Rolex's History of Equestrianism and Horses

Rolex Horse Event Collage

As a discipline, equestrianism is associated with ideas of style, control and sophistication, which are all terms linked to the Rolex brand. This goes some way towards explaining the long-standing relationship between the Swiss watch manufacturer and the sport, with those links going back over half a century.

Today, Rolex serve as major sponsors of a number of top class horse riding events, including elite level show jumping competitions, while also providing individual sponsorship of some of the top riders in the sport.

Competitions Sponsored by Rolex

One of the most important ways Rolex keep their involvement with horse riding active is through sponsorship of some of the sport’s most prestigious events. Indeed, Rolex branding can be seen on the jumps and advertising boards at many competitions, while their involvement with some events goes even further.

For example, the company has served as the title sponsor of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final since its introduction in 2001. This exciting competition brings the top 10 riders in the world together, in order to recognize their achievements and offer up a world-class display of equestrianism for the spectators in attendance.

Rolex has also served as the Presenting Sponsor of the highly-regarded jumping competition, the CHI Geneva, since 1996. Moreover, they are key sponsors of the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, the FEI European Championships and many more competitions throughout the world.

Rolex Equestrianism event

Rolex Grand Slams of Eventing and Show Jumping

In addition to sponsoring individual horse riding competitions, Rolex decided to up the ante in 2001, with the creation of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. In order to achieve the Grand Slam, riders must triumph consecutively at Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky; three of the toughest events in the calendar.

The introduction of the Grand Slam was intended to inspire riders to new heights and the first rider to achieve the monumental feat was Pippa Funnell, back in 2003. However, it would take another 13 years before somebody repeated the accomplishment, with Michael Jung claiming the Grand Slam and the $350,000 prize in 2016.

In 2013, a similar principle was introduced with show jumping, resulting in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. As with the Grand Slam of Eventing, this award recognizes consecutive victories in three of the most important events – CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and CHI Geneva.

Endorsement Deals With Riders

Finally, Rolex’s involvement with horse riding extends into personal endorsement deals with some of the most prominent riders in the sport. In fact, the list of Rolex-sponsored equestrian stars includes:

Steve Guerdat – Gold medallist at the 2012 Olympic Games
Eric Lamaze – Gold medallist at the 2008 Olympic Games
Rodrigo Pessoa – 1998 World Champion and gold medallist at the 2004 Olympic Games
Kevin Staut – Gold medallist at the 2009 Show Jumping European Championships in Windsor

Those involved in elite level equestrianism tend to favor Rolex timepieces which offer true elegance and style. Some of the most prominent examples of watches that fit the bill include the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 and the Oyster Perpetual Datejust II, and these timepieces are often given out to winners of major events in the sport.

Further reading: