’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – March 11, 2026 – From 12 to 15 March 2026, The Dutch Masters, held at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch, will once again become the focus of the indoor jumping season. As the first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping event of the calendar year, The Dutch Masters stands alongside the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and the CHI Geneva as one of the sport’s four Majors.
Over four days, the competition will showcase an elite field of international talent, featuring the world’s top three ranked riders – Scott Brash (GBR), Kent Farrington (USA) and Ben Maher (GBR)- together with reigning European Champion Richard Vogel (GER). Competition begins in the main arena on Thursday, building towards the evening’s HeadFirst Group Prize – Best of Champions, which returns following a successful debut in 2025. This unique class will see the individual World Champion Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), individual European Champion Richard Vogel (GER), FEI World Cup™ winner Julien Epaillard (FRA), and Dutch Champion Willem Greve (NED) exchange horses in a thrilling test of horsemanship and skill. Friday and Saturday continue with a full programme of 5* show jumping, including the VDL Groep Prize and the Audi Prize, both key qualifiers for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.
The event also hosts the final FEI Dressage World Cup™ Qualifier for the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, which takes place in Fort Worth, Texas, in April 2026. The competition will bring together some of the leading names in the discipline, including current individual World Champion Charlotte Fry, who heads a strong field that also features Dutch representatives Marieke van der Putten and Dinja van Liere.
Beyond the competition arenas, The Dutch Masters offers an extensive lifestyle experience. A wide range of equestrian and luxury retailers will be present throughout the venue, alongside a range of food and hospitality options designed for spectators of all ages.
In keeping with its tradition of balancing excellence with evolution, the 2026 edition reflects a continued commitment to evolution. In partnership with Equestic, The Dutch Masters will host the debut of The Future of Coaching forum. Open to professional coaches, trainers and media, the forum will explore how artificial intelligence and technology intersect with traditional horsemanship, performance, and horse welfare, encouraging informed discussion on the sport’s future direction.
Accessibility also remains central to the event’s development. As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the competition can be experienced more widely, a Rabobank-powered app will allow fans with visual impairments to follow the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday through dedicated live audio commentary, offering a new way to experience the sport in real time.
The 2026 edition of The Dutch Masters concludes on Sunday afternoon with the show’s pinnacle class – the Rolex Grand Prix. Attention will turn to World No. 2, Rolex Testimonee, and Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender Kent Farrington (USA) to see whether he can continue his winning momentum from the CHI Geneva in December and take the next step in his quest to winning the sport’s ultimate prize – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Meanwhile, defending champion Simon Delestre returns to ’s-Hertogenbosch aiming to retain his title and secure a second Rolex Grand Slam Major victory, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite. The home crowd, however, will be hoping a Dutch rider can rise to the occasion and deliver a landmark triumph on home soil.
Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
Photo: © Rolex Grand Slam / Sofya Sk
Categories: English, Jumper News Nederland, Preview
