From storied European turf to emotional returns on American soil, last week brought bold wins, legacy moments, and electric atmospheres across the international showjumping stage.
๐ This Weekโs Winners:
- Aaron Vale (USA) & Carissimo 25 โ Jumping International de Dinard โ Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard (CSI5*)
- Robert Whitaker (GBR) & Vermento โ Agria Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead โ Al Shiraโaa King George V Gold Cup (CSIO5*)
- Germany (Team) โ Agria Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead โ Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain (CSIO5*)
- Callie Schott (USA) & Garant โ Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, Traverse City โ Grand Prix of Traverse City (CSIO3*)
- Kent Farrington (USA) & Kanny-Fee โ HITS Hudson Valley, Saugerties โ Core Specialty Insurance Grand Prix (CSI3*)
Dinard dazzled this weekend with its iconic Rolex Grand Prix, and an American made history in France. At the Jumping International de Dinard (FRA), Aaron Vale (USA) and Carissimo 25 topped a field packed with European stars to win the โฌ500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard (CSI5*). With the stunning Val Porรฉe arena as backdrop and a packed grandstand, Vale edged out Harrie Smolders (NED) and Mr. Tac in a heart-pounding jump-off. This marks the first time an American rider has won this leg of the Rolex Seriesโa career milestone for Vale and a standout performance from Carissimo 25, who delivered power and precision on one of the circuitโs most elegant grass arenas. The atmosphere was electric as Vale raised his arm to a mix of cheers and respectful awe from the French crowd.
Full Results
Meanwhile, Hicksteadโs hallowed turf set the stage for a homegrown victory in the King George V Gold Cup. At the Agria Royal International Horse Show (West Sussex, GBR), Robert Whitaker (GBR) and Vermento soared to victory in the prestigious Al Shiraโaa King George V Gold Cup (CSIO5*). Cheered on by a patriotic crowd, Whitaker delivered a flawless double clear, besting Omar Al Marzooqi (UAE) aboard Enjoy De La Mure in a tightly contested final. The King George remains one of Britainโs most historic individual classes, and Whitakerโs win added another chapter to his familyโs storied legacy at Hickstead. It was a proud and emotional moment as he saluted the crowd from the saddle, bringing Vermento to a relaxed halt under the famous clock tower.
Full Results
Germany rose to the top in the Nations Cup of Great Britain, narrowly edging out the home team in a dramatic team showdown. The Agria Nations Cup (CSIO5*) at Hickstead saw Germany claim gold with just eight penalties over two rounds, thanks to steady clear efforts and cool composure under pressure. Great Britain finished just behind in second, creating a thrilling home-turf rivalry that kept the crowd on edge until the final rider crossed the finish. For Germany, the win reinforced their depth and team chemistry, while British riders earned a standing ovation from their home supporters. Team competitions rarely carry this much electricity, but the stakes, tradition, and perfectly manicured British setting gave this one extra weight.
Full Results
Across the Atlantic, Callie Schottโs comeback story stole the spotlight in Michigan. At the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (Traverse City, USA), Schott (USA) and Garant triumphed in the $117,000 Grand Prix of Traverse City (CSIO3*) on Saturday, July 26. The class marked Schottโs return to top-level competition following injury, and she made it count with the fastest time of a six-horse jump-off. Garant looked back in championship form, combining raw athleticism with effortless rideability. Irish star Darragh Kenny and Amsterdam 27 were just behind in second, but Schottโs round drew roars from the crowd and earned emotional congratulations from fellow riders at the in-gate.
Full Results
Rounding out the week, Kent Farrington showed why heโs World No.1 with back-to-back wins in Saugerties. At HITS Hudson Valley (Saugerties, USA), Farrington (USA) and Kanny-Fee took top honors in Sundayโs Core Specialty Insurance Grand Prix (CSI3), notching their second victory of the week. Farringtonโs smooth, forward ride through the short course held off a fast finish from Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Runโs Jireh. Though the class was at the CSI3ย level, it carried $116,000 in prize money and drew elite North American riders prepping for summerโs bigger tests. Kanny-Fee, still relatively new to Farringtonโs string, is proving to be a fierce partner under pressure.
Full Results