Press release from Longines Tops International Arena, edited by World of Showjumping

As the Baran Global Hunter Classic continued its groundbreaking debut at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, John French and the stunning Crystal Blue rose to the occasion, topping the Classic Hunter Round with a score of 93 points for Team French.

With 40% of the total team score up for grabs on Saturday, the stakes were high-and the performances rose to meet them. The sprawling grass arena, normally reserved for elite jumpers, provided the perfect backdrop for the grace and polish of top-level hunter sport.

“There were some long bending lines which can be a little bit difficult I think. We aren’t used to being in such a big field and the stride can get away from you a little bit. We’re used to being in a smaller ring except for some of the derby’s where we have big venues like this,” French reflected after his round. “This is so great for the hunters to be here and showcase, so that everyone knows what we are talking about with quality Hunters, and we have brought a lot of quality hunters… the fact that it is the first time? That makes it even more special!”

French’s strong performance edged out Faith Schuttemeyer aboard Juan Carlos (91.67 pts) to collect a second place individually two days in a row and Geoffrey Hesslink on Paisley Park (91.33 pts), both delivering polished and stylish rounds for Team Hesslink Williams – a squad that now leads the team standings heading into the final day.

With two of the three scoring rounds now complete – Friday’s Under Saddle and Saturday’s Classic Hunter – it all comes down to Sunday’s final test: the Handy Round, which carries 50% of the total score. This phase invites creativity and precision, rewarding bold lines, smooth turns, and strategic brilliance. It’s where riders can make up ground – or lose it all. As team's head into the final showdown, the leaderboard remains close. With everything still to play for, anticipation is sky-high for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this landmark event.

Team standings after day 2:

Team Hesslink Williams (Geoffrey Hesslink, Faith Schuttemeyer, Lillie Keenan) – 91.43 pts

Team French (John French, Paige Walkenbach, Harrie Smolders) – 88.80 pts

Team California Rose (Halie Robinson, Caroline Ingalls, Maikel van der Vleuten) – 86.03 pts

Team Esau Williams (Emily Esau Williams, Ellie Sadrian, Rodrigo Giesteira Almedia) – 84.00 pts

Team Artemis (Lourdes de Guardiola Morrissey, Katherine Babun, Rodrigo Pessoa) – 83.67 pts

Team Finally Farm (Hardin Towell, Madison Ramsey, Giampiero Garofalo) – 70.88 pts

Team Mill Creek (Josh Dolan, Kylie Wilson, Michael Duffy) – 69.80 pts