The well-known Swiss breeder Werner Rütimann lost his battle with a long illness and has sadly passed away. On behalf of herself and the couple's four daughters, his wife Madeleine wrote that what remained are great memories, and that he will stay with them in their dreams.

One year after their marriage in 1986, Madeleine and Werner bought the Schlösslihof in Frümsen Sax, in the eastern part of Switzerland, and that was the beginning of their successful breeding enterprise. Completed in 1990, their equestrian center provided every need for breeding and riding, and three years later, in 1993, their most successful stallion was born:  Karondo von Schlösslihof CH (Karacondo x Corleone). He went on to record 50 victories and 230 showjumping placings, besides several titles as Swiss champion at the Swiss Elite in Avenches and Sire of the World 2005 in Lanaken, Belgium, under the saddle of Theo Muff. Others of his horses were also ridden by Swiss international riders, such as Balou Rubin R (Balou du Rouet x Couleur Rubin) with Pius Schwizer.

Werner Rütimann became vice president of the Swiss Equestrian Federation from 2011 until 2019 with one of his main goals being good communication with all the members.

On his Facebook page, Pius Schwizer wrote: "I want to thank Werner and his family for the long and many years of good cooperation. We have celebrated many successes together. I wish his family a lot of strength in this difficult time. We will always remember him."

Our thoughts are with Werner Rütimann's family and friends