Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

FUCHS RETAINS THE TITLE

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – the third Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year – once again played host to one of the toughest competitions in the sport, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Held in the iconic International Ring, the world’s most elite horse-and-rider combinations were all hoping to etch their names into the history books as they pursued one of the most coveted titles in the sport.

The field included the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, André Thieme, as well as the winners from the last three editions of the class: Martin Fuchs (2023), Daniel Deusser (2022), and Steve Guerdat (2021).

Following the same format as the previous Major held at the CHIO Aachen, the class consisted of two rounds and a jump-off. In total, 38 combinations started in the first round, with the top 12 proceeding into the second round. Those tied after this would then take on the challenge of the jump-off against the clock to decide the final placings.

First to tackle Leopoldo Palacios’ typically huge and daring course was Brazil’s Yuri Mansur, who secured a clear round inside the time allowed. The course provided a suitable challenge for this world-class group of riders, and it wasn’t until the eleventh to go, Rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser, that the crowd was treated to another clear round. The time proved a challenge for numerous riders, with Steve Guerdat, Tim Gredley, and Juan Manuel Gallego all collecting just one painstaking time penalty. At the halfway point, there were just four clears, including one from team gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Ben Maher. This meant that those with time penalties or quick four-fault rounds could remain in contention for a place in the second round.

Of the remaining 18 riders, only last year’s winner, Martin Fuchs, could add his name to the exclusive list of clears who would carry no penalties to forward. It was not meant to be for the live contender, André Thieme, as two fences fell, ending the German’s quest to become only the second rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The Canadian crowd was also disappointed not to see a home victory as neither Tiffany Foster nor Erynn Ballard qualified for the next round.

As the second round of the class was built, the CEO and President of Spruce Meadows, Linda Southern-Heathcott, announced the exciting news that next year the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, would have an increased prize fund totalling CAD 5 million in honour of 50 years of international competition at the venue.

Max Kühner, first to go in the second round, added no penalties to his score of four faults and set the standard for the following riders, as did Rolex’s newest equestrian Testimonee, Richard Vogel, with the sensational stallion, United Touch S. Britain’s Tim Gredley and Medoc De Toxandria were another combination to leave all of the fences standing, and in doing so, remained on just a single time fault from the initial round, as did Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat.

Martin Fuchs produced the first double clear of the day, with Ireland’s Darragh Kenny quickly following suit, meaning that the sold-out crowd would be treated to a jump-off. Both Yuri Mansur and Ben Maher had one pole apiece; however, last to go, Daniel Deusser, secured a clear and proceeded to the shortened course.

With the riders returning in the same order in which they jumped in the previous round, it was Martin Fuchs who was first to return to the sunbathed arena. Fuchs and the striking grey gelding, Leone Jei, set the pace in an impressive time of 40.22 seconds, but he collected just four faults. Kenny could not match the pace set by Fuchs, with one pole and two faults. The pressure was therefore on the 2021 winner to deliver a clear, but two fences fell, meaning it was Fuchs who claimed back-to-back titles. Additionally, this now means that Leone Jei is the first horse to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major at the same venue.

Speaking on his win, Fuchs stated: “To be honest, I am a little bit shocked and surprised to win – you don’t expect to win when you have two of the best riders behind you. Today really was my day, and so I am very happy. It was hard to be the first into the jump-off; the wait was incredibly nerve-wracking!”

The Swiss rider continued: “Leone Jei is an incredible horse, and he has such an amazing jump. He always performs so well in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors – he is an unreal partner to have. The courses that we jump here are some of the toughest in the world; they really challenge the riders and the horses. You need to be 100% focused and confident, as well as have the courage to jump these impressive fences to be able to win here. I love coming here – it is a very special place to me.”

We are here at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Please could you describe how special it is to be here?

Whenever you get to jump in any of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors it is incredible feeling, they are really the epitome of show jumping. Spruce Meadows is a prestigious and historic venue – the best in the world have competed here and fought for that that title, and so just to be part of it is in an honour.

It is not the first time I have jumped at the ‘Masters’ but it is the first time I have competed in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. However, I have jumped in a few of the other Rolex Grands Prix that are part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Just to be here is incredible – you feel like you are in a videogame. The atmosphere is electric!

Can you tell us about your top horse at the moment, and what unique characteristics they have?

Right now, my top horse is Argan De Beliard, who I will jumped in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. He is also the same horse that I jumped in all of the Rolex Grands Prix this year. He is definitely a veteran, he knows his job incredibly well. We call him Mr. Consistency – he is always fighting for a clear round, and he understands the role. A lot of horses, that are considered the best, understand the sport, and he is definitely one of them.

He is not the most exciting horse to watch, and I think that is one of his strengths – he is so reliable. Usually, for these big Grands Prix there are always big tests and questions that have to be answered and to have such a reliable partner makes my job a lot easier.

Could you tell us about how important it is to have a good partnership with your horse?

Our sport is unique because you have two souls, not one. You have to work together, and you cannot yell at each other like you could with a human teammate. You have to find other ways to communicate, and find your own language with each horse. You only achieve this by spending time with them, and I think being very sympathetic is incredibly important.

One of the unique aspects of our sport is that men and women compete on a level playing field – I think that a huge asset for women is the ability to communicate in a way that may not come as naturally as for a man. You have to use your strengths, I have found that when I have a really strong partnership with my horse, and they know that I trust them 100%, they then trust me more.

Argan De Beliard is a horse that I have had for a number of years now, but we were able to very quickly jump the big tracks at the beginning of our partnership. He was an easy horse to trust and I am very grateful he let me be his person. At the highest level of the sport, with the risks you have to take, the strongest partnerships and relationships are the most successful.

You graduated from Havard – what lessons did you learn from your education that you bring with you to your career now?

I have learned a lot from having the opportunity to be educated – obviously it was a massive privilege that I had the chance to not only go to school but also to be able to pursue my career at the same time. Many have to make choice between the two, but I was in the unique situation that my family made it possible to do both.

It was never really a question, if I would go to college, but with riding it was always a choice. I think, in a way, I feel I have so much to prove, because I was given a leg-up and a lot of opportunity, and I don't want to waste that. I am very aware of how lucky I am, and really grateful for that.

Going to college with kids that didn't even know what I did or that sport is called show jumping was a gift, because I could fall off on Sunday in the biggest Grand Prix, or I could win, and on Monday morning, my classmates would have no idea, and I was just Lillie. That was such a privilege.

I think that in any pursuit that someone is extremely passionate about, it's so easy to get in your own head about it. I'd say that for most of the riders at this level, our self-worth is often defined by our most recent result, and that can be incredibly debilitating. So, I would say the number one lesson I learned is that life goes on, and we are so lucky to work with an animal, to be outside, to do something that is incredibly rewarding.

So obviously, I learned a lot in terms of academics, and I'm a bit of a nerd, so I loved that. I actually kind of I miss some of that, but I would say for my life, the biggest lesson is the perspective that it has given me and the immense gratitude that every day I am able to wake up and ride a horse.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given and who gave it to you?

I have gotten a lot of very good advice over the years, but I would say it's probably two things. The first would be my mother always reminded me that this is a choice and something that I choose to do. So when I'm really hard on myself, she likes to remind me of that. I think that it is incredibly valuable, because it is a choice – one that I'm very lucky to have.

The other major piece of advice came from McLain Ward. When he started to help me, I had lost a lot of confidence in myself, and in my ability as a rider. I'm very open about that, because I think for young people it is important to see. We watch all these riders that we consider superstars or just athletes in any sphere, and they all go through periods of self-doubt, but you don't necessarily see that. Especially as a woman, I think it's important to make clear that it is normal.

When I started working with him, he reminded me that I am good enough, that I have the ability to be the best. I repeat those words to myself every time, I feel like I could have done better. If he believes in me, then I must actually be good. I think I believe him more than I believe myself!

How do you remain focused and cope with the pressure before you go into the arena?

I'm definitely an individual that does better with more pressure, and that's something that I've practiced. The very first time I went to a show on a pony, my mother told me that I needed to imagine I was going into the jump-off for the gold medal at the Olympic Games. I say this to people now, and they always think that it could not be true. But it is so very true! You can ask the woman that taught me at the time.

I think that it's about practicing that pressure, and you often hear people say you have to use pressure as an advantage, and do not let it crush you. Of course, there are days that it can be very hard and the pressure can get the better of you. However, it's something that I tried really hard to work on, and I try to make the most of every opportunity that I get to jump at this level.

I am very lucky that the first time that I jumped in a five-star competition, I was 17-years-old. So, although I'm not old, I've done it for 10 years, and hopefully it's just the beginning! I would say there is nothing quite like practice and holding yourself accountable. I was always the type of kid in school that could be in tears before a test because I just couldn't stand the idea of failure. I would say that that's my personality type and probably why I've gotten used to a lot of pressure.

What advice would you give to young riders who are aspiring to compete at the highest levels of the sport?

I would say two things. Number one is to stay in school as long as it is physically possible. I get pushback on that. Obviously, not everyone has the opportunity that I did, but now with post-Covid, the way that a lot of education has transformed to online there are a lot more options. I still take courses online and try to expand my brain. In my opinion, it is incredibly important to just being a well-rounded person. Before I went to college, there were a number of riders that said to me: “Why are you bothering to do that? You have so much talent and you're going to ride anyway, so why not just ride?” But the sport is always going to be there, and the horses are going to be there. I think in order for our sport to grow, and keep up with the global dynamic and how the world is changing, that it's important to really push yourself and get educated.

The second thing I would say is don't be afraid to reach out to someone that you admire, and you might get a ‘no’, but that's the worst case scenario. There is so much opportunity now, between all of the live streams. You can watch almost any Grand Prix in the world, and if you can't watch it live, you can watch it back. If you get the chance to go to a horse show, watch the warm-up arena. Often people overlook that, but that is really where you see a rider. The best riders don't have one type of horse, they can ride multiple. So, watch and ask questions. I think you'd be surprised how willing the top riders are to help younger people.

What qualities do you think a horse and rider has to have in order to a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major?

I would say, as a pair, they have to have trust in each other, they have to have desire to win, and they have to have confidence. I would say those are the three major qualities. You see all different types of horses and riders that can win a Major, like in today’s class, but as a partnership, that they really need to have those three things.

How important do you think the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has been on the development of the sport?

We want our sport to be on the scale of, for example, tennis and the Major Grand Slam events that we all watch on TV. We admire those athletes, and in this world, we have the same respect for the riders and horses that are competing at what would be the equivalent level. To have the recognition and the support from a brand like Rolex and to put these events at the highest level, that's the pinnacle of our sport, as it would be in any sport.

Everyone obviously would love to jump a championship, but really the best are able to perform, not in just one weekend, but over multiple events. For any rider to go to any one of these Majors is a huge deal, but the fact that there are four Majors each year means that there is something that we can aim for every single year.

The funny thing about dealing with horses is, obviously, it's not just about the rider, the horse has to peak at the right time which requires some luck. You might miss an Olympic year or World Championship year, but every year that you have a super horse and you have that partnership, you can aim for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. I think it's the pinnacle of show jumping.

Please could you introduce yourself, and tell us your role and what this entails…

My name is Alejandro, and I am Erynn Ballard’s show groom. I started working for her eight months ago, and before this, I worked for Darragh Kenny. My job is to take care of her horses and travel with her to all of the shows – I try to do my best in every part of my job!

What inspired you to become a groom in the equestrian world, and how did you start?

My grandfather used to take care of horses, and we have always had horses back in Spain, where I grew up. I began riding myself but I had a bad accident and I was in the hospital for a long time. After this, I decided to quit riding and start grooming as I could no longer ride. Grooming was therefore a natural next step for me – it enabled me to keep working with horses.

Working with a Canadian rider, Spruce Meadows must be a very special experience for you, can you tell us how special it is to be here?

It is very special. We always want the horses to do well, but here at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, when Erynn enters into the ring everyone is clapping and cheering for her – it is an incredible feeling.

Spruce Meadows is my favourite show on the circuit, and of course, is even better when we do well.

Can you tell us a little bit more about the facilities here at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament?

The facilities here are exceptional – I have nothing bad to say. There are paddocks for the horses, a lot of turn-out, plenty of rings to flat, lunging arenas, and the stables are great – there are water points everywhere, good ventilation in the stables, and hot water in the mornings. I really could keep going on about the number of facilities here.  

What does a typical day look like for you at Spruce Meadows during a competition?

We have a routine that always stays the same – although we change the timings for riding depending on the class, but the routine is always the same. I come in you check the horses, feed them hay and grain. We try to keep everything as consistent as possible. In my opinion, consistency is the key! If you start changing things, then the horses are not going to perform as well. We try to keep everything simple. 

Can you share a bit about the unique personality traits or quirks of the horses you work with?

We have three horses with us this week. One is a lovely stallion called De Flor 111 Z Santa Rosa, he is very kind, nice, and polite – he doesn’t really do anything wrong. Then we have a nine-year-old gelding named Fave D'Authuit. They are all my favourites but he is a special one. He is fresh though – if it is a cold day then he can be a little bit quirky and cheeky. Finally, there is the man of the house – Gakhir. He is the number one – everyone loves him, and he cannot do anything wrong – whatever he does is always good. He is the special one.

What is Erynn’s approach to working with the team and horses, and what makes her so talented?

Erynn is the nicest rider I have ever worked with! I cannot say one bad thing about her. She is perfect! She takes care of everyone. She always asks about the horses, as well as all of the team including how we are doing, if our flight was good, if we have a rental car – she thinks about every detail.

What do you find most rewarding about working at the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors such as Spruce Meadows?

When you work day in and out with the horses it is so rewarding to see their progress. For example with our chestnut stallion, De Flor 111 Z Santa Rosa, we got quite recently and we have been jumping in the smaller classes and yesterday he jumped clear in the big class. It is a nice feeling when you see the horses improving and getting better all the time.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for someone in your role?

