Harrie Smolders Shines in Hunter Debut to Win Opening Day of the Baran Global Hunter Classic

The inaugural Baran Global Hunter Classic got off to a flying start yesterday at the stunning Longines Tops International Arena, with the opening day hailed as a huge success and delivering an exciting new chapter for hunter competition in Europe.

The first competition of the week, the Under Saddle class, saw an impressive line-up of riders take to the immaculate grass arena including the likes of Maikel van der Vleuten and Michael Duffy. In true hunter tradition, all competitors rode together at the walk, trot, and canter on both reins, with style, manners, and movement under the judges’ scrutiny. Importantly, this class counted for 10% of the final team ranking, adding extra pressure and prestige to the day’s result.

Adding an international twist to proceedings, Dutch show jumping star Harrie Smolders made a remarkable hunter debut, taking the win aboard Ever So Often with a superb score of 93.33 for Team French. Smolders, better known for his success on the global show jumping stage, showcased his horsemanship and adaptability in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Harrie Smolders smiled: "It’s my first Hunters event, made possible by Baran, and I am really pleased. I will give all the credit to my horse, Ever So Often… I just tried to stay on, but he is a fantastic mover and it’s all down to him today!"

Hot on his heels was Faith Schuttemeyer, who claimed second place riding Juan Carlos for Team Hesslink Williams with a stylish 92.33. Caroline Ingalls delivered a polished performance on Concerto to take third for Team California Rose, scoring 90.33.

Further top placings went to renowned hunter rider Geoffrey Hesslink, fourth aboard Paisley Park (90.00) for Team Hesslink Williams, while 5* international show jumper Lillie Keenan impressed with her fifth-place finish on Spoken (89.67), also for Team Hesslink Williams.

Ellie Sadrian riding Incognito for Team Esau Williams slotted into sixth on 86.67, with John French - one of the sport’s most respected hunter names - taking seventh place on Crystal Blue (85.00) for Team French.

Rounding out the top ten were Emily Esau Williams on Star Quality for Team Esau Williams (82.00), legendary show jumper Rodrigo Pessoa in ninth aboard No Touch (81.00) for Team Artemis, with Josh Dolan riding Ruthless for Team Mill Creek (81.00) in tenth.

The atmosphere ringside reflected the excitement of bringing hunter sport to this prestigious European venue for the very first time, with riders, owners, and spectators embracing the unique blend of style and performance that defines the hunter discipline.

The action continues today at 3.30pm CET for the Classic Hunter Round to determine the inaugural Baran Global Hunter Classic champions, as teams vie for valuable points in this innovative and historic event.