2XNKY58 Switzerland's Pius Schwizer, riding Vancouver de Lanlore, during the Equestrian Team Jumping competition, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
Swiss showjumper Pius Schwizer claimed he suffered “significant image damage” thanks to the seizure of horses related to debts, after he was suspended by his national federation.
Horses were taken from his property in Oensingen on 14 August by the local debt collection office. They were returned to their owners on 22 August.
“Over the past few days, various press articles have widely reported information regarding Pius Schwizer’s personal and financial situation, as well as the enforcement measures carried out by the Balsthal debt collection office,” a spokesperson for the rider said.
“Pius Schwizer has suffered significant image damage and has been suspended with immediate effect by Swiss Equestrian.”
The spokesperson pointed out that the horses who were seized did not belong to Pius but were kept at his yard for training and to be competed.
“Pius Schwizer expresses its deep regrets to the owners whose horses were seized as part of security measures, the legality of which will be reviewed.,” he said “The seized horses were fortunately released today and returned to their owners, the debts giving rise to the seizures having been settled on 22 August, 2025.
“Pius Schwizer sincerely thanks its partners, its loved ones, and the many people who have given it their support and trust during this difficult time.”
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Pius, 63, has represented Switzerland at three Olympics, 2008, 2012 and 2024, winning team bronze in 2008. He has also competed at three world and four European Championships, winning team gold in 2009.
Swiss Equestrian announced on 20 August that Pius was suspended from the national elite showjumping team with immediate effect.
“According to the squad agreement signed by Pius Schwizer and Swiss Equestrian, the applicable regulations and the values espoused by Swiss Equestrian, Pius Schwizer’s current situation is no longer compatible with the requirements to represent Switzerland at the highest level as a member of the Swiss elite showjumping squad,” the federation said in a statement.
“The suspension is indefinite and will be regularly reviewed by the selection committee depending on the development of Pius Schwizer’s situation. This suspension from the elite squad does not prohibit individual participation in national and international competitions.
“Due to the ongoing proceedings, Swiss Equestrian will not comment further on this case.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