I think it is passion and love – you have to love what you do. You have to leave a lot of things behind with this job and so you need to be totally dedicated. You have to be a hard worker – there are so many hours involved, and you are always on the next plane or truck to the shows. I think that being a hard worker is key to it all.

How do you continue to learn and improve your skills as a groom?

You have to ask questions! If you have a question, you should always ask the other grooms and they will help you out. That is what is so special about our community – people are always willing to help out because we all love the horses. It is also always important to ask the wider team, the vets, grooms, farriers, and trainers.

You of course learn a little bit through your own experiences – you see what works well with one horse, and then try to adapt that to another one. The horses teach you a lot! If you think you know everything, then you will not get better!

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The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping crossed the Atlantic Ocean for the third Major of the calendar year – the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Taking place from 4–8 September, the world’s leading horses and riders are gathered in the breathtaking venue for five days of top international sport.

As one of the most anticipated competitions in the equestrian calendar, Thursday’s pinnacle class – the CANA Cup – brought together 44 combinations in a thrilling display of skill, precision, and stamina. The world-class field were not only aiming to claim this prestigious prize but also hoping to earn a spot in Sunday’s coveted CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.

It was a star-studded line-up that included the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, André Thieme, three-time Olympic gold medallist, Ben Maher, as well as last year's victors of CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei.

First to master Leopoldo Palacios’ beautifully crafted course was Canada’s Erynn Ballard – much to the delight of the home crowd. She was soon joined by teammate Tiffany Foster who ensured there would be a jump-off after a faultless and fast round. At the first break, eight additional riders had successfully produced clear rounds including Rolex Testimonees Kevin Staut and Daniel Deusser, as well as the American duo of Mclain Ward and Lillie Keenan.

As the competition so to did the clear rounds, with impressive performac produced by numerous riders such as last year’s winner of this class Richard Vogel. However, several class favourites including Britain’s Scott Brash – the only rider thus far to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – and Ireland’s highest-ranked rider, Daniel Coyle, did not quite produce the rounds they would have desired with time faults and one pole respectively.

In total 17 riders cleared the 1.55m course faultlessly, with one rider –  Armando Trapote – electing not to jump-off. Entering the ring in the same order that they jumped in the first round, it was first to go, Erynn Ballard who once again set the standard for the following riders with a clear in a time of 43.41 seconds. Known for his speed, Britian’s Matthew Sampson and his grey stallion Daniel, looked to have beaten Ballard's speed however added strides down to the final white CANA oxer left combination in second place.

Ballard held the lead, until thirteen to enter into the iconic International Ring, Max Kühner came home 0.76 seconds faster than the Canadian. His lead was quickly usurped by next to jump, Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel and the huge-striding stallion United Touch S who took the lead by over one-second. The remaining three riders which included Steve Guerdat and Ben Maher, the World No. 2 and 3, could not match the performance of the young German, meaning that he claimed the class once again.

Speaking on his victory, Vogel stated: “I am thrilled with how United Touch S jumped – he loves the atmosphere and the arena here. He felt very good, and so we will be trying to continue this form into Sunday’s Grand Prix. I don’t have to push him too much in the jump-off as he has such a powerful stride and gallops very easily. It is our biggest advantage – he can just jump out of his rhythm. We try to use this advantage as much as possible, and today luckily it turned out well.”

Can you explain to us how special the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is, and what makes it so unique.

Spruce Meadows is a very traditional venue that preserves the tradition of equestrian sport. We try to be as natural as possible, with the venue actively recycling and protecting the environment. The fences we use at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament set it apart from other competitions, with our signature long poles. The speed at which horse and rider combinations jump the fences here is faster than at other competitions, and the horses tend to jump really well.

For me, Spruce Meadows is one of the nicest venues to build courses. The Southern family, who own and manage it, are incredibly dedicated to the sport – they do so much. Rolex are also long-time supporters of Spruce Meadows, even before the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping started in 2013. I love designing courses for the Rolex Grand Slam, and I am fortunate to have witnessed the only time the title was won, here at Spruce Meadows, when Scott Brash triumphed in 2015. It was one of the proudest and most memorable days of my life. I have designed courses for two Olympic Games and worked at several others, but that day when Scott won was a very special day for me. The atmosphere in the International Ring was incredible – Scott was the last rider to jump and during his round you couldn’t hear a pin drop. However, when he cleared the last fence and it became clear he had won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the crowd went wild. I got goosebumps in that moment.

You have received a number of fences from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with the Pont Alexandre III Bridge in use for this edition of the ‘Masters’ Tournament. Could you tell us about these fences, and how special the iconic group of fences are at Spruce Meadows.

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament boasts the best collection of fences in the world. The Southern family have collected fences over the years, some dating back to Olympic Games in the 1970s, and we still use them today because they have been so well maintained. We have fences from most Olympic Games and World Championships since then, creating a fantastic collection. In this big arena, we use long poles which we create specifically for the fences, and I am very excited to use the fences from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this year.

The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is often considered to be one of the most challenging courses in the world, what makes it so tough to win?

I consider myself quite a traditional course designer. I use a variety of distances – short, long, and normal, and incorporate both ‘heavy’ and ‘light’ fences, aiming to test horse and rider combinations in every way. The tools I have to design the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, are perfect for this. The collection of fences is incredible, and the team I work with here is brilliant. I have been working with some of the team members for over 20 years; we function like an orchestra.

This allows me to create a challenging course for the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, which is designed to really test the horses without ever compromising a horse’s welfare. Striking the right balance between building a tough course and safeguarding the horses is always my top priority – the welfare of the horses is always at the forefront of my mind. The exceptional talent pool of riders that come here allows me to design such challenging courses – they bring their best horses, ready to tackle what’s often regarded as the most difficult course in show jumping.

Throughout the week at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, I prepare the horse and rider combinations for the Grand Prix on Sunday, getting them used to the ring and the fences. I don’t aim to scare the horses but instead to build their confidence leading up to Sunday. I am famous for designing tough courses, especially for the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, and people often think all my courses are really hard. That isn’t the case! I just know this ring, I know the fences, and I know exactly how to use every spot.

Can you tell us a little bit about the course that you have designed for CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex?

In the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex on Sunday, we will be using many wide oxers, more than most shows. The reason for this is the long poles we have, which allow the horses to jump with more width – they can fly!

In my opinion, incorporating width into show jumping makes the courses technically challenging. Another standout feature of Sunday’s competition will be the use of natural fences in the ring. For example, we have a real ditch and a real water jump, unlike the artificial ones used at other shows. This makes the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, a very special class.

This year, in the first round of the class, the triple combination in a difficult place, and I have designed other tricky lines as well. In the second round, when the top 12 combinations compete, I will build the course based on how the horses are jumping and the conditions. For instance, today’s conditions are perfect; clear skies, no rain, and excellent light – which helps the horses jump better. However on Sunday, I will need to assess how the first round goes before determining the level of difficulty for the second round and how hard a course I can build.

What are the main things to consider when you are designing a course, and what do you hope to achieve?

For me, the foundation of designing a course is always the horses. When building a show jumping course, it is essential to consider that some horses jump better on the right rein, while others jump better on the left. As a result, I design half the course on the right and half on the left. Some horses jump vertical combinations better, whilst others prefer oxers, so I never repeat the same setup. Bigger horses like longer distances, while smaller horses like shorter ones, so when I design courses I incorporate a mix of long, short, and normal distances. I try to test horses and their riders in different ways, ensuring that no single aspect or test of the course dominates the challenge.

How do you think the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament developed into one the leading equestrian venues in North America?

Ron Southern was a visionary of the sport, possibly the biggest in the world. He looked to the future and always tried to do the best for Spruce Meadows. Linda and the family continue this vision, also trying their upmost to make Spruce Meadows the best venue in the world, which is what makes it so special. Ron taught me a lot, and Linda as well, sharing their visions and ideas with me that I wouldn’t necessarily have had. Linda thinks 10-years into the future, and that has really helped Spruce Meadows as a venue to grow and develop. The entire team here wants to make it the best venue in the world, which has developed the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament into a place of excellence. We try to be the best, and that makes this venue very special.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was formed in 2013 – over 10-years-ago now. In your opinion, how big an impact has the concept had on the sport?

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has completely transformed the sport. Before its introduction, show jumping sport was good, but somewhat static. The Rolex Grand Slam has had a profound impact because the four Majors are different to all the other shows – they are the pinnacle of competition. Rolex has always been important in equestrian sport, even before the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping started, but I think the introduction of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping elevated the sport to a new level. It challenges and pushes riders to achieve the highest levels of excellence across the four different venues.

Each of the four Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva – are all very different. This diversity adds excitement to the sport. You never know who the winner will be, everyone has a chance, and very few riders win these big Rolex Grands Prix often.

Do you have any other passions away from show jumping?

My biggest passion away from show jumping is my family. I have three grandchildren, one from my son and two from my daughter. They make my life complete, I joke with my friends that if I had known how good having grandchildren was going to be, I never would have had children! I also like fishing and sailing boats. I don’t have that much time to do it anymore, but I used to do it a lot and I would do sailing races as well. When I was young, I had time to do many things, but now I am older, not so much! 

Please could you introduce yourself, and tell us your role and what this entails

My name is Will Lyles, and I am one of Rodrigo Pessoa’s show grooms. My job is to travel to shows across the world, and take care his horses.

How did you begin your career in the industry?

I started off riding and competing myself, and then I decided that I could travel the world and go to better shows if I became a groom for a top rider. So, I change my path and now I get to travel to the best shows with Rodrigo, such as here at Spruce Meadows.

We are here at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – could you tell us about the facilities here for not only the horses but also for the grooms?

It is my first time here, and so far everything has been excellent for the horses – there are numerous wash bays and we have access to everything we need to be able to look after our horses. In addition, the groom’s hotel is quite close, so that makes everything easier.

Can you tell us about the horses that you currently look after and their different qualities

We have Major Tom, who is Rodrigo’s top horse and together they competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just a couple of weeks ago. He has a lot of character and likes to be the centre of attention! He is a very capable horse and so I think he deserves to be the centre!

Then we also have our 10-year-old mare, Dhalida with us this week. She is a big girl, but she is our speed horse, and is very easy to deal with and look after.

Just having two horses is much easier when you are on your own, generally their schedules do not clash too much, and so you can care for them both properly without having to rush around.

How do you ensure that your horses are fit and ready to perform, especially after they travel?

I try to make sure that they do not get stressed, and try to keep their routine the same no matter where they are or what they are doing. I try to keep everything simple so they do not have too much change happening around them.

Do you have any superstitions or a certain routine that you have to do at an important competition?

I am not overly superstitious, but if I have saddlecloth that a horse jumped clear in then I will put it on the second horse so that one will hopefully jump clear as well. To be honest, that is about the only thing I do.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping once again travels across the Atlantic Ocean to one of North America’s leading equestrian venues for the third Major of the calendar year, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. From 4 – 8 September, the world’s most elite horse and rider combinations will gather in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with the hopes of claiming the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex and becoming the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. Spectators will be treated to not only five days of thrilling competition but also sensational shopping, fabulous entertainment, and a vast array of food and drink.

The 2024 edition of the show will welcome a number of Paris 2024 Olympic Games medallists, namely Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, who won individual silver, and Scott Brash and Ben Maher who claimed the team gold medal for Great Britain. The venue is also excited to reveal their latest ‘Spruce Media Jump Collection’ – fresh from the Paris Olympics, the Pont Alexandre III Bridge will be utilized in Leopoldo Palacios’ challenging courses at the ‘Masters’, with the other fences from this year’s Olympic Games being revealed next year when the Tournament celebrates 50 years of history.

Away from the outstanding show jumping on display, for shopping lovers, the MARKT will feature over 175 vendors, spread across locations including the Equi-Plex, Village Shops, Horizons Pavilion, and Founders Plaza. In addition, Spruce Meadows will once again welcome back the Blacksmith World Championships. Blacksmiths from across the world will convene at the prestigious ‘Masters’ event, vying for the coveted title of the world's best. The competitions will take place daily with categories including forge work, blade-smithing, and wielding.

Meanwhile, on the Scotiabank Stage, ticketholders will be treated to musical performances to match those in the International Ring. Located in the heart of the International Plaza, a range of dancers and fabulous musicians will delight crowds, including His Majesty's Band of the Household Cavalry as well as local Calgarian singer and songwriter Matt Blais. Whilst, in the Deloitte Ring, a range of exciting performances will be on show notably by Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, remarkable vaulting and dressage displays, and fan favourite the Corgi Cup.

The International Ring once again hosts what promises to be five days of world-class show jumping classes, and improvements have been made to ensure these classes are truly unmissable sporting moments. These improvements include the removal of the 'Table Top' to allow course designers more flexibility and room to create courses, as well as the addition of new large video screens to improve the viewing experience.

CSIO5* classes begin on Wednesday 4 September with the TELUS Cup and the Cardel Homes Cup and will conclude on Sunday 8 September with the show’s pinnacle class the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Held over two rounds and a jump-off, this class is a true test of the horse and rider’s courage, skill, and stamina. The competition is expected to be fierce, with current live contender André Thieme, as well as last year’s triumphant Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs in the field.

For those who will not be making the journey to the venue, you can watch all of the excitement unfold in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex using the free live stream on the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping website. 

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping returns to the iconic CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament, the third Major of the calendar year, from 4 – 8 September 2024. The finest horse and rider combinations will gather at what is often considered to be North America’s premier equestrian venue for five days of world-class competition, which will culminate with the highly anticipated CPKC 'International', presented by Rolex, on Sunday 8 September.

Following his sensational victory at the CHIO Aachen with the fearless mare DSP Chakaria, Germany’s André Thieme travels to the ‘Masters’ as the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. Thieme, will be hoping to continue his winning form and claim consecutive Majors – something which only a select group of elite riders have been able to achieve. Their daring jump-off round at Aachen clocked in 1.25 seconds ahead of American rider McLain Ward, who recently added to his already impressive medal collection at the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games. Ward – the ultimate competitor –  will be looking to go one better at this Major.

