Press release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – the third Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year – once again played host to one of the toughest competitions in the sport, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Held in the iconic International Ring, the world’s most elite horse-and-rider combinations were all hoping to etch their names into the history books as they pursued one of the most coveted titles in the sport.

The field included the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, André Thieme, as well as the winners from the last three editions of the class: Martin Fuchs (2023), Daniel Deusser (2022), and Steve Guerdat (2021).

We are here at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Please could you describe how special it is to be here? 

Whenever you get to jump in any of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors it is incredible feeling, they are really the epitome of show jumping. Spruce Meadows is a prestigious and historic venue – the best in the world have competed here and fought for that that title, and so just to be part of it is in an honour. 

It is not the first time I have jumped at the ‘Masters’ but it is the first time I have competed in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. However, I have jumped in a few of the other Rolex Grands Prix that are part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Just to be here is incredible – you feel like you are in a videogame. The atmosphere is electric...

Please could you introduce yourself, and tell us your role and what this entails…

My name is Alejandro, and I am Erynn Ballard’s show groom. I started working for her eight months ago, and before this, I worked for Darragh Kenny. My job is to take care of her horses and travel with her to all of the shows – I try to do my best in every part of my job! 

What inspired you to become a groom in the equestrian world, and how did you start?

My grandfather used to take care of horses, and we have always had horses back in Spain, where I grew up. I began riding myself but I had a bad accident and I was in the hospital for a long time. After this, I decided to quit riding and start grooming as I could no longer ride. Grooming was therefore a natural next step for me...

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is considered by the sport to be the ultimate equestrian challenge, primarily due to the sporting prowess required to achieve this feat. It is a quest taken on by the world’s top riders, vying to secure the legendary status associated with winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The format of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is simple: anyone who wins three Majors in a row receives the Rolex Grand Slam trophy and a €1 million bonus on top of the class’s prize-money. If that same rider then continues their success by winning a fourth Major in succession, they will be rewarded with an additional €1 million bonus.