THE Swiss Equestrian Federation has expressed its “deep disappointment” at the decision of the FEI to exclude the CSIO St Gallen from the Longines League of Nations for 2025.

The FEI released dates and venues for the second year of the new format league earlier this month, announcing that St Gallen would be replaced by Saint-Tropez-Gassin (FRA), due to uncertainty regarding future plans of the arena at the Swiss venue.

St Gallen was originally named as one of the four venues for the Longines League of Nations up until 2027. The show faced trouble this year, when adverse weather conditions meant they had to cancel their round of the league in the last week of May.

The FEI release said: “Following a review of the 2024 season, and due to uncertainty regarding the future plans for the arena, the FEI Board decided that, regrettably, St Gallen will no longer be part of the series moving forward.”

In a statement expressing his disappointment, Damian Müller, President of Swiss Equestrian, said: “It is a shock and at the same time an affront to Swiss equestrian sport. This decision not only has an impact on the athletes and their environment, but also on the entire organising committee, the partners, the helpers and the Swiss Equestrian Friends, who passionately follow the performances of the Swiss riders at the Gründenmoss every year.

“We are aware that important improvements need to be made on the ground. Following intensive studies, investments have already been made and work has begun. We are firmly convinced that this show, which has shaped Swiss equestrian history like no other event, deserves to continue as a Longines League of Nations event. We share the disappointment of all those involved and the fans. It is a very heavy blow.”

The 2025 Longines League of Nations season will open in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in February, followed by the US qualifier at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida in March, before returning to Europe for the Rotterdam qualifier in June. In September, Saint-Tropez-Gassin (FRA) makes its Longines League of Nation debut, with the qualifier to be held at the Polo Club de Saint-Tropez in Haras de Gassin. The Final will once again take place at the iconic Real Club de Polo in Barcelona (ESP) from October 2nd-5th.