Team Switzerland take the home win for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™. © FEI/Libby Law Photography

The Swiss team celebrated victory on home soil in the CCIO4*-NC-S at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Avenches 2026, held at the Institut Équestre National Avenches (SUI).

Finishing with the jumping phase on Sunday, they maintained the lead established after cross-country to win on 105.9 points, ahead of Germany (112.4) and the Netherlands (121.3).

Led by Chef d'Equipe Dominik Burger, the team of Angelika Dubach (Felin de Chignan), Robin Godel (Grandeur de Lully CH), Felix Vogg (Colero) and Mélody Johner (Erin) were thrilled to stand atop the podium at the fourth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series.

Many teams used the competition as a selection trial and preparation for the FEI Eventing World Championship 2026 in Aachen (GER) next month.

"We came here wanting to prepare as optimally as possible for Aachen," said Swiss Chef d'Equipe Dominik Burger. "At the same time, we are in Switzerland and many people come to the event, and we are proud to show top sport to them. In the end, it was very nice that we could win the Nations Cup, and I think it is always a fantastic and very emotional feeling. This was very good for the morale and confidence of the team."

Strong performances in the dressage phase gave Switzerland their best phase one score in FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ history and left them second behind Germany. The lead changed hands in the cross-country phase, where Germany slipped to second over a course designed by Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR). With a steady clear round across the cross-country course, Johner and Erin helped Switzerland move into the lead. In the jumping phase, Godel's clear round on Grandeur de Lully CH gave Switzerland a two-rail advantage before Johner entered the arena as the final rider.

Burger credited the team's preparation with new Swiss team jumping trainer Marcus Döring.

"We could afford one mistake in the end, and this is not very comfortable," acknowledged Burger. "Everybody knew what they had to do. The only thing we say is that it's possible, and we can do it."

The jumping phase, designed by Jacques Bruneau (SUI), produced 14 clear rounds from the 59 starters, including Dubach and Vogg. The individual victory went to Christoph Wahler (GER) and D'Accord FRH, who finished on 30.3 points. Vogg and his 18-year-old mount Colero placed second individually, and Vogg also claimed his fourth Swiss National Championship title.

Avenches is also the venue for the FEI Eventing European Championship 2027. Switzerland has made the most of its home advantage, having won the Nations Cup for the third consecutive year and the fourth time in five years in front of friends, family, sponsors and fans.

"We have the whole Swiss Eventing family in Avenches, but this is motivation," said Burger. "We know we can perform our best in this moment and aren't afraid of this pressure. It's fun to win here." 

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