Among the favourites is defending champion Martin Fuchs, who has enjoyed a remarkable season, securing Rolex Grand Prix victories at both the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Dublin Horse Show aboard Leone Jei and Conner Jei, respectively. The Swiss rider continues to add to his already impressive legacy, which includes being the only rider to have won consecutive Rolex Grands Prix at the CHI Geneva (2019, 2021) and clinching the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2022.

Fuchs will be joined by several fellow Rolex Testimonees, including compatriot Steve Guerdat, currently ranked World No. 4. Guerdat, a three-time Olympic medallist, finished third behind Fuchs at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and recently earned an individual silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Dynamix De Belheme. Buoyed by his previous performance at the ‘Masters’, Guerdat will be aiming to repeat his 2021 victory in the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Notably, the Swiss rider has competed in every Major since the inception of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping back in 2013.

Rolex Testimonees have dominated the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex for three consecutive years, with Daniel Deusser taking the title in 2022. Deusser will return to Calgary eager to reclaim his crown, accompanied by four fellow countryman, including Richard Vogel. Vogel's 2024 season has been impressive, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen as well as multiple five-star victories at the same venue..

British rider Scott Brash will also make a much-anticipated appearance, undoubtedly recalling his historic feat at Spruce Meadows in 2015 when he became the first - and only rider to date - to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, following three consecutive Major wins. Brash is sure to be riding high off his recent team gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Brash will be joined by his three-time Olympic gold medal winning teammate, Ben Maher, another formidable contender. Maher, currently ranked World No. 2, has had an outstanding season and remains a serious threat as he looks to add yet another prestigious title to his illustrious career.

Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut is another strong contender. After securing the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard in July and boasting a string of podium finishes this year, the former World No. 1 will be looking to add another impressive win to his record.

The home crowd will be delighted to welcome several Canadian riders to the ring, including the highest-ranked Canadian rider, Tiffany Foster. Foster has already had a CSI5* win at the venue this summer, and therefore knows what it takes to deliver in the impressive ‘International Ring’. Other Canadian challengers include Amy Millar, whose father Ian was the last Canadian to win the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex on Dixson in 2014, as well as the second highest-ranked Canadian rider, Erynn Ballard.

Six riders will represent Ireland including Conor Swail and Daniel Coyle, who were part of the BMO Nations Cup winning team at the show last year. Other notable entries come from World No.3 Max Kühner, Brazilian legend Rodrigo Pessoa, and the 2018 victor Sameh El Dahan.

Course designer Leopoldo Palacios is set to create a formidable test for the elite field competing in the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. With such an impressive line-up of talent, spectators are in for a gripping spectacle as these riders battle it out in the ultimate quest to become the next Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

Congratulations, you are the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender following your sensational win at the CHIO Aachen, how do you feel?

At the time I was hoping to be selected for Germany’s Olympic team, so I didn’t have much time to celebrate. But of course the win felt incredibly special, and I realized that I'd have to become an Olympic Champion to match that victory! Winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen was a perfect story for me - it was a lifelong dream come true.

Reflecting on your win in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen – how special was this victory to you and your team?

It was very special. When I had two poles down in the Nations Cup class at the CHIO Aachen my whole team was so sad because we knew that would probably be the end of my Olympic hopes. However, when I won the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, that turned things around completely and we were all so happy and thrilled. The whole team kept saying: “this win is even better than going to the Olympics!”

Can you tell us more about DSP Chakaria – why is she so special and what is she like as a character?

In the stable, you would never expect DSP Chakaria to be such a superstar. She is the most calm, laid-back, and relaxed horse. She is a little shy with people, likes to be on her own, and will happily sleep all day in her stable – she is a very calm horse. However, as soon as you put a saddle on her and start cantering and jumping, she comes alive. It's like switching on a big machine! DSP Chakaria transforms from a calm, sweet horse into a firecracker.

When I ride her, she pumps herself up and has a lot of energy, which means she can be quite feisty at times. She has not always been the easiest to ride – sometimes it was hard to have a steady contact and have my leg on. Over the last five years, we have been working on keeping her calm and relaxed when jumping. She has so much power and explosion that is was sometimes hard to have a smooth looking round. We've made big progress with our flatwork in the last two years, and I have had unbelievable success with her – we have won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CSIO Roma Piazza Di Siena, the individual FEI European Championship title, and other big five-star Grands Prix around the world together.

It has always been great with Chakaria, but this year, things somehow became smoother. Winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen is something a rider will never forget – it is like winning an individual championship medal. I know what it means, and I know that every show jumper in the world wants that title. Chakaria made it all happen; she is such a special horse.

I think the reason that she is so special is because she is the full package. I have had scopey and careful horses before, but Chakaria is scopey, careful, fast, flexible, powerful, and one of her biggest strengths that makes her a true championship horse is her stamina. Even after five days of competition, she is still sharp and fresh—the more she jumps, the better she gets. At the CHIO Aachen, the Rolex Grand Prix was the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds that she jumped – she is better the more she jumps. Chakaria is complete in every way, she doesn’t really have a weakness and is truly extraordinary.

How important is the relationship and the bond between a horse and rider to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major?

I strongly believe, and have always said it, that riders can only achieve great things in show jumping if they have a very good relationship with their horse – it is all about trust. Your horse needs to want to fight for you. I love DSP Chakaria, and of course the big victories influence that, but from the beginning with her, there was something special. I had to be careful with her when she was younger not to go too quickly as she was a bit difficult at the start of our partnership and we had to grow together, which I think makes a difference. I am pretty sure that she also likes me!

The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex is often considered to be one of the toughest courses in the world. How have you been preparing yourself and your horse for this?

I am going to take DSP Chakaria with me, but I am not sure if I will ride her in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex . I have competed at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament many times, and I know that some of the top championship horses do not always jump their best there, because the traditional style of jumps with the long rails and courses don’t suit all horses. Spruce Meadows is special, but even some great horses like King Edward [ridden by Henrick Von Eckerman] don’t tend to jump as well in the arena there. Therefore, I am not sure which horse I will ride in the Grand Prix. Although, since she is so brave and forward, and likes jumping on grass, I think she will be fine – I am definitely going there with big hopes.

Who has been the biggest inspiration in your career and why?

As a young boy, I was always looking up to people like Ludger Beerbaum, and now I am riding with the likes of Christian Ahlmann, Marcus Ehning, Daniel Deusser, and Steve Guerdat, I try to continue learning from them as well. I try to do my job with open eyes and learn something from every great rider, of whom there are many. However at the same time, I believe it is important for riders to focus on their own strengths and ride with their own strategy too. I can’t really pick out one singular rider who has been my biggest inspiration, but I have been and am still inspired by many different riders. The main thing is that I still try to keep learning and developing.

How important is your wider team, for example, grooms, vets, etc. in your success?

It starts with my family at home. They go through a lot with me competing so much and fighting for spots on big championship teams. Going to championships brings a new kind of pressure, and the mental effect is different from the norm. My family supports me while I am in that zone and perhaps acting differently or more stressed than usual. They have my back and give me my freedom – they are my main anchor.

Then, of course, the grooms, the home riders, the managers, and all the people around me are so important. They plan everything and make it possible for me to go to the shows, and enable me to be able to only focus on my horses, and worry about what is happening at home. Our sport requires a big team effort, and I think that when we have a big win, we will all win together. The horses are crucial too; without a good horse, you can’t achieve the big wins.

I have never really had a trainer, apart from my dad when I was younger, so when I win something like the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, it really was for myself and my whole team.

How big an impact do you think the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has had on the sport, and how important do you think sporting Majors, such as the CHIO Aachen or The Championships, Wimbledon are in sport?

I think it is very hard to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping; it has only been achieved by Scott Brash in 2015. These days, it is even more challenging because there are so many different riders and horses who could win a Major. I’m not sure if anyone will ever win it again. However, the chance to try and win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping makes a big difference to the sport. It's not only the big prize money on offer, but the title of winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, or winning a Major, is something pretty special - almost like winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games! It is quite similar to the Grand Slams in tennis; everybody wants to win them, but most never get close – only the great athletes do, and they become part of the sport’s history. To win a Major you have to be the best of the best – it does not happen by luck.

If you weren’t a show jumper, what would you have been?

I was a very good soccer player when I was younger, so I once dreamed about being a professional player. However, now I am older, I think that dream has finished! I’m not sure what I would have been if I was not a show jumper, but it would have been something related to sports. I am a sport lover – aside from soccer, I watch and play tennis. My son is a handball player, and so I have become quite interested in that. I now spend a lot of time in the United States of America, and so I watch a lot of NBA and basketball.

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – one of the four Majors which make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – has a rich and impressive history. Over the past 50 years the Southern family have developed the showground into what is widely considered to be the leading equestrian venue in North America. From the outset, the mission of Spruce Meadows, which is still wholly owned and operated by the family, was to create a unique environment of "good friendship, good commerce, and good sport".

The journey of Spruce Meadows began in 1971 when the Southern family purchased 80 acres of farmland in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Canada. Just two years later construction of this legendary venue began, with work starting on the Riding Hall and East and West Meadows, and on 13 April 1975 the Official Opening Ceremony took place. In the same year the ‘Pegasus Club’ – Spruce Meadows’ Volunteer’s Club was officially born and consisted of friends and supporters of the Southern family – many of whom are still part of the club and regularly help at events.

On 3 June 1976, Spruce Meadows held its first competition, and from there the competition schedule and facilities have continued to grow and flourish. Attracting sponsorship has been an important element in growing Spruce Meadows, and in 1989 Rolex became the Presenting Sponsor of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, taking the venue to the next level. This year Spruce Meadows will celebrate the 35-year anniversary of this partnership.

As the showground grew with numerous stabling facilities, competition areas and much more added to the site, so too did the prize money. In 2000, the first $1million Grand Prix in the world was held at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and was won by Rolex Testimonee Rodrigo Pessoa ridng Gandini Lianos. 2006 then saw a change in leadership with Linda Southern-Heathcott, herself a former international show jumper, taking on the role of CEO and President. Southern-Heathcott credits teamwork to the success of Spruce Meadows, stating: “You have to have a strong team with you and around you. You need to be able to successfully communicate what the vision is, but it is the teamwork that helps you be successful.”

Throughout the years the acreage of the property has grown to accommodate the number of equestrian tournaments and additional events such as the annual Christmas Market. In 2007 Spruce Meadows purchased an 30 additional acres to bring the total size to 360 acres including 200 acres of pasture and 160 acres in tournament grounds.  

2013 was a momentous year for the venue as the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament was named one of the four Majors to make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the sport’s ultimate challenge. Over 10 years later the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has set the standard for show jumping, with Spruce Meadows a true reflection of the prestige of the concept. Just two years later the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament played host to the iconic victory of Scott Brash, who became the first, and to date the only rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The facility is also the home of Cavalry FC, a football [soccer] team who compete in Canadian Premier League. The team, which play their home matches on the 5,000-seater ATCO Field, played their inaugural season in the League in 2019, and are now a key part of the Spruce Meadows story.

Nowadays, Spruce Meadows hosts around 500,000 visitors annually and is open 365 days of the year.  Spruce Meadows is not only a leading equestrian venue, but a cornerstone of the Calgary community which provides residents with place to gather for sporting, lifestyle and educational events.

In addition to the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex partners several highly esteemed summer Grands Prix. From March through August, the world’s top horse and rider pairs gather at some of the most iconic shows in Europe and North America to compete in these elite events.

The 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival concluded with the Rolex Grand Prix under the floodlights at Wellington International. It was Germany’s Christian Kukuk, making his Wellington debut, who claimed the spoils, starting his campaign towards winning an individual Olympic gold medal in style. Riding his Olympic mount, Checker 47, Kukuk had the advantage of being last to go in a star-studded jump-off, with former Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner McLain Ward finishing in eventual second, less than a second behind the German.

Set in the private gardens of Windsor Castle – built in the 11th century – the Royal Windsor Horse Show hosted the first Rolex Grand Prix of the European summer season. Course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral crafted a delicate first-round course, presenting subtle challenges that resulted in at least one pole being knocked down at every fence. Despite this, 12 out of the 34-horse field jumped clear, showcasing the high calibre of competitors. The jump-off provided an intense battle against the clock, with Gregory Wathelet riding Bond Jamesbond De Hay and Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat delivering impressive performances, separated by just 0.11 seconds to finish in second and third place respectively. Entering the Rolex Grand Prix as the defending champion, Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs brought only one horse to Royal Windsor, Leone Jei. His faith in the talented gelding paid off, securing back-to-back victories in the class, following his 2023 win with Connor Jei.

The Rolex Grand Prix provided a notable conclusion to the inaugural event of the newly introduced Rolex Series, the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena, which took place from 22-26 May. The jump-off featured 13 combinations, and although Sweden’s Petronella Andersson with her 10-year-old mare Odina van Klapscheut produced an excellent round, it was last-to-go America's Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque who ultimately claimed victory, galloping around the course in world-class fashion. This remarkable win made Cook the sixth American rider to capture the Grand Prix title at the 91st anniversary of the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena.

Set on the stunning shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Western France, the Jumping International de La Baule has been a premier destination for distinguished show jumpers and their horses for over 60 years. Often hailed as one of the most picturesque events on the equestrian calendar, leading riders can frequently be seen riding their horses along the beautiful beaches each morning. This exquisite setting provided a perfect backdrop for the second Rolex Series event of the summer.  Just two weeks after winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena, Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque jumped double clear but this time finished in second place in the Rolex Grand Prix, behind compatriots Kent Farrington and Greya, who claimed their first international victory together.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pan American Cup, presented by Rolex, took place at Spruce Meadows, Canada, on Sunday 30 June. The challenging 14-obstacle, 17-effort course, designed by Frenchman Gregory Bodo, co-course designer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, saw only seven horse-and-rider combinations advance to the jump-off. Matthew Sampson, riding Daniel, celebrated his third five-star win of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. Overcome with emotion, Sampson praised the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion as "one of the most incredible horses" he has ever worked with. America's Elena Haas on Claude, and Kyle King riding Odysseus, finished in second and third place respectively.

The Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard took place on Sunday 21 July at the CSIO Jumping International de Dinard, also part of the Rolex Series, where a technically challenging course saw only six competitors advance to the jump-off. Steve Guerdat set the time to beat in 42.44 seconds, a mark that remained unchallenged by four of the six combinations, despite their best efforts. However, fellow Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut, riding Beau de Laubry Z,  took 1.03 seconds from Guerdat's time to secure the win in front of his home crowd.

This weekend, all eyes turn to the CSIO Dublin Horse Show, where the inaugural Rolex Grand Prix will take place on Sunday 18 August and offer a record prize fund of €500,000. First held in 1934, the Grand Prix of Dublin boasts a rich history, with some of the world's most celebrated riders, including Rolex Testimonees Bertram Allen and Kent Farrington having lifted the prestigious trophy. As one of Ireland’s largest sporting, social, and family events, fans can undoubtedly expect to witness top-quality equestrian sport at the fourth Rolex Series event to take place this summer.

As a Canadian rider, what does the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament mean to you?

I grew up in Calgary, Alberta with Spruce Meadows on my doorstep. Since my childhood I have aspired to compete at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. I feel incredibly grateful to have done so for several years now.

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is exceptional. As a Canadian and a Calgarian, I am very proud of the show and what the organizers have put on, and the community that has been created over the years. This incredible event has hosted the very best international show jumping horses and riders. The calibre of the this competition is very special for me, my family, and many Calgarians.

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is one of the leading shows in the world and has maintained its prestigious status for many years and to compete there is phenomenal. I look forward to it every year and plan my year around it. I love the ‘Masters’ Tournament, it is my favourite show!

The arena at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is highly unique; do you have to ride differently there compared to other arenas?

I think Spruce Meadows is making great strides in modernising its facilities, from the course designs to the materials they use; they keep up with the show jumping trends. The International Ring is a big grass arena and requires riders to gallop and make sure their horses are responsive and confident.

The jump-offs during the competitions are some of the best in the world. Riders can really get their horses going forward and galloping around the course. When competing at this level, your horse must trust you, be brave, and feel comfortable performing in such fantastic atmosphere.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?

Eric Lamaze has had a big influence on my career. Working with him for several years provided me with invaluable experience on a variety of horses, which is crucial for developing as a young rider. Additionally, I had the privilege of attending some of the world's best shows, which was an incredible opportunity. This experience allowed me to manage my own horses and gain a comprehensive understanding the sport of show jumping, from the business aspects to horsemanship and competition. Working for Eric was a key eye-opener, and I am very grateful for the opportunities I got while doing so.

As well, my family has been a huge influence on my career, allowing me to follow my dreams and compete whilst supporting me throughout. My boyfriend, Matthew Sampson, has also been a major influence. We've been together for five and a half years and run a business together. Matt [Matthew] is incredibly talented, and I continue to learn from him every day. He is my biggest supporter and provides constant emotional support. I love that we are able to compete together and against each other, and then at the end of the day have a debrief and plan for future competitions. While many more people have inspired me, Eric, my family, and Matt are my top three influences.

Can you tell us about how important your team is to your success?

We have an incredible team behind us with great staff who work extremely hard, as well as co-owners and owners. There are so many in the equestrian community that have helped get both Matt and to where we are today. We would not be here without our team’s hard work, dedication, and love for the horses. It sounds cliché but when things go well, it is not just mine or Matt’s success, it is our whole team’s.

What qualities do you think a horse and rider need to have to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major?

There are only four Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors a year, so to win one takes a lot of planning and you rarely see a new partnership win one. Horse and rider combinations have to have spent enough time together at the highest level of the sport before they are able to win a competition as prestigious as a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.

A rider needs to understand their horse completely and the wider team needs to be on board with the plan and the preparations for the Major. Even when you feel you have the best plan; we are working with live animals, so anything can happen. Regardless of all your hard work and dedication, it sometimes takes a bit of luck to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.

Our sport is a lifetime sport and there is a reason for that – it takes a long time to put things together and develop horses so that they reach their best ability. There is so much involved in our sport, so I think that winning a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major should be celebrated because it does not happen often during a rider’s career.

Can you tell us about your current string of horses, and do you think any are capable of winning a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major?

I have a great group of horses at the moment. I'm still developing quite a few, including some younger ones in Europe that we believe have great potential. My best horse right now is Igor GPH, and we have been together for about two years. We've competed in some five-star Grands Prix and achieved good results and have won a few three-star Grands Prix as well.

You never truly know if your horse is capable of winning a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major title until you are in the moment, but Igor GPH definitely has huge potential and I think he would rise to the occasion.

My other horse, Quidamo F, is a bit older. I have had him since he was seven years old, we've been together for about seven years now. We've competed in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament twice before, placing in one and unfortunately having a fault in the other. He is definitely capable of winning a Rolex Grand Slam Major but nowadays due to his age, we are selective about which competitions we enter him for. Spruce Meadows suits him perfectly, and he has had incredible results there, so I always plan to jump him at the venue.

I believe both horses can win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major but I also have to be on my game, riding my best and giving them the support they need.  We hope that our younger horses will one day reach this level too. It's an exciting time, and I feel lucky to have not only the horses I have now, but also the ones coming up for the future.

Your boyfriend, Matt Sampson, is also a top-level show jumper – what have you learnt from each other?

We learn something from each other every day! Matt is a fierce competitor and incredibly talented, I could not wish for a better partner. He knows horses so well and is a gifted horseman. We bounce ideas off each other all the time, which is extremely beneficial. It's wonderful to have a committed partner by your side, going through all the ups and downs with you and someone who understands everything without needing words to explain.

said, it's not always easy to have your partner compete against you! I might have an excellent weekend while Matt doesn't, or vice versa, which can be tough. Despite this, we have an incredible relationship and I’m fortunate to have Matt as a partner in life and in this sport. At times it can be very emotional, and having him to talk to is invaluable.

The course at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is often considered one of the toughest in the sport. How do you prepare yourself and your horse for the challenge?

I believe preparation comes from experience in the ring. Spruce Meadows hosts a summer circuit, and those who compete there over the summer tend to do well at the ‘Masters’ Tournament because their horses are familiar with the arena and the fences. If riders can participate in those events, it serves as excellent preparation. Competing at other Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors such as the CHIO Aachen, or at other big grass venues, provides great preparation for competing at Spruce Meadows. 

The course built for the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, is one of the most challenging that combinations face all year. Even though the Grand Prix isn’t until the afternoon, the course is usually set up in the morning. It's quite interesting to watch riders walk it four or five times, analysing the best plan for themselves and their horse – it is something you don’t see often. Walking the course creates a really cool atmosphere with all the riders trying to approach it together, uncertain of what's to come. It is super exciting!

Show Jumping is one of the only sports in the world where men and women compete against each other – how special is this?

Having been in this sport for so long, it's easy to forget that it's unusual for men and women to compete against each other. I believe we give the men a real run for their money. Women riders getting stronger each year and are given more opportunities to advance. I'm incredibly proud to be a female athlete in show jumping and hope to inspire other female riders to do the same. In this sport, when working with horses, we are on an equal playing field which is great.

What does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping mean to you, and how important do you think it has been for the sport?

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an extremely import circuit in our sport and winning a Rolex Grand Slam Major is akin to winning an Olympic medal. It doesn't happen often, and when it does, riders should recognize what they have accomplished. I hope to win not just one, but many. Fortunately, both Matt and I have time to reach this goal, as many riders in their sixties are still competing at the top level -- so time is on our side!

The second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year concluded with a yet another sensational Rolex Grand Prix in front of a capacity crowd of 45,000 people at the CHIO Aachen. This year marked a number of momentous anniversaries for the iconic equestrian venue, as they not only celebrated 100 years of history, but also 25-years with Rolex as the Main Sponsor.  

Forty of the world’s best horse and rider combinations, who had qualified for the Rolex Grand Prix over the proceeding days, tackled the Frank Rothenberger-designed course with the hope of adding their names to the coveted list of riders who have been crowned victors of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, a venue which is often described as the Wimbledon of the equestrian world. Interestingly, six of the last 10 riders to have won the Rolex Grand Prix have been German, and with over a quarter of the riders representing the home nation – crowds were hoping for yet another German victory. 

Held over two rounds, with a jump-off if riders are tied on penalties, the Rolex Grand Prix is a true test of endurance, scope, and talent that requires the highest level of harmony and trust between the horse and rider. 

Third to enter the arena, Argentina’s José María Larocca set the standard early with a smooth clear, as did the next rider to take on the expertly designed course, the Rolex Grand Prix reigning champion, Germany’s Marcus Ehning much to the delight of the home crowd. The current live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Willem Greve, riding the mount with which he won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters, was hoping to do what only two riders have achieved – to win two Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors in row. He was, however, unable to repeat his form from The Netherlands.  

With the 18 top riders from the opening round proceeding into the next round, those who could produce a fast-four faults would stay in contention for one of the sport’s most coveted prizes. In total only 9 riders jumped clear in the first round, including Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca and Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs, already a three-time Slam winner, along with home-favourite Richard Vogel, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in December. 

Starting in reverse order based on the results from the first round, it was tenth to go, American rider McLain Ward, who jumped the first double clear of the class and put pressure on the remaining eight riders in the second round. Out of those riders, only Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Germany’s André Thieme – the individual 2021 FEI Jumping European Champion – and World No.10 Richard Vogel joined the American as those who would proceed to the jump-off. 

Anticipation was heavy in the air in the Aachen Soers arena as McLain Ward cantered into the packed stadium as first in the jump-off. The two-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner flew around the shortened course clear in a time of 41.02 seconds. Fuchs took almost two seconds off the American’s time however, it was not meant to be as the penultimate fence fell. The crowds exploded with cheers as Thieme then took the lead in a time of 39.77 seconds, with just one left to go. It looked like last to go, Vogel, would claim his second Major as he crossed the line over one second faster than his compatriot, but it was heartbreak for the young German as the final Rolex vertical fell, leaving Thieme to take the victory. 

Speaking on his win, the German commented: “It is every rider’s dream to win the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, and to have my name on that list, especially as a German, it is incredible. Two years ago, I won the Nations’ Cup here with the team, and that was a lifetime dream, and now this – I think I should retire from competing here at the CHIO Aachen, it does not get better than this. The atmosphere and crowds are unmatched – there is nothing that can compare. ” 

Speaking on his jump-off, Thieme continued: “I did more strides from fences one to two – I know my horse does not have the biggest stride but she is very quick on the ground, so I was able to do a very tight turn to the penultimate oxer, and then to the final fence I took the risk – my horse [DSP Chakaria] is a freak, she is incredible!” 

The CHIO Aachen, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show, runs for 10 days each summer, however, it is not the only time that the venue is home to a schedule of action-packed activities. Throughout the year the venue plays host to the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS in partnership with Rolex,  the ‘home of equestrian excellence’.

The CHIO Aachen CAMPUS focuses on five different clusters, namely Training, Digital, Youth, Education, and Excellence. Across these five clusters, the main aim is to ensure that knowledge and skills are taught to promote the sustainable development of equestrian sport. It is hoped that this will be achieved through practice-oriented transfer of knowledge, high quality and exclusive training, and good infrastructure, with the CHIO Aachen providing a centrally located training location.

Programmes will be run throughout the year, for example, the Equestrian Stable Management course – an International Certificate Programme in cooperation with RWTH Aachen International Academy. The programme develops efficient and innovative working methods to meet modern challenges in the equestrian business by integrating world-class equine specialists and renowned business professors. The programme which launched at the beginning of April has a truly international cohort of 20 students from 11 nations.

In addition, the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS aims to inspire the next generation of top-level equestrian athletes through their ‘Programme of Excellence’. The Programme of Excellence is an outstanding international training programme for young, talented riders from all over the world. The goal of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS is to provide a specialised training course that helps young and ambitious equestrian athletes make their way to the top of the sport. Currently focusing on dressage and show jumping, the coaches are none other than Isabell Werth and Jos Lansik.

The welfare of the horses is another essential element of the CHIO Aachen, which is why it is driving forward scientific research together with the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS in the CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle. In this alliance, international scientists and equestrian sport experts and CAMPUS are currently investigating how sport horses feel when competing at the international show event in Aachen and how their well-being can best be taken care of on site. This is being measured using innovative methods and is intended to set new standards for horse welfare.

The CHIO Aachen CAMPUS has courses and activity days that cater for every age and ability from young children to local riding clubs to the stars of the future. To find out more about the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS click here or follow their social media channels.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us what your role is…

My name is Margo Thomas. I groom for Laura Kraut and I have worked for her for five years.

What made you want to pursue a career in horses?

I grew up riding, but when I was younger I mainly evented. Eventually I decided, given my circumstances, that it was better to make money then spend money, and that the best route for me was grooming. I moved over to grooming for show jumpers about nine-years-ago, and it has built from there. I have had such great opportunities along the way, and the peak of this definitely is working for Laura.

I started working for Laura about five-years-ago this autumn. When I first started I didn’t expect to walk in and be Laura’s groom straight away, I thought I would just be part of a team. However, when I got there, they said if you are good enough in these first few days then you will go to St Tropez, and from that it became show after show.

Laura and I click really well. The last five years have been amazing –  within the first six months we were part of a the Nations’ Cup winning team at Wellington, and then Covid happened. Afterwards there was a big build-up to Tokyo and I got to go and support Laura and Baloutinue, and then last year we had the Pan-American Games with Dorado 212 – it has been a great career so far getting to help Laura and her horses. I am enjoying every second I get to spend looking after these incredible animals, and being part of this amazing team.

For you why is the CHIO Aachen such a special show?

It is the best show in the world – the atmosphere here is electric, and the amount of people that understand horses and riding is phenomenal. The crowds truly ride the course along with the riders, they understand the striding – it is so wonderful to have such a knowledgeable crowd, it is something that is not always the case. This show is so prestigious, and every class is so momentous that you remember who won last year. There is so much energy and history – it is fantastic to be here again this year.

