Rolex Testimonee Eric Lamaze is one of the world’s most respected show jumpers and achieved so much throughout his stellar career. Following the announcement of his retirement, the Rolex Grand Slam team reached out to some of Eric’s biggest fans and dearest friends to highlight what makes him the legend he became.

Steve Guerdat

What is your favourite Rolex Grand Slam Major memory with Eric Lamaze?

There is more than one moment that stands in my memory, it is more about the history between Eric and the Rolex Grand Slam Major of Calgary. Over the years he has built a legacy over there and both Eric and Spruce Meadows have benefited from all the successes they have shared, it is unimaginable what he has achieved in that ring.

Which of Eric’s horses stands out the most and why?

Hickstead, he is one of the all-time greats and so similar to Eric, one pair I can’t stop watching again and again…

What is the most useful thing you have learnt from Eric?

Never doubt, always stay positive and keep moving forward

If you could use one word to describe Eric, what would it be?

Confident and positive

Tiffany Foster

What is your favourite Rolex Grand Slam Major memory with Eric Lamaze?

My favourite Rolex Grand Slam Major memory with Eric is when he won the Grand Prix in Calgary on Hickstead for the first time in 2007. It was an incredibly inspirational moment that I was able to witness firsthand. I’ll never forget the goosebumps that ran down my spine and the tears of joy when he cleared the final jump. It will be seared in my memory forever!

Which of Eric’s horses stands out the most and why?

I think this one is pretty obvious… the one and only Hickstead. I started working for Eric when Hickstead was nine-years-old and got to be along for the whole ride. In my opinion, he is the best show jumper of all time. He wanted to win as bad as Eric did and they were a perfect match. They would both try to win any class they entered; while most horses need a round or two of schooling in between classes, Hickstead never did. He was a joy to watch compete because you could feel his heart was in it. Truly spectacular!

What is the most useful thing you have learnt from Eric?

The most useful thing I have learned from Eric is to be resilient. There is no room for not trying your hardest every time when Eric is involved. He pushes you to give your all and he will not accept cowardness of any kind. He has made me stronger than I would have ever been without him.

If you could use one word to describe Eric, what would it be?

Competitor.

Spencer Smith

What is your favourite Rolex Grand Slam Major memory with Eric Lamaze?

It would have to be my first year at CHI Geneva, I was very inexperienced and young. He really made me believe I could win the Rolex Grand Prix. I went in the ring so confident; he has that effect on people. 

Which of Eric’s horses stands out the most and why?

Fine Lady, she has the biggest heart and she would do anything for Eric. Their partnership was amazing. 

What is the most useful thing you have learnt from Eric?

To believe in yourself.

If you could use one word to describe Eric, what would it be?

Determined.

Along with the four Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping; Rolex partners with a host of world class shows. Over the course of the summer the best horse and rider combinations will compete to win a prestigious Rolex Grand Prix at some of the most picturesque shows in the world.   

From 5–8 May, CSIO Jumping de La Baule will host the first Rolex Grand Prix of the summer season. Held in the seaside city of La Baule-Escoublac for more than 60-years, the show will welcome some of the world’s most competitive and exciting horse and rider talents. This year will mark Rolex’s first year as Official Timepiece and Title Partner for CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of La Baule. In addition, there will be an independent Nations Cup.

Held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Royal Windsor Horse Show (12–15 May) will play host to the second Rolex Grand Prix of the month. Last year, Ben Maher and the spectacular chestnut gelding, Explosion W, claimed the victory in front of their home crowd before going on to win the individual gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. The show has always been a favourite of Her Majesty The Queen, who has attended every edition of the show. This year the show will host Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration. The celebrations will feature more than 500 horses, 1,200 participants and an 80-piece orchestra. Over 90-minutes, equine and international displays, the armed forces, actors and artists will ‘Gallop through History’ in honour of Her Majesty’s reign.

For five-days CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena (26–29 May) returns to the stunning gardens of the Villa Borghese located in the heart of Rome. Rolex has been the Official Timekeeper of the show since 2018, and it is often considered to be one of the most beautiful show jumping venues in the world. Germany’s David Will claimed the prestigious class last year and will be looking to repeat his success in the picturesque Piazza di Siena.

Knokke Hippique runs over three weeks from 22 June–10 July. The show will host the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 10 July, just one week after the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping at CHIO Aachen (24 June–03 July). Organised by Stephex events, Knokke Hippique, held in the exclusive Belgium coastal town of Knokke-Heist, is known not only for top-level competition but also excellent hospitality, entertainment and shopping.

Jumping International de Dinard (28–31 July), which has more than 100 years of heritage is a fitting show in the Rolex summer season. The Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard was won last year by Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs riding Conner Jei owned Adolfo Juri. The duo showed all the precision and scope required to win this esteemed Rolex Grand Prix.

Rounding off the summer season is the Brussels Stephex Masters. Running from 24–28 August the show will provide a spectacular finale to what is set to be an incredible season. The 2022 edition of the show will be hosted at a brand-new location, now solely on turf arenas, and is sure to attract the world’s best horses and riders looking to claim the high-status Brussels Stephex Rolex Grand Prix.

Can you tell us about your family’s background, how did you become part of the equestrian world?

I have been interested in horses my whole life. When I was young, I would go to the stables everyday after school. My husband, Gregor, also grew up around horses so we have been part of the equestrian world for a long time. Both of our daughters begun riding when they were small children – originally Isabella liked dressage more and Evelina was more interested in show jumping.

Mary Lou is a very special horse who achieved a lot in her career, can you tell us about when you first saw her and why you wanted to buy her?

Evelina was training with Henrik when we found out that Toveks Mary Lou was going to be sold. We saw the partnership that Henrik had with her, so we decided to buy her so that Henrik could keep riding her and she would be able to compete for the Swedish teams. We also bought her to be an ambassador for our family company Toveks Bil as well as our sponsor.

Were you at The Dutch Masters when she won the Rolex Grand Prix there? How did that feel?

Evelina and I were at The Dutch Masters when Henrik and Toveks Mary Lou won. It was such an amazing feeling. I was so proud of the two of them and it is such a happy memory for me.

Do you form a strategy together of how best to compete the horses throughout the year?

We trust Henrik completely with our horses – so he makes all of the plans for the horses.

How do you decide which horses to give to Henrik and which to give to your daughter, Evelina?

Nowadays, we keep most of the horses for Evelina, but Henrik still rides a few. For example, he rode Hollywood V at The Dutch Masters.

What excites you about the sport of show jumping and keeps you hungry to be a part of it?

We love it – it is such an exciting and interesting sport. Watching the incredible horses and riders working together and forming incredible partnerships to win some of the biggest classes in the world is so amazing.

Do you have a plan of how and when you are going to purchase horses? What attributes are you looking for when you purchase a horse?

Horses are so unpredictable, and everything can change so quickly so we are always looking for talented horses, and if there is an opportunity to buy a talented horse then we usually will take it. We have both dressage and show jumping horses and we really love the ones that we have at the moment.

How has the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping enhanced the sport?

It has been incredible for the sport. Every rider wants to win it, so they are pushing the boundaries to strive for continuous improvement, in both themselves and their horses, to be able reach their goal. The quality of horses and riders now in the world is phenomenal.

Have you been involved in any different sports?

After winning the Swedish and European championship (rallycross) several years we decided together with our partner to sell-off the car and stop with rallycross in order to focus on equestrian sport and our daughters.