, generosity and expertise are held in high regard far beyond the world of equestrian sport.
More information about the award winner may be found here.
AWARD 2014
The Award of Honour 2014 goes to Paul Weier.
As an Olympic rider, course designer, trainer and consultant, Paul Weier has shaped the development of equestrian sport for decades. The former cavalry officer enjoys an outstanding reputation both nationally and internationally and is still regarded today as a highly respected expert, whose knowledge and experience are in demand far beyond the country’s borders.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2013
The Award of Honour 2013 goes to Prof. Dr. Björn von Salis and the brothers Rolf and Urs Theiler.
As an innovative vet, Björn von Salis achieved important milestones in equine medicine and founded Switzerland’s first private equine clinic. As founders of CSI Zurich, Rolf and Urs Theiler wrote a significant chapter in the history of Swiss equestrian sport. They turned the show jumping tournament into one of the country’s most important events.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
AWARD 2012
The Award of Honour was presented for the first time in 2012. The recipients were Markus and Thomas Fuchs, Walter Gabathuler, Philippe Guerdat and Willi Melliger, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Swiss equestrian sport.
The award was established to honour individuals who have shaped the sport of horse riding over many years and enhanced its reputation both nationally and internationally.
You can find out more about the award recipient here.
