The Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva 2025 provided a thrilling climax to the 64th edition of this iconic show, with 40 of the world’s top riders from 12 nations contesting the final Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the season. Among them were 12 previous Rolex Grand Slam Major winners, including household names such as Steve Guerdat, Christian Ahlmann, Harrie Smolders, Kent Farrington, and Scott Brash.
The first round, designed by Gérard Lachat, tested the riders’ precision and composure over 14 challenging obstacles at a height of 1.60m. Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci set the early pace, going clear in 71.51 seconds. He was joined by Shane Sweetnam, France’s Marc Dilasser, Swiss rider Jason Smith, Kent Farrington, Belgian Thibeau Spits, and the German duo of Sophie Hinners and Christian Ahlmann, meaning a total of eight riders advanced to the jump-off, which featured eight obstacles. Live contender Scott Brash put two fences down, guaranteeing a new Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Prix title as the jump-off line-up took shape.
The jump-off delivered edge-of-the-seat drama. Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and his grey gelding James Kann Cruz set the standard with a double clear in 41.39 seconds, followed by Switzerland’s Jason Smith and his stallion Picobello Van’t Roosakker, thrilling the home crowd. The pace then intensified as Kent Farrington produced a blistering clear round aboard his grey mare Greya, stopping the clock in a sensational 40.04 seconds, thereby knocking Sweetnam off top spot. Belgian Thibeau Spits and Germany’s Sophie Hinners also went double clear, but both finished over two seconds slower than Farrington. Last to go, Christian Ahlmann put down an early fence, handing victory – and the Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender title – to Farrington.
Irene Verheul, Secretary General, Equestrian Organisers. Photo © Rolex Grand Slam/Sofya SK.
How would you describe the role and purpose of the Equestrian Organisers, and why is an international umbrella association for event organisers so important in today’s sport?
IV: The Equestrian Organisers exists first and foremost to support event organisers at all levels of the sport. Our role is to be a collective voice, a point of connection, and a source of knowledge and assistance for organisers who operate in very different contexts but face many shared challenges.
An international umbrella association is essential because organisers are often navigating complex demands, from regulations and costs to welfare expectations and sustainability, largely on their own. By bringing organisers closer to the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and other stakeholders, we help ensure that their perspectives are understood, taken seriously, and reflected in decision-making. At the same time, we raise awareness among organisers themselves about developments in the sport.
What are the core priorities and ambitions guiding the Equestrian Organisers at the moment, and how do you see the association evolving over the next few years?
IV: Our core priority is to remain supportive, accessible and relevant to organisers. We want to strengthen dialogue, not only with the FEI, but also with other key stakeholders, and to provide better background information on the challenges organisers face, as well as the opportunities they have.
We aim to grow our membership, because a broader base makes our collective voice stronger. At the same time, accessibility is crucial: even organisers who are not members should feel that Equestrian Organisers is open, approachable and willing to engage. Looking ahead, I see the association evolving into an even more proactive platform for discussion, collaboration and shared problem-solving across the international organiser community.
As Secretary General of the Equestrian Organisers, what does your role involve on a day-to-day basis, and where do you feel you can make the biggest impact for organisers and the wider sport?
IV: On a day-to-day basis, my role involves listening, connecting and representing. This includes staying in close contact with organisers, maintaining dialogue with the FEI and other stakeholders, and translating practical realities from the field into constructive input at an international level.
I believe my biggest impact lies in bridging gaps, between organisers and governing bodies, and between different parts of the sport. By clearly articulating the challenges organisers face, while also highlighting their contribution and professionalism, we can foster greater mutual understanding and create conditions in which organisers feel supported.
Interview with Harrie Smolders
Harrie Smolders and Monaco. Photo © Rolex Grand Slam/Sofya SK.
You’re currently world number eight, you have a superstar horse in Monaco, and you’ve enjoyed a fantastic 2025 season. How would you describe this period of your career?
HS: I must say it’s gone surprisingly well. I didn’t expect that I would have such a good year. In the past year, I lost five 1.60m horses due to sales or retirement, and my string at the moment is probably a little bit small. But Monaco had his best year, Bingo has been very well, and Mr. Tac also had a great year.
You won the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva last year in memorable style. Does that victory stand out as a career highlight?
HS: Yes, definitely. I must say that last year’s win was like a milestone for Monaco, and in our career, it was a highlight. He has been second many times in his career, and he had never won a 5* Grand Prix, so for the first one to be a Rolex Grand Slam Major was an amazing feeling, as CHI Geneva is such a prestigious show. So, to have that win on Monaco’s list is an amazing thing. Then afterwards, it was kind of like a breakthrough, because this year he won another three 5* Grands Prix, so it was really a turning point.
You've got an exceptional CV – three Olympic Games, multiple Nations Cup victories, Dutch Rider of the Year honours, and World Championship team gold – where does your Rolex Grand Slam Major win rank among your achievements?
HS: As an individual result, it’s probably one of the best ones. It's a memory that will last forever. To win one Rolex Grand Slam is very difficult as the level is so high. Everybody is focusing on these four occasions every year, so I’m very proud to have at least one on my list.