Can you tell us a little bit about the facilities for yourself and the horses?

The stabling here is great! It has been quite cold here this week and the stables have been very warm – they have cement walls and low ceilings, and they are perfect when it is chilly like it has been. It is lovely to have the big grass field where the riders can exercise the horses and we can give them some grass. There is so much room to get the horses out of the stalls – there are a lot of other shows where there is nowhere to walk around or exercise the horses out of the arenas.

Of course, I also appreciate the grooms’ lounge in the stables, we can grab a bite to eat to pretty much any hour of the day – that is really valuable to us when we are busy with the competition.

As a show groom you travel around the world, how do you ensure that your horses are happy and ready to compete?

You have to pay attention to their individual characters. I don’t think you can say that there is a standard routine for every horse, but seeing, for example that one horse hasn’t drunk enough water, so then you need to add a bit of comfort mash to the water to encourage them to drink. When you know your horses well, you know which ones travel better than the others.  

In Europe, when you travel long distances we stop more often, however in America stops are less common so we try to put them in box stalls so that they can move around. Usually, wherever the horses go I am along for the ride, whether it is on the plane or in my hammock in the back of the lorry. Looking after horses needs to be individualised to their specific characters – you need to make sure that you are paying attention to each horse and how they act throughout the journey.

What qualities does Laura have that makes her a great boss?

Laura is good at communicating what the horses need, but what she is really good at is that she trusts our team, and that we all communicate between each other. She knows that we are here to support her and the horses. She is someone who helps and gives me direction, but is not going to follow me around because she trusts me – it is great to work for someone like this.

What qualities does Laura have that makes her such a successful rider?

Laura’s greatest quality is that she cares about her horses and is the consummate horse person. She keeps their best interests in mind when planning competitions and working at home. But she also loves them.

She also has the best game face of anyone I know. When she goes in the arena, she is only focused on the task at hand, she isn’t thinking about what’s going on at the home farm or in another ring. If a rail falls, she immediately moves to change the plan and go faster, or decide it’s better to train the horse for the rest of the round.

As a groom, what does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping mean to you?

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is so prestigious and I have been to three of the four Majors which is a huge privilege. I love the Majors, but sometimes I have to look at them like they are just another horses show.

My job is always to do what Laura and the horses need to the best of my ability. Of course it is nerve wracking walking up to the arenas, but once the horse is in, there is nothing that I can do. All I can do is hope that I have done my job well and to support the horses and Laura. I try to not bring any nervousness to my job because the horses because feed off your energy. I try to take a deep breath and look at what I need to do to make sure that they are as successful as they can be.

What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?

I think that the key to grooming is to make sure that the horses come first. You need to remember that horses are animals, and they have their own instincts. We ask the horses for an hour of their day to work, but the rest of the time they should be horses, and live their lives comfortably. We have made it a big part of our programme that the horses have a lot of turnout and at the shows they get a lot of hand walking. They should always be the priority, it’s not all about what happens in the competition ring.

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Under the dazzling lights of the CHIO Aachen’s iconic main stadium, 45 of the world’s elite horse and rider show jumping combinations entered the arena with the hope of claiming Wednesday's pinnacle class, the Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe. The competition also provided the first chance for riders to secure their place in Sunday’s iconic Rolex Grand Prix.  

As is often the case at the World Equestrian Festival, the field was truly star-studded and included the current Olympic and European individual Champions of Ben Maher and Steve Guerdat as well as the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Willem Greve riding the 12-year-old stallion, Highway T.N. N.O.P., with whom he won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters earlier in the year.

First to jump clear around the challenging Frank Rothenberger-designed course – which consisted of 14 combinations – was Rene Ditter, but it was not meant to be for the German rider as he picked up two antagonising time penalties.

However, fifth to canter into the historic arena, the in-form Christian Kukuk riding Just Be Gentle produced the first clear inside the time much to the delight of the home crowd. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, quickly followed suit just two horses later to ensure that the passionate crowds at the CHIO Aachen would be treated to a jump-off. Clears came throughout the class with six additional German combinations making it through to the second round including the 2023 victor of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, Richard Vogel. Last year’s winner of this class, Yuri Masur, looked determined to make it back-to-back wins as he produced a faultless round with QH Alfons Santo Antonio, as did the 2022 winner America’s McLain Ward.

Of the initial 45 riders, 12 proceeded to the jump-off and with numerous fast riders in the class it was set be an exciting jump-off. Riders returned to the arena in reverse order of merit meaning that Belgium’s Thibeau Spits who was first to face the shortened course. The young Belgian rider did not quite have the round he would have wanted as two fences fell. Second into the jump-off Christian Kukuk, set the standard for the remaining riders with a clear in the time of 48.48 seconds, a time that was quickly usurped by his compatriot Patrick Stühlmeyer.

America’s McLain Ward had the crowd on the edge of their seats as he flew around the course with the 16-year-old mare Callas, and took the lead by over two seconds – a time that looked hard to beat. However, next to go, the three-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner, Guerdat, soon proved it was possible, but heartbreak came when he had the penultimate fence down.

The German crowds then came alive as Richard Vogel and Cepano Baloubet flew around the course in 42.44 seconds to sit in provisional first place. None of the three remaining combinations could match the speed and accuracy of Vogel, meaning that he not only claimed his first Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe, but his second 5* victory of the day.

Speaking on his victory, the German rider stated: “My horse [Cepano Baloubet] jumped amazingly tonight and he feels in great shape – he was really fighting for me today. The atmosphere was incredible – with the floodlights and all of the spectators, there is no other feeling quite like jumping here. It has been a dream start to the week!”

For you, why is the CHIO Aachen such a special show?

The CHIO Aachen is the biggest equestrian show in the world and the Rolex Grand Prix there is one of the toughest Grands Prix to exist in show jumping. I always feel a lot of pressure when designing the CHIO Aachen courses as they have to be designed with exact and precise margins to get the right results.

Once again the top horse and rider combinations are here this year. Some of the horses have pre-qualified for the Rolex Grand Prix, and will solely jump in this class on Sunday. Other pre-qualified horses may jump in one class before, and many will have to qualify for the class by jumping in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup or the Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe class.

Myself and my team of course designers always plan the course for the Rolex Grand Prix weeks before and carefully watch the classes leading up to it to consider how the horses are performing and whether we need to change little things on the course. This year I think the riders are all really well prepared, and can use the classes earlier in the week to give their horses confidence for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday.

Can you tell us a little bit about the course that you have designed for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix?

It is a 1.60m course, so we build it to the maximum height, and there will be oxers with a width of 1.80m. There will be a double of ditches alongside the lake – which is tradition for the Rolex Grand Prix here at the CHIO Aachen, as well as a water jump. In total there will be 40 horses in the first round, 18 in the second and then hopefully five or six clear rounds to come to the jump-off.  

What are the main things to consider when you are designing a course, and what do you hope to achieve?

First of all, safety, to make sure nothing happens to any of the horses. It is really tough jumping, so we have to be careful with the distance between the fences and the material of them. Many of the jumps are kept a plain colour, like a solid white or rustic for example, so there aren’t so many poles with contrasting colours. The Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen is always a bit bigger than the other Grands Prix around the world, it is a big arena and I think the riders enjoy jumping around it.

If you could ride one horse in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, who would you chose?

In years before, there used to be perhaps 10 or 12 potential winners out of the 40 riders in the Rolex Grand Prix. Nowadays, I think that 25 to 30, or even 40 riders could win the Rolex Grand Prix, so it is difficult to select one specific horse – there are many top horses.

How important is the team around you in a successful course?

I have three assistant course designers who work with me, along with one team member who produces the course drawings, three people who organise the storage of the fences. It’s a big group - overall, we have 50 people in the team, which is a good thing because we have to build the courses overnight under floodlights to prepare for the next day.

Which course are you most proud of? 

One of the courses I am most proud of is the one I designed at the FEI World Championships in 2006. On that course, a pole from every jump fell down at least once, so I think that was one of my best course designs. The course I designed for the FEI World Cup™ Final in Riyadh earlier this year was also very good.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in a career in course designing?

It is helpful if you have been a rider yourself before, as you then have a feeling for lines and placing jumps in the right positions. I think that aspiring designers should start at the local shows, and then pick one or two course designers who they can assist. To get to the top level in course designing takes between 15 and 20 years, so someone starting out in the industry should start when they are in their twenties if they want to design 5* classes one day. Like my daughter, she assists me but also many other course designers to help learn from different experiences.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the top of the sport but are there any other sports that you are passionate about? Do you take any inspiration from these other sports?

I go sailing, which is very different to horse riding! I sail all around the world – in the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, Thailand, everywhere! I stopped riding when I was 21 years of age to start my company when I was 22-years-old in course designing and that’s what I am still doing now.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was formed in 2013, and the first Major was held here at the CHIO Aachen. In your opinion, how big an impact has the concept had on the sport?

Every rider tries to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. I remember in 2015 when Scott Brash won three Majors in a row. He won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in December 2014, and luckily again at the CHIO Aachen, and then again at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in Calgary. Scott won a lot of money by winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, and all of the riders are still looking to repeat this achievement.  

You’ve had a great career so far – what has been your proudest moment?

The proudest moment of my career so far is winning team gold at my last competition as a junior in 2021, which was at the FEI European Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Vilamoura. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever had. I think that it is every rider’s goal to go to the Europeans or a championship and win a gold medal.

You come from a show jumping dynasty – what advice do you take from your father and brothers?

It is not always easy to follow my father and brothers, but the best advice they have given me is to simply look at myself and try to make my own path. It is useful to see what my father and brothers have done, and to know that I can ask them for advice when I need it.

Do you feel any pressure to follow in the footsteps of the success that your father and brothers have had?

I definitely feel pressure!  My father achieved so much in his career and now my brothers are very successful. However they don’t pressurise me, I put the pressure on myself. I try my best not to think too much about it and focus on my own path.

Who are your role models away from your family?

Aside from my dad, I would say Ludger Beerbaum, he was at the top of the rankings for a such a long time. From of the riders that are competing now, I admire Henrik von Eckermann –  who trained in Ludger’s stables – and Jeroen Dubbledam. They have both won numerous championships, and for me they are some of the best examples in the sport right now.

What keeps you motivated and hungry for success?

I’m getting older now, this year is my last year as a young rider and I didn’t really have the horses for winning this year. However, I think it makes me more hungry. I have a few promising young horses for the future as I transition to competing as a senior. I am going to try my best to get to the top level, and to hopefully one day ride in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen.

Can you tell us a little bit about the horses that you have at the moment?

I have a few nice eight-year-olds, one of which I am riding this week, Gabell D’arvor. He has a long way to go but he is a promising horse. All together I currently have four eight-year-olds and one seven-year-old. They are a very promising string of horses, but I know I have to be patient with their progress.

The CHIO Aachen is the second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major in 2024, can you explain how special this show is?

I rode at the CHIO Aachen for the first time last year in the Under-25 classes and the first thing I said after doing so was that I wanted to ride there again this year. The feeling of riding in the arena at Aachen is spectacular – it is the most beautiful arena in the world. I have been going to the event every year for a long time, watching my brothers and my father jump the big classes there, so it is a dream come true to be able to ride in there again this year.

As a young rider, what does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping mean to you?

For me, it is the highest level of the sport, taking place at the most beautiful shows in the world. The atmosphere at the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors is phenomenal. These shows attract the best horse and rider combinations in the world. For me, it is my biggest dream to compete in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors.

Away from show jumping, what other sports are you interested in?

I love to watch football and I follow Formula One a little. I sometimes play paddle tennis with my friends and when I was younger I used to play a lot of football, but there came a point when I had to choose, and I chose riding.

Do you have any superstitions before you compete?

I don’t really have superstitions. I try to keep my routine the same as usual, so that my preparations for myself and my horses stay consistent.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is delighted to announce the exciting launch of an all new preview show. The programme, which will last 20 minutes, will be aired for the first time on the Rolex Grand Slam live stream and YouTube channel ahead of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen on Sunday 7 July.

For the first edition, Rolex Testimonee Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum will act as the host of the show. United States-born but now a naturalized German, Michaels-Beerbaum is the first and only woman to have been ranked World No. 1 in show jumping, and knows what it is like to win the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, having done so in 2005. Now retired from the sport, she focuses her time on her students and transferring her wealth of knowledge to help the next generation of riders, including her very talented daughter, achieve their goals.

The programme will be spilt into four sections, each focusing on different areas of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and will allow fans exclusive access into the individuals which make up the sport’s ultimate prize, as well as learning more about the different Majors.

After a short introduction, the programme will firstly reflect on the last Rolex Grand Slam Major; for this debut episode the focus will be on The Dutch Masters. This segment will look back at the video highlights of the top three placed riders. This will then be followed by an interview with the current live contender of the sport’s most coveted prize. In this episode the Dutchman – Willem Greve – will speak about how it felt to be the first Dutch rider to win his home Major, and how he feels to be coming to the CHIO Aachen as the live contender.

Next, the show will explore legacies within the sport, the importance of family in an individual’s success, something which host Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum knows about with her daughter Brianne.  The show will then move onto an interview with one of the organisers of the specific Major. In this inaugural episode Birgit Rosenberg, Member of the Managing Board Aachen Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV)  will discuss what makes the CHIO Aachen such a special venue, and why it is so often considered the ‘mecca’ of the sport.

Horse welfare is one of the most important aspects of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, and during the next portion of the show, this key aspect will be explored further, and will provide information on best practices for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of these magnificent animals, and how to ensure they remain in peak condition for competition.

As the show will be aired prior to the CHIO Aachen Rolex Grand Prix, Michaels-Beerbaum, using new and exciting data based on performances from the past year, will run through the predictions for the winner – this will provide a key insight for those tuning into the live stream.

Finally, the show will give an insight into all of the excitement and entertainment of the Majors away from competition. In this episode, influencer Mathilde from ‘Mathilde_et_sligo’ will share her experience about the various activities and attractions at the CHIO Aachen.

