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Equita Lyon; Victorie for Pius Schwizer

Nov 3, 2012

Prix French Tour EADS: The enthusiasm of Pius Schwizer

So, life goes on after Carlina! We all remember that the Swiss former world number had his Olympic mare taken away after the Olympic Games in London. However, that does not stop him from winning, as he proved in the Prix French Tour EADS with Verdi III, a horse that, it must be said, is used to finishing in the top of the rankings in major classes: "Well, I hope it's not my last win of the weekend", he joked. "But, in any event, things have got off to a good start, haven't they? It's always nice to win here, it's a fantastic competition; it was a difficult class, but, at least it means some money is coming in!"

So, Carlina's departure is a thing of the past? "Life goes on and a good rider still remains a good rider. He has to be able to take new horses to the top, and I can tell you that my stables are full at the moment. It's important to continually train new horses because you're always at the mercy of an injury or one of them leaving, and you can quickly find yourself without a ride. It’s always been an obsession with me to have a group of horses available; it's really hard work but, for the moment, it is bringing its rewards..." With real passion in his voice, Pius runs the long list of his horses and their qualities, such as the 8-year-old Coolgirl that he mounted for the award ceremony because Verdi III does not like the noisy atmosphere of ceremonies: "She is only 8 years old, but already has four wins this year, including one in the 3* Grand Prix in Neuendorf…"

Second place in this 1.50 class went to Emanuele Gaudiano on Cocoshynsky, while Katharina Offel was third aboard Fidji Island.

Pius is never short of words when on the subject of "his " horses and, without us even asking, he raved about his latest purchase, the French 6-year old champion in 2011, Rafale des Forêts: "You'll see, she will be a great mare, and I bought her myself!" It is certainly a way to avoid any disappointments, such as Carlina's departure!

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Source World of Showjumping