The great Swiss hopeful for the ski jumper

Jason Smith, a Scottish-born equestrian based in Switzerland, is preparing to represent his adopted country at the upcoming World Championships in Aachen, Germany. Competing alongside his eleven-year-old stallion Picobello, Smith aims to secure a team medal for Switzerland in one of the sport's most prestigious events. The pair have already demonstrated their potential with a major victory earlier this year, winning the Nations Cup in St. Gallen, a crucial step toward their ultimate goal of qualifying for the Olympics. The Swiss team consists of four riders and their horses, all aiming to finish within the top seven teams at the World Championships to qualify for the Olympic Games. Smith believes the team has the talent and determination needed to achieve more than just qualification. “I hope for more,” he said during an interview at his stable in Schlierbach, Lucerne. “We have a strong team with good horses and good riders.” Among the standout performers is Picobello, a horse widely regarded as exceptional both physically and mentally. Smith has been riding Picobello for three years and describes him as unique. “I’ve had many talented horses before, but nothing quite like Picobello,” he said. “He thrives under pressure and performs better on bigger stages.” This mental resilience, combined with his athleticism, makes Picobello a rare find in the world of show jumping. The success of Smith and Picobello began in June when they helped secure the Nations Cup win in St. Gallen. Both rounds were completed without faults, contributing significantly to the Swiss team’s victory. That achievement marked the first time Smith and Picobello had won a competition of that caliber together. Smith, who moved to Switzerland 18 years ago after working on a farm in Germany, initially sought quick success in show jumping. However, over time, he developed a more patient approach. “I’m calmer now,” he said. “Greed doesn’t help in this sport. Patience brings results.” His journey led him to Schlierbach, where he and his wife care for around 25 horses, including Picobello. The decision to bring Picobello into the team came in 2023, shortly after Smith received Swiss citizenship. He and his sponsors searched for a horse capable of competing at the highest level. Despite numerous offers to buy Picobello, some reaching into the millions, Smith and his sponsors chose to keep the horse for the sport rather than sell him. “This horse isn’t for sale,” Smith said. “People from all over the world want to buy him, but we decided he belongs here, in the sport.” Picobello’s value is immense, with similar horses fetching double-digit million sums. However, Smith emphasized that financial gain was not the priority. “My sponsors made the choice,” he explained. “This horse is meant for competition, not for profit.” With the World Championships approaching, Smith and Picobello are focused on delivering their best performance. Their journey reflects not only personal ambition but also a collective effort to elevate Swiss show jumping on the global stage. As the competition nears, attention turns to how the pair will handle the pressure of international competition and whether they can lead Switzerland to another historic achievement.