As The Dutch Masters – the first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of 2025 – returns to the Brabanthallen, so too do the world's most elite horses and riders. Competition is set to be fierce, as seven of the world’s top 10 will be in attendance, all hoping to claim the Show’s pinnacle class, Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.

Fresh from his triumph in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva, Dutch Olympian Harrie Smolders arrives in ’s-Hertogenbosch as the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Smolders has an impressive Majors career, having placed in the top three on five occasions. Partnered with his sensational gelding, Monaco, the Dutch rider will be hoping to continue the incredible form he displayed at CHI Geneva and claim the Rolex Grand Prix in front of his home crowd.

However, he will face stiff competition, as the field includes several past class winners including last year’s victors – Willem Greve and Highway TN N.O.P. – who set the arena alight when triumphed over World No.1 Henrik von Eckermann by just 0.04 seconds. The in-form duo, who recently claimed the FEI World Cup™ Qualifier in Leipzig, will be looking to repeat their 2024 performance. Smolders and Greve will be joined by nine of their compatriots, including Maikel van der Vleuten, Kim Emmen, and Leopold van Asten.

Another proven rider taking on the challenge is four-time Major winner Martin Fuchs. The Swiss rider knows what it takes to claim the top spot in a Major and will no doubt be aiming to rise to the occasion as the sole Swiss representative at this year’s Show. Additionally, a win at The Dutch Masters would make Fuchs the winning most rider in the history of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, as he would then have an unmatched five Majors to his name.

Fellow Rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser is another competitor looking to restart his quest for the sport’s ultimate prize. He most recently claimed this class in 2022 and will be hoping to add a fourth Major to his impressive list of achievements. The Germans are looking strong ahead of The Dutch Masters, with three-time Major winner Marcus Ehning, and Rolex’s newest equestrian Testimonee, Richard Vogel both taking part. Vogel, who had a great start to the season with a number of wins at Wellington International, is just one of several riders making the journey across the Atlantic to the Netherlands.

World No.1, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann has held his title at the top of the rankings for a staggering 32 months. However, despite his dominance, von Eckermann has claimed only one Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major – The Dutch Masters in 2019. The current individual FEI World Champion will be joined at the Show by his longstanding teammate, Peder Fredricson. Known for his consistency and precision, Fredricson is always a force to be reckoned with in any Major.

Scott Brash – the only rider to have ever claimed the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – will this year be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his historic victory. Brash, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, brings with him two of his up-and-coming stars, Hello Valentino and Hello Chadora Lady. The only other rider flying the flag for Great Britain is World No.5 Ben Maher. As another competitor making the long journey from Florida, Maher brings just one horse with him – Point Break. The talented 11-year-old stallion was last year crowned the best ten-year-old in the world according to his Elo Rating by Equiratings, and the British rider believes he has all the skill and athleticism to help him claim his first Major.

Three representatives from the United States of America will be taking part in this historic show: Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington, up-and-coming star Lillie Keenan, and the highest-ranked female rider in the World, Laura Kraut.

Rounding out the top contenders for the coveted prize are Belgium’s Gilles Thomas – who recently placed third in the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva, World No.8 Max Kühner – who won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in 2021, and the ever-popular Italian rider Lorenzo de Luca.

With a stellar lineup of elite athletes, The Dutch Masters promises world-class competition and a thrilling next chapter for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Will Smolders continue his quest for the ultimate prize, or will another rider seize the moment?