A privileged relationship
The ties between Rolex and equestrianism were established in 1957 with British show jumper Pat Smythe. The first equestrian Testimonee and first woman to claim an Olympic show jumping medal, she was a pioneer in more ways than one. Following in her footsteps, today’s Rolex Testimonees have in turn taken up the challenge of performance. The brand supports major eventing athletes such as Zara Tindall, dressage athletes including the legendary Isabell Werth, and numerous show jumpers, from Rodrigo Pessoa, a Testimonee since 1999, to Jessica Springsteen, a Testimonee since 2022.
Steve Guerdat
An illustrious career
The son of a champion show jumper, Steve Guerdat grew up with horses. His sporting career has been a dazzling success. The Swiss rider has been World No. 1 on numerous occasions and has taken part in five Olympic Games. He won individual gold at the London Games in 2012 aboard Nino des Buissonnet after clinching bronze in the team event in Beijing four years earlier. Guerdat has triumphed in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final on three occasions (2015, 2016, 2019). He has also clinched three Rolex Grand Prix titles (2006, 2013, 2015) and won three Rolex IJRC Top 10 Finals at the CHI Geneva (2010, 2018, 2023). Guerdat also secured his first individual European Championship title in 2023.
Whether in the stables or on the track, our main goal isn’t to get the best performance from the horses, but to ensure that they live their best life. And I think that’s the way to bring out the best in them.
Rolex Testimonees
Rolex Testimonee since 1999
Rodrigo Pessoa
Rolex Testimonee since 2018
Martin Fuchs
Rolex Testimonee since 2022
Jessica Springsteen
Rolex Testimonee since 2015
Scott Brash
Rolex Testimonee since 2006
Zara Tindall
Rolex Testimonee since 2014
Kent Farrington
Rolex Testimonee since 2009
Isabell Werth
Rolex Testimonee since 2021
Daniel Deusser
Rolex Testimonee since 2019
Harry Charles
Young Riders Academy
Training tomorrow’s elite riders
The Young Riders Academy is a programme aimed at young show jumpers from all over Europe. Every year, the academy selects five to 10 laureates from among 25 candidates between the ages of 18 and 23. The programme gives them the opportunity to train in a top professional stable while receiving instruction in economics, communications, veterinary and legal practice connected to show jumping. The Young Riders Academy was established in 2014 and is supported by Rolex. Testimonees Bertram Allen and Harry Charles have both attended the Academy.
CHIO Aachen CAMPUS
Shaping the future, perpetuating the discipline
The CHIO Aachen Campus, created in partnership with Rolex, has been training young riders since 2021. Jumping, dressage and eventing: its Programme of Excellence is multidisciplinary. The aim is to enable the next generation of champions to be trained by the sport’s greatest athletes. Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth – winner of twelve Olympic medals, including seven gold medals – is the head dressage coach. From September to May, the riders meet for six training sessions over three or four days. They have the opportunity to participate in various junior competitions at the major summer event, the CHIO in Aachen. The CHIO Aachen CAMPUS also hosts other events for younger riders, as well as a certificate programme in Equestrian Stable Management in partnership with the RWTH International University in Aachen.
