Rolex and Equestrianism: The Connection

Rolex has been a major presence in equestrianism for more than 60 years, partnering with its finest riders, competitions and institutions. Through its enduring global commitment, the brand has supported efforts to modernise the sport while respecting its inherent elegance and traditions.

Helping celebrate the partnerships longevity, this article takes a quick view of all the equestrian events Rolex plays a significant part in.

2023: Celebrating 10 years of the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping

At the forefront of this respected alliance, is the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the sport’s ultimate prize awarded to any rider who consecutively wins the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors. Launched in 2013, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. This esteemed challenge is comprised of The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva. To date, only Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash of Great Britain has achieved the feat.

The Dutch Masters

The opening equestrian Major of 2023 was The Dutch Masters in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, which took place from 9–12 March. Rolex’s long-term relationship as Main Sponsor of the show began in 2014, signalling the start of a perfect partnership where respect for tradition is matched by a commitment to constant innovation. The world’s leading equestrians gathered for four days of intense competition at the indoor Brabanthallen complex, with the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 12 March. 

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Chio Aachen

The CHIO Aachen, the second Major of the year, takes place in Germany’s westernmost city from 23 June–2 July. On the hallowed turf of the Aachen Soers showgrounds, where brand has been the Main Sponsor since 1999, trust and communication between rider and horse are the foundation of any successful partnership. One of the oldest and most revered events in the sport culminates with the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 2 July.

CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament

Rolex has been a sponsor at Spruce Meadows since 1989. Staged in Calgary, Canada, the third equestrian Major of the year is regarded as the leading equestrian event in North America. The 2023 CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament takes place from 6–10 September, with the main competition, the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, providing an exciting conclusion to the show. 

CHI Geneva

The final Major of 2023 takes place in Geneva, where Rolex is headquartered. The partnership between the CHI Geneva and the Swiss watchmaker was formed in 1996 and has been shaped by a mutual quest for excellence. Returning to the indoor setting within the Palexpo arena from 7–10 December, the show includes two elite competitions: the fourth and final Major of the calendar year, the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva and the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, featuring the top 10 ranked riders in the world.

Rolex’s involvement in the sport has grown over the decades and the brand is now associated with some of the most prestigious competitions in the equestrian calendar, beyond purely the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. 

Winter Equestrian Festival

The Rolex Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, USA, is the highlight of the show. The 2023 edition will take place during week 12 of the festival, from 28 March–2 April.

CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show

The season then moves to Great Britain for the CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show, where Rolex has been an Official Partner and the Official Timekeeper since 2016. Staged in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 11–14 May, this majestic international show is headlined by the 5* Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 14 May. 

CSIO Roma Piazza Di Siena

Later in May, the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena, for which Rolex has been Official Timekeeper since 2018, is held at the stunning Villa Borghese gardens in Rome. The event, which this year celebrates its 90th edition, comprises four days of high-level competition from 25–28 May, culminating on Sunday with the Rolex Gran Premio.

CSIO Jumping International De La Baule

In June, attention turns to the CSIO Jumping International de La Baule. Taking place from 8–11 June, the show is supported this year for the second time by Rolex as Official Timepiece and title sponsor of the CSIO5* Grand Prix of La Baule. 

CSIO Jumping International De Dinard

The prestigious Jumping International de Dinard, taking place from 27–30 July, dates back to 1912 and is now among the most popular and respected events on the international show jumping calendar. The show, located on the picturesque Brittany coast in France, concludes with the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 30 July.

Brussels Stephex Masters

The world’s best horse and rider combinations will return to Belgium for the Brussels Stephex Masters from 23–27 August. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the event since 2015, with the Rolex Grand Prix once again providing the highlight of the five-day event.

To learn more about each event, visit Equestrianism Newsroom.