AMONGST the 22,000-plus spectators at the CHI Classics in Basel last week was Silvia Hofstetter. The Swiss native, from Aesch, runs Silvi’s Guesthouse in Borris, Co Carlow and, like many equestrian enthusiasts, makes an annual pilgrimage to the five-star show.

Her family has been buying Irish horses for over 40 years. “My father travelled to Ireland with his close friend Max Hauri, always to visit Seamus Hughes, who was Max’s best friend. A unique horse expert and breeder, Seamus knew every good horse in Ireland. I have the privilege of knowing many of the Hughes family members personally and value them all very much. They’re very successful horse breeders and also good friends of mine.

“It was a great pleasure to see Marion Hughes, a long-time friend of the family, in Basel, as her daughter [Marta] was competing in the under-25 classes.

“With my trusted horse experts and breeders in Ireland, contacts built up over many years, I now sell horses and ponies to Switzerland.”

Traffic returns in the form of Swiss visitors to her guesthouse, which is an ideal place to relax and refuel between day trips. Guests from landlocked Switzerland are captivated by the southeast coast and countless attractions, such as castles and parks. Silvia also organises airport transfers and visits to equestrian and agricultural shows in the region, complete with chauffeur service.

Irish contingent

Last year, contributor Susan Finnerty’s video of Marion Hughes waving to a Basel spectator while on a course walk with Mikey Pender was a big social media hit. It turns out the person was Silvia Hofstetter. “I’ve known Silvia and her father for years and it’s always great to come back here,” said Marion, who also spent time in Max Hauri’s yard in Seon.

Marion was back on course walk duty last weekend, this time with Jessica Burke. “It was fantastic to have Marion’s help. She was one of mine, and I’m sure everybody’s, biggest idols growing up. I watched her on telly and to have her there on the floor to walk the course with me was amazing.”

Jessica and her groom Aaliyah Phillips repaid the advice by helping Marta, competing in the under-25 classes with HHS Figero. “To be able to help Marta was part of the teamwork and we had a lot of fun. It was a great weekend and great show,” said Jessica, whose mother Catherine, uncle Paul and his partner Aisling travelled to Basel to support her on her World Cup quest.

“I’m really glad I got to jump in Basel, I loved the show,” said 20-year-old Marta, the same age as the family’s 20-year-old HHS Figero (Guidam x Cavalier Royale). “He’s a really good personality. I’ve had him for five years now and I’m heading to Portugal today for a few weeks.”

“To go into that big arena and atmosphere was a great experience for the pair,” added Marion.