To find out more about how to tune into this exciting new programme, follow the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping social media channels.

From 28 June - 7 July, the CHIO Aachen will welcome the world's top horse and rider combinations to the iconic Aachen Soers showground for the hundredth time. Since welcoming riders and carriage drivers for the first time in 1924, the CHIO Aachen has been a cornerstone of equestrian sport, and this year’s event promises to be a remarkable tribute to a century of equestrian excellence. The World Equestrian Festival at the CHIO Aachen will showcase five thrilling disciplines: show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, and vaulting. An electrifying atmosphere is guaranteed as 360,000 spectators will gather over 10 days to witness a new chapter of sporting history unfold.

Following the iconic Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 2 July, Wednesday 3 July will see the start of the 5* show jumping at the CHIO Aachen. The Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe , held in the evening under floodlights, offers the first opportunity for riders to qualify for the show’s pinnacle class, the Rolex Grand Prix. The excitement will continue the next evening with the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup, where eight teams will compete over two identical rounds, with the best three results per team counting. In this Olympic year, selectors will be closely monitoring performances in this class to finalise their teams for Paris.

The grand finale, the Rolex Grand Prix, will take place on Sunday afternoon in front of 40,000 of show jumping’s most passionate and knowledgeable fans. Much like The Championships, Wimbledon, this is the competition that every rider aspires to win. The CHIO Aachen is one of four Majors that make up the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which rewards any rider who consecutively wins the Rolex Grand Prix at three of the four Majors. Following his success at The Dutch Masters, Dutchman Willem Greve is the current live contender for this extraordinary achievement, a feat previously accomplished only by Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash.

In dressage, the ultimate display of harmony and precision will be showcased in the Lindt-Prize, the Dressage Grand Prix of Aachen Freestyle to Music, taking place on Sunday, 7 July. The home crowd will be thrilled to see their very own Isabell Werth take centre stage. The Rolex Testimonee aims to etch her name on the CHIO Aachen winners' board for the fifteenth time, as she prepares to pursue her thirteenth Olympic medal in July. Her top competition will likely come from compatriot Frederic Wandres, Sweden’s Patrik Kittel, and reigning FEI individual World Champion Charlotte Fry, to ensure an exhilarating atmosphere in the Deutsche Bank Stadium.

On the final Friday and Saturday of the World Equestrian Festival, the SAP-Cup will feature the world’s best eventers. The competition begins with dressage and show jumping tests on Friday, followed by the thrilling cross-country phase on Saturday, 6 July. Once the cross-country concludes, attention will then turn to carriage driving with the world’s top four-in-hand drivers will set off in the Prize of Schwartz Group Marathon driving competition, often likened to the 'Formula One’ of carriage driving.

Beyond the thrilling action supplied by the world-class equestrian disciplines, visitors can also indulge in a range of attractions including diverse displays, shopping, and exquisite dining. The two 'Horse & Symphony' concerts, a breathtaking prelude to the CHIO Aachen, will this year also celebrate the show's one-hundredth anniversary, adding a touch of musical grandeur to this historic milestone.

Congratulations! You are the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, how are you feeling ahead of the CHIO Aachen?

It is an honour to be on the list of riders who have won a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major. It is incredible to ride at the CHIO Aachen, and it would be a dream come true to win there. Of course, there is more pressure and more eyes on us now being the live contender, having won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters, but I am trying to just focus on my horses and keep everything the same as before.

Reflecting on your win in the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters – how special was this victory to you?

At the time I didn’t notice it because you are so focused on your horse and the moment. It was a very emotional win! The crowd was incredible, and the atmosphere was sensational. As a rider, you dream of those moments, and afterward, you really realise how special a moment it was. It was even more special in the way that it happened – not only being a Dutch rider but also being the last one to go and to beat Henrik [von Eckermann] by such a fine margin. It is a win that I will never forget.

Highway TN N.O.P. is an incredible horse – can you tell us a little bit more about him?

Highway [TN N.O.P.] is an approved stallion by Team Nijhof. I started riding him when he was seven-years-old. He has an incredible attitude and the heart of a lion. Together we have had several good results, and so I am very confident in our partnership. He has always been a winner, but the question was always: ‘How much scope does he have?’ However, every question we asked of him, he answered in a positive way. He is a dream horse – it is the attitude and mentality that he has that makes him so good.

What is Highway TN N.O.P. like at home?

He can be a bit grumpy to be honest! He has a big character, but he is not a mean horse at all. He has a lot of energy and is very willing to work, this is one of his best qualities. You have to let him be by himself sometimes, but my groom Richard knows him inside and out – they have travelled around the world together and so they know each other very well.

How have you been preparing for the CHIO Aachen? Do you feel any extra pressure knowing that you are the live contender?

The CHIO Aachen is such a special place. Before The Dutch Masters, my horses had jumped there a few times, but it will be their first time jumping at Aachen. I am trying to not change my preparations – I want to keep everything as normal as possible. As my horses have never been there before, I want to see how they adapt to the arena and the atmosphere during the week. They can grow in that ring, and if this happens it is a phenomenal feeling. I am not going to have too much of a plan – usually when you go to a show you know which classes you are going to do with each horse, but Aachen is something special, and so I want to take it day by day.

Can you tell us about the other horses in your string? Do you think that any of them have the qualities to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major?

Grandorado TN N.O.P. is my other top horse alongside Highway [TN N.O.P.], however, we will not be bringing him to the CHIO Aachen. I will be bringing a 10-year-old stallion called Minute Man who is owned by a group of American women – it is going to be a step up for him to compete there but he is a very talented horse. I will also be bringing a nine-year-old mare called Pretty Woman van 't Paradijs, and I have very high expectations for her. I own her alongside the widow of my late owner Mr Korbeld who died in March. He was an incredible supporter for me over the past decade. It will also be her first time competing at the CHIO Aachen, but I am very excited about her – I think she has all the talent. She is young, and so she needs to gain the mileage and experience, but I think she could be a very special horse for my career.

The arenas at The Dutch Masters and at the CHIO Aachen are very different. How have you been preparing for the large grass arena at the CHIO Aachen?

Aachen is a long week, with a lot of jumping – to be honest, I have only ridden there twice in my life. One time it was the longest week of my life – it was a disaster – but the other time I had a really good show and it was a dream. As I have said before, the four horses that I am bringing have never been there before, so I am going to try and pick classes that suit them well and make a good plan. We will take it day by day to see how it goes – we want to make sure that the horses rise to the arena and the atmosphere. I want to enjoy the horses and the moment. 

How important is your wider team, for example, grooms, vets, etc. in your success?

They are everything! Not only my travelling groom Richard, but everyone in the team. The team at home, my riders, the other grooms, the blacksmith, the vet, and the feed company are all so hard working and incredibly dedicated. Everybody plays a big role in our success, and they will never be forgotten or appreciated enough for the effort that they put in day and night. I am only in the ring for two minutes, and without my team’s endless work, we would be nothing. It is like in Formula 1, Max Verstappen drives the car, but without the team around him, he could not be as successful. I do not think that you can acknowledge their support enough.

How big an impact do you think the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has had on the sport?

I think that it has had a huge impact. I think that when you look back over the past 10 years of the concept, you realise how special and how big an achievement it was for Scott Brash to win three Rolex Grand Slam Majors consecutively. The Majors are the pinnacle of the sport, and they keep on improving. Rolex commits to and connects the best shows in the world, and they lift the whole sport to a higher level. It is an incredibly impressive and an honour to be jumping at the Majors.

How important do you think sporting Majors, such as the CHIO Aachen or The Championships, Wimbledon are in sport?

Sporting Majors are so important – they are the best of the best. With our sport, if you win on Sunday you have to start working again on Monday morning. It is our passion, not our work, and I think most top athletes would think like this. If you do not have passion for your sport then you will never be able to deal with the disappointment that comes with sport. In reality, winning is the easiest part of the sport, it is losing and dealing with struggles such as an injured horse that is hard, and this is where you need passion. It doesn’t matter if you are a tennis or golf player there will always be disappointment. I think that the Majors and their athletes encourage the passion of the next generation.

If you weren’t a show jumper, what would you have been?

To be honest, this is what I have always wanted to do, and so I have never thought about anything different than what I am doing right now.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Never give up! You should also treat your horse like a horse, as you will never beat nature.

Similarly to how the tennis Grand Slam calendar moves surfaces from clay to grass, so too does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – from the indoor arenas of the CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters, to the awe inspiring grass arena at the CHIO Aachen, the next Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major. The show, which often draws comparisons with The Championships, Wimbledon, attracts the finest horse and rider combinations from across the globe – all with the same hope of claiming the prestigious final class, the Rolex Grand Prix.

Dutch rider Willem Greve goes to the CHIO Aachen as the live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Greve made history in March when he became not only the first Dutch rider to win the Rolex Grand Prix [during the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping era] at The Dutch Masters, but also the first Dutch rider to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major. Partnered by the sensational stallion Highway T.N. N.O.P, Greve set the home crowd alight as last to go in the jump-off. The duo have continued their impressive form since, winning the Loro Piana Trophy at the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena – part of the newly formed Rolex Series – last month.

Another rider who is expected to be at the sharp end of the three rounds of competition that make up the Rolex Grand Prix is Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs. The World No. 6 recently won back-to-back Rolex Grands Prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show, and once again showcased why he is considered to be the amongst the best in the world. He will be joined by the reigning FEI individual European Champion Steve Guerdat – both riders have won some of the sport’s most coveted titles, including multiple Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors, but have never claimed the prestigious trophy on the final day of the World Equestrian Festival at the CHIO Aachen.

Great Britian will be represented by a strong contingent of riders including the World No.2 Ben Maher. Maher, who will be looking to defend his individual Olympic title later in the summer in Paris, will bring four of his best horses including his top mare Dallas Vegas Batilly, with whom he won the Rolex Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters last year. Maher will be joined Robert Whitaker who will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his father [John] and uncle [Michael] who won the class in 1997 and 2012 respectively. Rolex Testimonees Harry Charles and Scott Brash will also represent Great Britian – Charles will be looking to claim his first Rolex Grand Slam Major, meanwhile Brash, the only rider to have ever won the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title, will be hoping to restart his quest for a second title.

The home nation will be hoping to retain the prestigious prize that was won last year by Marcus Ehning, who this year brings Coolio 42 and DPS Revere for the 5* classes. German riders have claimed the Rolex Grand Prix title for the past three years and for this one-hundredth edition have 16 entries in the CSIO competition. Daniel Deusser returns with Killer Queen VDM with whom he won the title in 2021, and was second last year, and will no doubt be one of the favourites on the final Sunday of the World Equestrian Festival. Other notable German riders include the CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix winner, Richard Vogel, as well as the consistent senior level rider, Jana Wargers, who will be hoping to become the first woman to win the class.

Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa is one of the sport’s finest talents and has won each of the four Majors [in the pre-Grand Slam era]. Pessoa will be riding Major Tom, the 11-year-old chestnut gelding who was fifth in this class last year, and will be hoping to repeat his victory from 30-years-old ago, when he won the title in 1994 at the age of 21.

One not to be discounted is World No.1 Henrik von Eckermann. The Swedish rider has continued to dominate the FEI World Rankings over the past two years and this year claimed back-to-back victories in the FEI Jumping World Cup^TM Final. Rounding off the this year’s entries, which includes 6 of the world’s top 10 riders, is two-time Major winner McLain Ward who will be making the trip across the Atlantic Ocean from the United States of America, and Ireland’s in-form rider Shane Sweetnam.

The sporting Majors are considered to be the finest competitions in the world – from the Masters in golf, to the French Open in tennis and the 4 majors of the Rolex Grand Slam in show jumping – these are the events that the best athletes strive  not only to compete in, but to win and write their names in the history books of their sport.

The Majors have the finest history and long standing traditions that make them sensational and unmissable sporting occasions which are iconic fixtures in peoples’ calendars. Alongside tennis and golf, show jumping has its own Grand Slam calendar which is made up of four Majors – The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva – which come together to make-up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

In tennis, the term Grand Slam refers to the accomplishment of winning all four Majors across a one-year cycle, something that has been achieved six times by five different players across both the men and women’s game. In golf, the rules remain the same and to date the first and only  player in the men’s game to have won a Grand Slam was Bobby Jones in 1930. To win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the sport’s ultimate challenge – riders must win three out the four Majors consecutively. Thus far in the concept’s 10-year history, only Britain’s Scott Brash has achieved this incredible feat.

Much like in tennis where each Major has its own unique court and surface –  from the distinctive blue surface of the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open to the manicured grass courts of The Championships, Wimbledon – each of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors have their own unique settings and surfaces that truly test the courage, skill and athleticism of the horse and rider combinations that compete.

Following his memorable victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters, Dutch rider Willem Greve heads to the CHIO Aachen as the live contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Greve who was victorious in the indoor arena of the Brabanthallen in the Netherlands will now have to adapt to one the sport’s ultimate stages, the CHIO Aachen where riders will compete in a large grass arena. Often compared to The Championships, Wimbledon – this venue attracts more than 350,000 passionate supporters across 10 days of competition – a record attendance among equestrian events.

Like the winners of the Australian Open, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who this week will be looking to continue their Grand Slam story at The French Open (20 May – 9 June), Greve will hoping be continuing his quest for perfection to become only the second rider in history to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the sport’s ultimate challenge – is delighted to announce an exciting development it’s popular retro-style game. The immersive game, which was initially launched at the CHIO Aachen last year and has been available to play at each of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors since, will now be available online, with players able to access the game on both mobile devices and desktop computer via pixeljumpingmajor.com

Players can choose from a variety of different horses and must ensure that they carefully clear each of the fences, as well as collect all of the apples to boost their speed to cross the finish line first and accumulate the most points. In addition, players can now choose which of the four historic venues that they would like to compete over, from the hallowed turf of the Aachen Soers Arena to the largest indoor arena of the CHI Geneva, the game brings the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping closer to fans than ever before. As a one-of-a-kind game in the equestrian world, ‘Pixel Jumping Major’ is accessible for all ages with its easy to understand rules and simplistic game controls.

