The Rolex Series 2025 officially kicks off this week with the Rolex Finale Week at Wellington International during the Winter Equestrian Festival - Week 12, one of the most iconic venues in international show jumping. From March 25 to 30, the world’s best riders will gather in Florida for a week of top-level sport, culminating in the prestigious Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix on Saturday, March 29.

Wellington International, home to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), has become a reference in the world of elite show jumping. This year, it will welcome over 60 riders from 16 nations, alongside 127 horses, in CSI5* competition.

An All-Star Field of Champions

All horses successfully passed the veterinary inspection this afternoon and are now officially cleared to compete in what promises to be an exceptional week of sport at Wellington International.

Kicking off the 2025 Rolex Series, this inaugural event will unite an exceptional lineup of the world’s top riders, each determined to leave their mark on this iconic and prestigious circuit. Among them:

Christian Kukuk (GER) – Olympic champion and defending winner of the 2024 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, he returns to Wellington with determination to retain his title in one of the most competitive events of the year.

Kent Farrington (USA) – Winner of the 2024 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule with Greya, Farrington returns with both ambition and consistency, ready to contend for another Rolex victory on home soil.

Karl Cook (USA) – After claiming the 2024 Rolex Grand Prix of Rome with Caracole de la Roque, Cook enters Wellington’s Rolex Finale Week with power, precision, and a strong winning mindset.

Laura Kraut & McLain Ward (USA) – Both multiple Olympic medalists and long-standing figures in the sport, they bring a wealth of experience, charisma, and fan-favorite status to the Rolex Series debut in Wellington.

Emilie Conter (BEL) – A rising star in Belgian show jumping and recent CSI5* Grand Prix winner at Wellington International, she is set to compete in her very first Rolex Grand Prix on American soil, with passion and discipline on her side.

This impressive line-up also includes some of the most respected riders from Europe and beyond, such as:
Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) world number one, Harry Charles (GBR), Darragh Kenny and Cian O’Connor (IRL), Nicola Philippaerts (BEL), Nina Mallevaey (FRA), Nayel Nassar (EGY) and many more set to shine on the prestigious Rolex Series stage.

As the sun sets on Saturday evening, the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix will welcome these top names to the arena under the lights, in a battle that will mark the official start of the Rolex Series 2025.

The Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix : A Prestigious Challenge

The highlight of the week will be the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, scheduled for Saturday, March 29 at 8 PM (ET). Designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA), the course promises to be technical and demanding, testing riders’ precision, power, and connection with their horses.

This high-stakes competition is more than just a Grand Prix—it is a defining moment in the Rolex Series, a springboard toward future success on the international circuit. Previous editions have seen legendary performances, and this year promises to be no exception.

As per the event format, 60 riders are eligible to compete, but only 40 will qualify for Saturday’s Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix. Qualification is determined by:
- The top 30 finishers from Thursday’s WEF Challenge Cup (including pre-qualified athletes)
- The top 10 riders from Friday’s 1.50m Speed Class

Free general admission is offered for all spectators. For an elevated experience, VIP hospitality packages are available, offering premium access to one of the most thrilling nights in show jumping.

Voices from Riders

Wellington International has become a global reference for elite show jumping, known for its world-class facilities, dedicated crowds, and unrivaled atmosphere. 

Kent Farrington (USA), riding Greya, Toulayna, Grass de Mars

 « At the moment, I'm planning to ride Greya in the Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix. She's incredibly careful, lightning-fast, and hyper-competitive — the kind of horse who thrives under pressure.

Wellington has really grown into a special place for our sport. There's an incredible community here — a real home crowd for the U.S. riders. Saturday nights are electric, and that Rolex Finale Week is the most exciting of all.

Rolex brings a sense of prestige to any event. The Rolex Series is a new chapter, and last year I was lucky enough to win at La Baule - The Rolex Grand Prix Ville de la Baule with Greya. Now, we’re looking to build on that.

Olivier Robert (FRA), riding Ganache de Riverland and Iglesias D.V. this week, shares:
“The Rolex Series represents tradition, prestige, and the gathering of the world’s best horses. To win a Rolex Grand Prix would be a dream. I feel confident going into the weekend—my horse is in great shape, and I’m aiming for a double clear round.”

Emilie Conter (BEL), competing this week with Ellabelle de Rie Z, Portobella van de Fruitkorf and Onslow de Roju:
“Rolex Series shows are just another level—it elevates our sport. This will be my first time competing in Wellington during the 5* Rolex Finale Week, and it means a lot. I’ve been showing here all winter, and the atmosphere on Saturday nights is truly breathtaking. I hope to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion.”