Faced with a surge in entry requests, Switzerland has urgently adjusted its regulations: up to 100 riders can now start in the same class. A pragmatic decision—already implemented elsewhere in Europe—aimed at easing a system under strain… without driving up organizers’ costs.
More starters to relieve the system
The cap is gone.
From now on, international show jumping classes in Switzerland can host up to 100 starters, compared to 70 previously, while maintaining a single ranking (with 30% of riders placed).
This change took immediate effect following an urgent request from the Show Jumping Technical Committee to Swiss Equestrian.
The goal: respond to a simple reality, too many riders, not enough spots.
Unprecedented pressure at the start of the season
The numbers speak for themselves.
Over the first three and a half months of 2026, the number of starts matches that of 2025… despite four fewer major shows.
The result:
entries fill up within minutes of opening, lists close almost instantly, and some riders are left without a place.
This trend is partly due to a thin early-season calendar
But also to a shift in behavior: riders now register immediately, fearing they’ll miss out.
“A solution so more people can ride”
On the ground, organizers support the move.
Julien Pradervand, organizer of the Concours de Crête, sees it as a practical response to an increasingly unmanageable situation:
“It’s the solution that was found to allow more people to take part. Today, many riders want to enter the same shows, especially at the start of the season when there are fewer dates available.”
Behind this adjustment lies a broader shift toward entry systems already used across Europe:
“We’ve moved to a system like in other European countries, with limits on the number of starts and open registration. Naturally, everyone rushes to enter as soon as it opens.”
Un équilibre économique… et logistique
Increasing the number of starters, yes.
But without increasing costs.
“This system allows us to raise the number of starters without generating additional costs for the organizer,” explains Pradervand.
A crucial point.
Until now, many organizers voluntarily capped classes at 70 starters—not due to regulations, but to avoid having to split classes, which would mean:
- higher prize money payouts
- longer competition days
- heavier logistical demands
“It’s not the federation imposing 70. It’s organizers choosing to stop there to avoid extra costs and keep the days manageable.”
Shared responsibility
But the issue isn’t just structural.
On the ground, certain behaviors worsen the situation:
“Riders also share responsibility. We’ve seen full classes where, on the day, 14 or 15 riders don’t actually start.”
A waste of spots—in an already saturated system.
Switzerland aligns with Europe… and the FEI
This change brings Switzerland closer to international standards.
On the side of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), there is no strict universal limit imposing a 70-starter cap.
In most European countries—Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands—entry systems already operate with: more flexible quotas, open registration, larger fields
“Most European countries already work like this,” confirms Pradervand.
Switzerland is therefore changing its approach.
And as often, transitions take time.
A fragile transition
Because this new system challenges long-standing habits.
“We’ve always operated the same way in Switzerland. Now it’s a different approach. We hope it works.”
The conclusion is clear: the old system had reached its limits. The new one still has to prove itself.