Unlike the game which is hosted onsite at each of the Majors in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Experience booth, the online game will be a single player experience, however a global leaderboard is soon to be released meaning that players can challenge their friends across each of the different courses. Furthermore, the leaderboard will add a competitive element to the games, as players can attempt to win their own virtual Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title – something that has only been done once in reality, by British rider Scott Brash aboard his sensational gelding Hello Sanctos.

The booth, which travels from Major to Major, provides fans with numerous experiences such as being able to get up close to memorabilia, including the Rolex Grand Slam Trophy, as well as exclusive branded merchandise that is unique to each of the Majors. The booth is also home to a spectacular VR Experience, enabling you to be virtually transported to both FEI World Under-25 No.1 Harry Charles’ and a multiple Major winner, Steve Guerdat’s yards for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities and horses.

For more updates on the game, along with exclusive interview content, remember to follow Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping social media channels.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your job?

I am the travelling groom for Ben Maher. I travel with his top horses across the world – from national to international competitions – but most of the big shows are abroad nowadays. Wherever they go, I go.  This process starts at the stables at home from when we get them ready and put them on the lorry. If we are flying somewhere we will go via Liège or Amsterdam to get to our final destination. My job is to look after the horses and to make sure that they are as happy and healthy as possible. 

How did you begin your career in the industry?

My career with horses did not begin until I was 17-years-old. I have always had a love for animals, and at the time that I started looking for a job, the type of job I originally wanted was not available for my age so I found something to do with horses, and I have never looked back. 

I started with the basics with young horses at the smaller national shows and I worked my way up eventually to working with 5* Grand Prix horses over the past 37 years – it has been a long but rewarding journey. 

If you could go back in time to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?

I am not sure that there is much advice that I could give myself as I am still learning. With horses, you learn something new every day, even now after working in the industry for over thirty years, and I think it is what makes our job as a groom so special. 

When I first started my career aged 17, I truly started from scratch. Of course, it would have been easier to start in another way, but it has been an incredible journey. To be honest, when I first started I knew nothing about horses – I could tell the difference between a donkey and a horse. Growing up I always loved animals, and I remember my sister had a book on horses, which really interested me. When I got the opportunity to work with horses I took it and I have never looked back. At the beginning of my career, I learned to ride on the younger horses, and we were at national shows a lot of the time.

It has been a hard journey, but if I could go back I would do it all again because I have had so many opportunities, from working with foals to stallions and everything in between. For me, I have always been focused on working within show jumping. I have always done it for the love of the horses.

You often make long journeys to events; how do you ensure that the horses are still fit for competition after the trip? Do you have any top advice for ensuring their welfare?

My main priority is to make sure the horses are stress-free. There is a lot going on during a flight, but I think that if you know your horses well you should not have too many issues. You need to make sure that the horses are as calm as possible. If you have a good relationship with your horses you will know them inside and out and they will trust you – I think this is very important to make sure that they travel well. 

I always make sure they have a hay net and that I always have ‘sweets’ with me – these can help calm a horse down if needed. When you know your horses well you should be able to know how they act before they react, and therefore you can be ready for this. Ultimately, the horse should trust you and it is your responsibility to make sure that they feel confident. 

Young horses are like children, they learn very fast, and when they get older they are more experienced, and so it is important to make sure that a young horse feels safe and happy – and that is our job as a groom.

Do you have any superstitions or a certain routine that you do at an important competition?

I am very superstitious! I always talk to my horses before a big class and say ‘Come on it is a big day’ or ‘We have a challenge – let's do this’. It is a very little thing but it makes you feel more confident. I always think and hope that we can win, but you have to have a bit of luck in a big Grand Prix like a Major. Ultimately, if the horse gives its best that is all that matters. You need luck, and that is the same in every sport be that Formula 1 or football. The horse and rider have to perform at their very best, and the groom also has to give 150% to ensure the horse is feeling good and is happy going into that class. 

Our team is incredible, and as a groom, I would give everything for the success of Ben and the horses. At the end of the day, it is all about the team, and it starts with the team at home. The horses are like our babies – we are with them most of the time. When one of your horses wins a Grand Prix or even jumps clear it is a lovely feeling. Of course, it is nice to win a big Grand Prix, like at the CHIO Aachen, that is what it is all about, but if the horse jumps well and gives its best then that is also great. We all do this for the love of the horses – to take care of them for the riders so that they can be the best that they can – that is what it is all about.

Could you tell us about the string of horses that you look after and some of their characteristics?

Each horse has their own unique set of characteristics. For instance, Point Break is a stallion and he has a lot of personality. He is now coming into his own and I feel like this year is his year – he goes into the ring now and wants to show his best. Dallas Vegas Batilly is a mare, and she has a very special character. Sometimes it can be a fine line with her but she is adorable and will do anything for you. Ginger-Blue is another super lovely and talented mare, and there is Enjeu De Grisien who is also lovely. Explosion W is, of course, the number one in the yard. What he has done for Ben is just incredible. 

To be honest I haven’t got one bad thing to say about any of his horses. They are all soft, and of course, they have their moments but that is the same with humans. The rider and groom must understand each of the different horses’ unique qualities. For example, Exit Remo is like a professional he just goes in and does his job. You have to adapt to each horse – that is the job of a groom. 

How do you ensure that they are able to peak at the most important moments during the year?

It is a team effort! Of course, I am at the shows with the horses. But the people who ride the horses at home when Ben and I are away are crucial to the success of the team. Ben trusts us all and that is what makes our team so strong. 

We have a manager at home who will hold the fort whilst we are away, and this allows Ben to focus on competing and doing well, as he does not have to worry about what is happening. It is important that he has a clear head and can concentrate on the show. 

Ben has had some incredible results in the Rolex Grand of Show Jumping Majors – what is it about them that makes them such special events?

They are four of the best shows in the world. For example the atmosphere at the CHIO Aachen or the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – you really are not going to get better in the sport. It is the same for The Dutch Masters and the CHI Geneva, they are all incredible shows.  It is what the sport needs – full stadiums so that people can see what the sport is like at the top level, and the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the sport at its top level. All of the best horses and riders are there, and therefore you get the best sport, with a super jump-off. These venues have the best facilities there for the horses and incredible arenas.

The Majors are an occasion to rise to. I always get chills as I walk down the tunnel to jump in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, it is an incredible feeling. It does not get any bigger than that class – the Majors are the top level and that is what they should be. 

What qualities do you think a horse and rider must have to win a Major?

To win a Major both the horse and rider, as well as the groom, have to be at their very best. There is no room for errors – it all has to be spot on. It starts in the stable and finishes with the jump-off at the end. 

You have to have a bit of luck – like any sport in the world. You have the best of the best at each of the Majors trying to win – all the riders bring their top horses so you have to go there and give your best, and hope that it is enough for that day. You could go and give your best and it could only be good enough for third place that day. 

How important do you think sporting Majors, such as the CHIO Aachen, or The Championships, Wimbledon are in sport?

They are so important – they bring the best sport! You have all of the top riders there trying to beat the best. In Formula1, the very best at the moment is Max Verstappen, and all the other drivers are trying to beat him, and the same with tennis everyone wanted to beat Nadal when he was World No.1. In show jumping at the moment the best is either Ben or Henrik [von Eckermann], and the other riders have to do better than them. Ben is always chasing Henrik – it is not easy to be better than the best in the world, but that is the motivation and the drive in sport. This is what raises the level of the sport. 

If you could pass one thing on to an aspiring groom, what would it be?

Set your goals in life and try to live and push for that dream. I have a dream and everyone has a dream in life – you have to try to make it a reality to your best ability. I also think you need to learn from your mistakes – everyone makes mistakes but you have to carry on and get better. If you are devoted to this sport then you will get better and achieve your goals.  Don’t give up, it is important to keep going. I have been doing this job for 37 years and I am as motivated as I was when I was 17-years-old. 

As a team we are still pushing, Ben has his goals and so do I, so we are pushing 150%. Our whole team is like that and that is why we are in the sport – to help Ben achieve his goals. The motivation for the job has to be there and you have to want to do it for the love of the animals – you are there to give them comfort and to make them happy at the end of the day. 

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the sport’s ultimate prize – is delighted to welcome the Rolex Series to the Rolex Equestrian family. Announced on Thursday 23 May, the Rolex Series unites six of the most respected equestrian shows in the world, each supported by Rolex.

The new initiative was fittingly revealed in the spectacular setting of 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 shows all share common qualities including offering some of the best infrastructures and facilities, age-old traditions, the highest standard of competition as well as reflecting Rolex’s own enduring commitment to excellence.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and the Rolex Series will be separate concepts, however the Rolex Grand Slam fully supports the introduction of the new Rolex Series, and are thrilled that it will be joining the exclusive Rolex family, which also includes individuals and organizations from the sport who set the highest standards of performance. Additionally, the Rolex Series further enhances Rolex’s commitment to equestrianism and its mission to unite and inspire.

The past 10 years of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping have been filled with countless incredible sporting moments across the four Slams namely The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ and the CHI Geneva – the pinnacle venues in the sport – including when Scott Brash lifted the iconic Rolex Grand Slam trophy at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. The Rolex Series will now elevate the six premier world-class show jumping events, and equestrian fans are sure to be treated to many more unmissable sporting occasions at these shows.

This weekend all eyes will be on Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix at the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena to see who will claim the inaugural Rolex Series event. Attention will then turn to the CSIO Jumping International de La Baule (6–9 June), which will play host to the second Rolex Series event, with the next Rolex Grand Slam Major, the CHIO Aachen, following just a few weeks later.

The Dutch Masters – the first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year – culminated this afternoon with the show’s pinnacle class, the Rolex Grand Prix. The Major, which was the final of the four shows within the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the initiative did so with a fitting ceremony on Saturday evening looking back over the highlights from the past decade.

The energy in the Brabanthallen was electric as fans waited with bated breath to see if the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, Richard Vogel, could claim back-to-back Majors in his pursuit of the ultimate prize in the sport – a quest that would not come easy with a sensational field of riders including the current European, World and Olympic Champions all hoping to claim this prestigious Rolex Grand Prix.

Second to go – Rolex Testimonee and winner of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – Martin Fuchs was the first to master Louis Konickx’s exceptionally built course. His mount, Leone Jei, has jumped eight clears in Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors, the most of any horse in the class.

The next combination into the main arena, World No.1 Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward ensured there would be a jump-off with a perfectly judged clear round, whilst the flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard, was another to clear the 14 combination course and kept his hopes of the becoming the first French rider to win a Major alive. At the halfway point, seven riders from seven different nations had secured their place in the jump-off including the ‘Dutch Rider of the Year’, Harrie Smolders who set the home crowd alight, and German rider Marcus Ehning. Of the remaining riders, only two additional combinations proceeded to the second round with some of the competition’s favourites such as Steve Guerdat and the live contender Richard Vogel unable to join the exclusive list of riders.

Returning in the same order in which they jumped in the first round, it was Fuchs who set the pace with a clear in a time of 35.11 seconds, however, his lead was quickly usurped by von Eckermann and King Edward who showed why they are considered to be the leading combination in the world, when they crossed the line in 33.74 seconds. The crowd roared to life as Smolders produced a super smooth round, but heartbreak came when he was 0.92 seconds slower. It looked like it would be a Swedish victory, but last to go, Dutch rider Willem Greve with his bay stallion, Highway TN N.O.P. produced an expertly judged round to beat the World No.1’s time by just 0.04 seconds. Greve therefore not only claimed his first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major but also a first for the Netherlands, and become the live contender ahead of the CHIO Aachen in July.

Speaking on his win the Dutch rider stated: “I have to pinch myself – it is unbelievable. Words cannot describe how I am feeling. I am so thankful for my horse for his courage and his mentality. It means so much to me to win in front of my home crowd – the history here is incredible, and it is an honour to add my name to the list of winners. I have been coming to The Dutch Masters since a was a small child, and so to win here is a dream come true.”

We are here at The Dutch Masters, your home show, how special is this venue to you?

It is so special to be here at The Dutch Masters. I competed here for the first time last year, and had a good round in the Rolex Grand Prix – my horse jumped very well and I am hoping for the same again this year. 

The Dutch Masters is one of the best indoor shows in the world – to be honest, all of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors are the pinnacle of the sport. For me as a Dutch rider to have a home Major is amazing. 

Can you tell us about the horses that you have with you and what qualities they have that make them so special?

I have a very good string of horses with me this week. My grey mare, Hallilea is here – she is in very good form having won the FEI World Cup™ Qualifier in Gothenburg only a couple of weeks ago. She had a nice round in the 1.45m class on Friday, and I am planning on jumping her in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. 

Then, I have a stallion called Funky Fred Marienshof Z. He was double clear and fifth in the VDL Groep Prize on Friday, and I jumped him last night in the Audi Prize. I also have a nine-year-old with me called Chuck Marienshof Z who is very talented. 

How do you prepare yourself and your horses for a show such as The Dutch Masters?

I try to keep everything the same and keep their normal routine. They have been in very good form over the last few weeks, so we are trying to maintain that momentum. They felt great in Amsterdam and Gothenburg, and hopefully we can keep on getting good results. 

You were part of the Rolex Young Riders Academy – how special was it to be part of that and what did you learn from your experience?

The Rolex Young Riders Academy is an incredible opportunity for young riders. The programme gives you some great insights into the sport, especially from different areas that we would not usually be exposed to, for example, we visited both the Rolex and FEI headquarters. They have enabled us access to so many experts across the different aspects of our sport, which has been incredible.

Through my time with the academy, I have been able to access some great horsemen and trainers which has been invaluable for my development as a rider. Another benefit of being linked to the academy is that it helps you to get into the best shows in the world, such as here at The Dutch Masters. It has made a huge impact on my career and I am very honoured to have been part of the programme. 

Do you have a mentor or a rider that you look up to – what advice have they given you for this weekend?

