The Dutch Masters, which began in 1966 and takes place in the medieval city of ’s‑Hertogenbosch, is an event that draws in the world’s most prominent horse and rider combinations. The competition is a blend of spectacular show jumping and top-tier dressage, placing it at the forefront of the international indoor equestrian circuit. Rolex, a long-standing sponsor, has been the Main Sponsor and Title Sponsor of the Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters since 2014, and the partnership between the two is ideal, with a mutual respect for tradition and an unwavering commitment to innovation.
Rolex has been at the forefront of equestrianism for 65 years since it welcomed Pay Smythe, a pioneering British female show jumper, as a Testimonee in 1957. Since then, the Swiss watchmaker has established relationships with the best riders, competitions, and institutions, and has promoted continuous improvement, reflecting its own pursuit of perpetual excellence.
From March 9-12, the world’s elite horse and rider combinations will converge on The Dutch Masters. The event hosts the first Major in the calendar year of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, a global initiative established in 2013, which consists of the four equestrian Majors: The Dutch Masters (which completed the quartet in 2018), the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva. So far, only Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash has won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, with his historic victory in 2015, which rewards any rider who wins three of these events consecutively.
Daniel Deusser, a Rolex Equestrian Testimonee, had a remarkable 2022 season, including two triumphs in the Rolex Grand of Show Jumping Majors: the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters and the ‘CP International’, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. As the defending champion of the Rolex Grand Prix, the German rider will aim to retain his title at The Dutch Masters.
Deusser said, “I am eagerly anticipating my return to The Dutch Masters in March. Rolex has created something that everyone aspires to, and all of the best riders in the world plan their season around the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The distinctive indoor arena at ’s-Hertogenbosch poses a significant challenge for riders, and precise turns and riders instinctively acting as one with their horses will be critical to winning this Rolex Major.”
Dutchman and fellow Rolex Testimonee Jeroen Dubbeldam has fond memories of The Dutch Masters. “I have been going to ‘s-Hertogenbosch for many years now, even before it was called The Dutch Masters, and it is such a special place. It’s truly a dream to compete there in your own country. To be able to jump in the Rolex Grand Prix in front of my home crowd is incredible, and since Rolex became a sponsor in 2014, the show has grown significantly, and the level of competition has improved tremendously. I have not yet won there – so that is still a significant goal for me in the future.”
Rolex is driven by tradition, craftsmanship, innovation, and a passion for perfection, with over a century of knowledge and expertise in watchmaking. These values are deeply embedded in the brand’s support of equestrianism.
