Hesslink Rules Inaugural Baran Global Hunter Classic

The inaugural Baran Global Hunter Classic came to an exciting conclusion today at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, NED, rounding off a weekend of exceptional sport and entertainment that captivated spectators and riders alike.

This groundbreaking new event co-founded by top Canadian hunter competitor Kristen Baran and US hunter trainer Andrew Lustig, ran July 11-13 and brought the traditional elegance of hunter sport to Europe’s premier equestrian stage. Seven teams each comprising a professional hunter rider, a junior or amateur, and an international 5* show jumper created a dynamic mix of talent and experience. The format ensured thrilling competition across three days, beginning with the Under Saddle class, then a Classic Hunter round, and culminating in Sunday’s decisive Handy Hunter class, which accounted for 50% of the final score and tested precision, style, and handiness over a beautifully designed course. Courses were created by Canadian course designer Kevin Holowack.

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With €300,000 in prize money at stake, the stakes were high, but it was Team Hesslink Williams who proved untouchable, holding their overnight lead to take the title with a final score of 182.83. The winning trio – Geoffrey Hesslink, Faith Schuttemeyer, and international show jumping star Lillie Keenan – impressed throughout the weekend with their style, consistency, and polish.

Faith Schuttemeyer also delivered an individual highlight in today’s Handy Hunter class, winning the final round aboard Juan Carlos, further securing her team’s dominant position.

Team French finished second on 178.17 points, with John French, Paige Walkenbach, and Dutch show jumping legend Harrie Smolders putting in superb performances across all three days. Smolders, contesting his first-ever hunter competition, produced scores that counted towards the team total despite not being a hunter specialist – a testament to his versatility as a rider.

The final spot on the podium went to Team California Rose, made up of Halie Robinson, Caroline Ingalls, and Maikel van der Vleuten, who maintained third place overnight to finish on 171.83 points.

The top three teams remained unchanged from Saturday’s standings, reflecting the consistency of their performances throughout this innovative competition.

Team results:
1st – Team Hesslink Williams (Geoffrey Hesslink, Faith Schuttemeyer, Lillie Keenan) – 182.83
2nd – Team French John French, Paige Walkenbach, Harrie Smolders) – 178.17
3rd – Team California Rose (Halie Robinson, Caroline Ingalls, Maikel van der Vleuten) – 171.83
4th – Team Esau Williams (Emily Esau Williams, Ellie Sadrian, Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida) – 170.33
5th – Team Artemis (Lourdes de Guardiola Morrissey, Katherine Babun, Rodrigo Pessoa) – 162.67
6th – Team Mill Creek (Josh Dolan, Kylie Wilson, Michael Duffy) – 157.67
7th – Team Finally Farm (Hardin Towell, Madison Ramsey, Giampiero Garofalo) – 122.67

Overall section winners:
Professional – Geoffrey Hesslink and Paisley Park
Junior / Amateur – Faith Schuttemeyer and Juan Carlos
5* show jumper – Harrie Smolders and Ever So Often

Three people on hunters walking past a 'Baran' sign.

(Stefano Grasso photo)

The first competition of the week, the Under Saddle class on Friday, saw an impressive line-up of riders take to the immaculate grass arena including the likes of Maikel van der Vleuten and Michael Duffy. In true hunter tradition, all competitors rode together at the walk, trot, and canter on both reins, with style, manners, and movement under the judges’ scrutiny. Importantly, this class counted for 10% of the final team ranking, adding extra pressure and prestige to the day’s result.

Adding an international twist to proceedings, Dutch show jumping star Harrie Smolders made a remarkable hunter debut, taking the win aboard Ever So Often with a superb score of 93.33 for Team French. Smolders, better known for his success on the global show jumping stage, showcased his horsemanship and adaptability in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Saturday’s class delivered elegance, excitement, and a major shift in the leaderboard. Under the soft glow of Valkenswaard’s afternoon light, John French and the stunning Crystal Blue rose to the occasion, topping the Classic Hunter Round with a score of 93 points for Team French.

“There were some long bending lines which can be a little bit difficult I think. We aren’t used to being in such a big field and the stride can get away from you a little bit. We’re used to being in a smaller ring except for some of the derby’s where we have big venues like this.” French reflected after his round. “This is so great for the hunters to be here and showcase, so that everyone knows what we are talking about with quality Hunters, and we have brought a lot of quality hunters… the fact that it is the first time? That makes it even more special!”

In Sunday’s Handy Hunter class individual results, Faith Schuttemeyer claimed first place on Juan Carlos, followed by Paige Walkenbach on Babylon in second, and Emily Esau Williams aboard Star Quality in third – all showcasing superb style and skill.

The Baran Global Hunter Classic was hailed as a huge success, bringing together the grace and tradition of hunter sport with the modern energy of team competition, all set in the world-class surroundings of Valkenswaard.

Families and fans enjoyed not just the sport, but also an immersive experience throughout the weekend, with entertainment, shopping, hospitality, and children’s activities creating a vibrant atmosphere that made the event a true celebration of equestrian sport and lifestyle.

As the curtain falls on this inaugural edition, it’s clear the Baran Global Hunter Classic has cemented its place on the international calendar – a perfect fusion of tradition, innovation, and entertainment.

Results here.

~ with files from Longines Tops International Arena