I would say that the main influence on my career has been my father – I have been based at home for the majority of my career and he has been my trainer my whole life. He taught me all of the basics and has been incredibly supportive. 

Away from my father, I look up to Marcus Ehning – he has always been an idol of mine, I think that he is a great horseman. I spent a week with him and I learned so much from him, even in such a short period of time. I have also been trained by Jos Lansink in the past.

The Dutch Masters is the final Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the initiative – how special has it been for the sport?

For me the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors are the best in the world – if you look at The Dutch Masters or the CHI Geneva they are the crème de la crème of the sport. I went to the CHI Geneva last year for the first time – not as a competitor, but it is an incredible venue. I think that these shows are a level above the others. The Majors are the ultimate goal and a dream for any rider to win. 

Could you introduce yourself and tell us what your role is…

My name is Alin, and I have worked for Maikel van der Vleuten for almost one year. I started my career 10-years-ago in Germany at Holsteiner Verband.

What made you want to pursue a career in horses?

I started riding with my father when I was a child – it was our father-daughter time. I used to have a horse that I would compete with, but in Germany there are so many good riders, and I did not think that I would quite make it to the top level of the sport. So I was honest with myself and thought about how I could travel the world with horses, and I realized that grooming was the way. I could still be with horses, ride, and see the world – it was the perfect solution.

For you why is The Dutch Masters such a special show?

The atmosphere here is incredible. The feeling inside the main arena is insane – the crowd is so supportive.

It is also one of the nicest shows – we have everything that we need. The food is amazing, and everything is close for us so we do not have to walk very far. The space is incredible for horses – they are happy and so long as they are, then we are too.

Can you tell us about the horses that you have with you?

Beauville Z N.O.P. is here, I call him the ‘main man’. He has his own personality, he is totally unique, and is a once in a lifetime horse. Then we have a 12-year-old mare, Elwikke and Kentucky TMS Z, who is our young stallion – he is very nice but needs time to develop a bit more.

As a show groom you travel around the world, how do you ensure that your horses are happy and ready to compete?

I try to keep everything the same, no matter where we are going. We make sure that there is never any stress, we take our time, and if we are three hours late then that is what it is – we always put the horses first. I make sure that they are comfortable, if a horse needs more space then we give them that or if one is better with a gelding beside them then we do that. You have to know your horses and understand how to make sure that they are happy.

What qualities does Maikel have that makes him such a successful rider?

He is a real horseman. He understands the horses when he rides them. He knows if they feel good or if there is something a little bit wrong. We talk about any issues and then make a plan about how to fix it. It could be as simple as changing the food, or speaking with the vet or the physio. It is important that we make a plan together to make sure that we can fix it in the best way possible.

Can you tell us about the wider team?

We have an amazing team at home – we would not be where we are without them. All of our success starts at home. The travel and shows are my responsibility, but if the horses are happy at home then we can ensure that they are happy at a show. The team at home keep the horses healthy, and they ride them when we are not there – they are so important.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is celebrating its 10 year anniversary, how important this initiative mean for the sport?

I have been to all Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors apart from the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. I think the initiative has been so important for the sport – you have the best riders in the world competing against each other, and they always bring their best horses. It is not that common that you have this calibre of competition, and so I think it is great for the fans, as they get to see the very top of the sport.

What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?

I would tell her to do exactly the same. I would tell her to do what you love and to make sure that your dreams come true.

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Friday marked the first day of international show jumping at this year’s edition of The Dutch Masters with the pinnacle class coming from the VDL Groep Prize. Held under the bright lights of the Brabanthallen, the world’s best horse and rider combinations gathered to take on Louis Konickx’s technically designed 1.55m course.

Fittingly, the first of the 42 riders to enter the arena was the long-standing World No.1 Henrik von Eckermann with his sensational gelding King Edward. The pair who are the reigning FEI World Champions could not quite produce the round that they wanted when collecting four faults.

Rolex Testimonee and third into the arena, Bertram Allen, was the first rider to produce a clear round and set the standard for those to follow. This was quickly followed, much to the delight of the home crowd, by Dutch rider Frank Schuttert, who ensured that there would be a jump-off. Clears came throughout the talented field, including FEI European Champions Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme, as well as fellow Rolex Testimonee, Daniel Deusser – a three-time winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the venue – who once again showed himself to be a true expert of the main arena at this prestigious show with a stylish clear round.

In total 11 riders proceeded through to the jump-off, a list that included the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Richard Vogel and the two Rolex Young Rider Academy riders Robert Murphy and Lars Kersten.

After a short break, riders entered the arena in reverse order of merit, based on their time from the first round, with the quickest clear round having the advantage of being the last to go. First into the arena, Deusser set the early pace with a clear in a time of 44.73 seconds, but it wasn’t to be for the German rider, as Guerdat produced a smooth and nimble round to come home 2.08 seconds faster. The crowds then came alive just one horse later as Maikel van der Vleuten took 0.61 seconds of the Swiss rider’s time. None of the remaining riders could match the precision, skill, and accuracy showed by van der Vleuten, leaving the Dutchman to claim the 2024 VDL Groep Prize.

Speaking on his win van der Vleuten remarked: “My horse [Beauville Z N.O.P.] was incredible today – it was his first show in two and a half months so I am very pleased with this result. He jumped a lot better in the jump-off which meant I could get all of the forward strides which enabled me to beat Steve’s [Guerdat] time. We will see how he feels in the next few days but the plan is to jump him in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday.”

The home favourite added: “The world’s best riders in the world are here not only to compete but to win. As a Dutch rider this show is so special to me and the crowds here are amazing. They were a fantastic support for me this evening, so to win in front of them is truly incredible.”

For you, why is The Dutch Masters such a special show?

It is an incredible show and I have so many special memories here. When I arrived here on Tuesday to lay out the poles with my team, we were in awe – the arena is so beautiful and the shopping village is amazing. In my opinion, there is no other show quite like it. As a course designer, there are very few limits here, which allows us to be very creative. Every show has a shopping village or a nice area, but the atmosphere and the energy here is just something else.

Can you tell us a little bit about the course that you have designed for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix?

Every year when I start designing the course for The Dutch Masters, I am filled with memories from the past years. A week or so ago, we put the planned course on paper with the correct arena dimensions. We had a beautiful course, but we soon realized that something was wrong – all of the combinations were on the right-hand side of the arena, and we could not seem to change it without ruining the course. We soon figured out a solution, and I think that this is a special course – there is a turn back which I do not think that you see in many arenas. The riders will jump a double and then do a tight turn back to another double. Quintin [Maertens], who is much more precise at measuring than me, wanted to check that this turn could actually be done, and so on Thursday we went into the main arena and tested it out to make sure that it worked – it was such a relief to know that it would work.

The first round has fourteen fences, which is quite a lot, but the same number as the CHI Geneva. There are two double combinations and one triple – the conditions here are so incredible that the horses jump so well, so it is a balance to design the perfect course. We currently have two jump-off options so need to decide which one we will use.  

I think it is a great honour for the riders to be here and I think they will be excited to test their horses to see if they are the best of the best.  

How important is the team around you in a successful course?

Earlier in my career, I would make my own plans and be a bit more independent. But nowadays my team is so important to me – I think that I have the best team.

Quintin [Maertens] is so intelligent and is a multi-talented man. If I have a crazy idea, he is the one that makes it fit. Then there is Gérard Lachat, who I work with here and at the CHI Geneva – he is our counterbalance and incredible at creating the perfect distances. Paul Rooijmans is the team organizer. All of our  assistants  have their own roles and without them this would not be able to happen.

We also have 40 volunteers, who are a club from a local riding school. They have helped us for over 15 years and they are great. We have some very good drivers moving the fences and they help us to make sure that course is presented at the highest level.

Which course are you most proud of? 

I think for me the course that I am most proud of was the course in 2021 during the Covid edition of the show. As we were not allowed fans, the arena was four metres wider than usual. This meant were able to do things we had never done before. We built an incredible line which was like an ‘S’ across the middle of the arena. The jump-off that year was also amazing, Marcus Ehning came up to me to say that he had never seen a jump-off like it. Even just two months ago I had some riders come up to me to speak about that course.

It is interesting – each nationality has a different idea about what makes ‘good sport’. For example, in Holland they like the modern sport and the way that people such as Harrie Smolders ride. They also do not like losers – for example last year when there were 16 horses in the jump-off, I thought it was too many, but they loved that. However, in Calgary they think that first round should be tough and exciting, and the CHI Geneva is somewhere in the middle.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in a career in course designing.

There are two different parts to this – a course builder and a course designer. Course building is a step that you have to take to become a course designer. A course builder has to learn how to create a course efficiently and work at every level. Whereas as a course designer you get to work at shows such as The Dutch Masters. I think it is important for young course designers to come to these types of shows to be inspired and motivated for the future. As a course designer you have to be creative – you have to think about the lines as well as the decoration, but you also have to have feeling – you have to understand the riders and the horses. I think that all of the great course designers have a very good feeling. You also have to be careful that you do not design at every show – it is important to be selective about the venues that you work out.

I read in a book, and saw this quote “You should learn the rules in your job as a professional and then break them as an artist”. I think this is very true for course designing – you need to be independent and do it your own way. You have to feel in your heart and have the passion.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was formed in 2013 and The Dutch Masters will the final Major to celebrate the 10-year anniversary – do you have a personal highlight from the Rolex Grand Slam?

I think last year was special – I still have an incredible feeling from that jump-off. The 2021 edition of the show was also great, but it was a pity that no one was there to witness it. To be honest, I am still waiting for my top moment – that will be when a Dutch rider wins a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major!

How has planning gone for this year’s edition of The Dutch Masters?

It has been going very well. We were able to start the build slightly earlier this year – we started with the main arena around four weeks ago. We have already received great feedback on how the arena and venue look, and so we are really excited for the 2024 edition of the show. Ticket sales have also gone very well; the sessions are sold out from this evening [Friday] and for the rest of the weekend. We are very excited to welcome our fans.

2024 is an important year for The Dutch Masters. Not only is it the final Major to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, but 2024 also represents the 10 year anniversary of Rolex at the Main Sponsor of the show

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has been instrumental in developing The Dutch Masters. In my opinion, we have been a good show since the first edition back in 1967. However, since we became part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, there has been a significant difference in the set up. It has allowed us to really focus on the quality of the event. It has enabled us to develop the Main Arena and the Shopping Village. We were able to improve and focus on the quality of the show. We also have the best of the best riders here at the show – we generally see 20 out of the top 30 ranked riders competing here, which is brilliant. This improvement is thanks to the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, and it has raised our show to the next level.

All the four Majors really work together – we give advice, compliments, and even constructive criticism to help us all be the best in the world. We try to inspire each other and are very transparent with each other – we share our thoughts and new initiatives. This helps each Major to become better.

Looking to the future, what are you and The Dutch Masters hoping to achieve in the next 10 years?

Our general goal is to become better every year. We want to focus on being an attractive event for everybody including families, children, sponsors, riders, grooms and media. Not only for fans with big budgets but be accessible for everyone. The tickets for Arena 2 and Shopping Village are a cheaper price and very popular.

In terms of what we are aiming to achieve in the future, is having a full house every session of the show. We are looking into innovating our program on the first day to achieve this goal. This will be our focus for the future.

You also organize an ATP and WTA tennis tournament, what do you find are the similarities and differences between the two sports, and what do you think they can learn from each other?

There are a lot of similarities when organizing sporting events as you are dealing with athletes – of course there are differences between riders and tennis players. One of the main differences is that tennis players attend a tournament with a whole team that takes care of them whilst here at The Dutch Masters the whole team is here to take care of the horse.

But the core is the same, you do your best to take care of them so that they are comfortable and can perform at their very best. As organizers, we try and provide the best possible surroundings for the athletes to succeed. Obviously, at The Dutch Masters, it is slightly more complicated with the horseboxes, the horses, and the stables.

There are also similarities when dealing with media, sponsors and fans. We have learnt a lot from organizing each event. We have witnessed things in the equestrian world that we think are interesting and could work well in tennis, and vice versa. One thing we have learnt from organizing tennis tournaments, was at The Dutch Masters there was lack of visibility of the horse outside of the competition arenas, and so that was one of the first things we changed. At a tennis tournament you see the players all around the venue with a number of practice courts available for the public to view. The horse is central to The Dutch Masters, and so we wanted to make sure that in every part of the venue you could see a horse.

What do you think are the sporting and non-sporting highlights of the show this year?

I think that the Shopping Village is incredible, and has something for everyone – it is why we have included the Shopping Village in the Arena 2 tickets. It has everything from a 40 metre yacht, Rolex watches, Audi cars to the equestrian equipment for riders. There is a lot variety in the shops which keeps things interesting. The atmosphere at this show is incredible – we have tried to create an energy that is felt by everyone, from the riders to the grooms to the fans. I definitely think it is one our highlights.

The sporting highlight is definitely the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. It is always amazing, and there will be a full house, with every seat taken. The crowd is totally quiet and they feel the atmosphere – they understand how important and prestigious this class is. The best riders in the world are here to compete for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The level of the sport on Sunday is truly impressive, especially when you compare it with 10 years ago.

Who do you think will win the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday?

We are in the Netherlands, and Harrie Smolders is one of the best riders in the world. He has never won a Rolex Grand Prix, and so it would be great for him to win his first Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters. On the other hand, we have our Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, Richard Vogel. It would be great if he can win here like McLain Ward last year who won two in a row.

Could you tell us a little bit more about the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping 10 year celebration that will be happening on Saturday?

On Saturday evening, before the Audi Prize, we have a celebration ceremony for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping’s 10 year anniversary. We will showcase a highlights video made by a team from Spruce Meadows. We will have live singer who will be performing, as all of the winners of a Major, who are present, enter the arena. There then be a short interview with the only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash.

What has been your favourite memory over the past 10-years of the RGS?

Our favourite moment was in 2018 when The Dutch Masters became part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. We are so incredibly proud of this – there are countless great shows in the world, all of whom would have liked to become the fourth Major, and so for us when we became the final addition, it was incredible.