Rolex has announced the introduction of the Rolex Series in show jumping, uniting six of the most prestigious equestrian shows in the world, each supported by the brand. Revealed at the opening Rolex Series event – the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena – the Rolex Series will also include the CSIO Jumping International de La Baule, the Jumping International de Dinard, the Dublin Horse Show, the Brussels Stephex Masters, and the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, USA.
These six historic shows share several distinguishing qualities, with each globally renowned event offering age-old traditions, the highest standard of competition, and having been won by the very best riders in the history of the sport. The introduction of the Rolex Series will allow the six shows to work together as a collective group as they strive for continual improvement.
Rolex has been a committed partner of equestrianism for almost 70 years, dating back to 1957 when pioneering British show jumper Pat Smythe became the sport’s first Testimonee. The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism encourages modernization while respecting the traditions and elegance of the sport, as can be seen with the introduction of the Rolex Series in show jumping. The Rolex Series will mark a new era in the sport, elevating the premier world-class show jumping events into unmissable sporting occasions.
Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Global Communications Director, said: “Rolex’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on almost 70 years of support, encouraging innovation while respecting the traditions of the sport. After the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, renowned as the pinnacle of the sport, the Rolex Series will build upon the legacy that the brand has cultivated over this time. The six shows within the Rolex Series are united in their qualities, each celebrated for their world-class competition, leading facilities and notable histories, and being part of the Rolex Series will provide a mark of distinction above and beyond other five-star shows.”
Each of the shows, which take place across Europe and North America, reflect Rolex’s own enduring commitment to excellence, all having a deep-rooted history in equestrianism harnessing the tradition of the sport while embracing innovation with a continual drive for improvement. The pinnacle class of each of the six shows will be the Rolex Grand Prix, where horses and riders are required to be in complete harmony as they strive for the courage and trust needed to be victorious.
The Rolex Grands Prix at these six venues have been won by some of the best show jumping horse and rider combinations in the sport, including six Rolex Testimonees Bertram Allen, Daniel Deusser, Kent Farrington, Martin Fuchs, Rodrigo Pessoa, and Jessica Springsteen.
Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat, who attended the launch, stated: “The six shows that are part of the Rolex Series are some of the best shows in the world and the ones that we all, as riders, mark in our schedule every year. They are some of the most prestigious and historically significant competitions on our calendar, and by bringing this amazing group of shows together as part of the Rolex Series, the prestige and desire to win is only going to increase.”
The CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena, the first show to host a Rolex Series event, is held at the Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome, acknowledged as one of the sport’s most beautiful venues. The show has a rich history, with roots dating back more than a century. Combining elegance and style with world-class sport and athleticism, the show attracts competitors from around the world to the Italian capital from 22–26 May.
In June, attention will turn to the CSIO Jumping International de La Baule, where for more than 60 years, the event has hosted the world’s best horse and rider combinations on the picturesque shores of the Atlantic Ocean in western France. This year the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule takes place on Sunday 9 June.
The prestigious Jumping International de Dinard, taking place from 18–21 July, dates back to 1912 and is now among the most popular and respected events on the international show jumping calendar. Rolex Testimonees Bertram Allen (2015) and Martin Fuchs (2021, 2022) have both claimed the Rolex Grand Prix, which is located on the stunning Brittany coast in France.
Supported this year for the first time by Rolex as the Official Timepiece and Title Sponsor of the CSIO5* Grand Prix, the CSIO Dublin Horse Show, taking place from 14–18 August, has almost 150 years of history, and is the most elite equestrian event in Ireland.
Rolex Testimonee Bertram Allen, who has won the Grand Prix at the CSIO Dublin Horse Show (2014), CSIO Jumping International de La Baule (2015) and Jumping International de Dinard (2015), said: “Whenever you jump in one of these historic Grands Prix you know you are going to be up against the very best riders and horses in the world, so to win these Grands Prix is always an ambition every year. I am very proud of my wins at these shows and they remain amongst the highlights of my career to date.”
The world’s best horse and rider combinations will head to Belgium for the Brussels Stephex Masters. The show, which in 2024 is celebrating its tenth edition, is known for its intense competition and vibrant atmosphere and is considered to be one of the finest show jumping events in Europe. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the event since 2015, with the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 1 September once again providing the highlight of the five-day event.
The Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, USA will host the final Rolex Series event in its inaugural year. Hosted at Wellington International, the show is one of world’s leading hubs for equestrian excellence, attracting the best equestrian athletes from across the globe. The 12-week festival, running from January to March 2025, sees the highest levels of competition, with the Rolex Grand Prix providing a fitting culmination in Week 12.
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