This week, the Rolex Series 2026 gets underway during the Rolex Finale Week of the Winter Equestrian Festival, held at Wellington International in Wellington, Florida (USA). Bringing together seven of the world’s most prestigious showjumping events, the Rolex Series stands as a benchmark of excellence in the international calendar, with each event culminating in a Rolex Grand Prix.

The season will open on Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 PM (local time) with the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, staged under the floodlights of Wellington International’s spectacular main arena. The forty best combinations from Thursday and Friday’s qualifying competitions will compete in the $1,000,000 CSI5* 1.60m class, where Christian Kukuk (GER) will be defending his titles from 2025 and 2024.

A world-class field of riders will be present for this Rolex Finale Week. World No. 2 Kent Farrington (USA), a former World No. 1 and Olympic silver medallist, will compete alongside World No. 3 Ben Maher (GBR), Olympic individual gold medallist in Tokyo and double Olympic team gold medallist.

World No. 4 Richard Vogel (GER), the reigning European Champion with United Touch S and a recent Rolex Grand Slam Major winner at The Dutch Masters, will also be among the leading contenders. World No. 6 Christian Kukuk (GER), the reigning Olympic Champion, will be one of the favourites as he looks to defend his title.

At just 26 years old, World No. 7 Nina Mallevaey (FRA) represents the new generation at the highest level. Winner of last year’s Rolex Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters, she will be one to watch. Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, World No. 9, and USA’s McLain Ward, World No. 10 and one of the most decorated riders in the sport, further strengthen this exceptional line-up.

Other prominent names competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival – Rolex Finale Week include Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Olympic and World Champion, Laura Kraut (USA), Olympic medallist and one of the USA’s most accomplished riders, and Karl Cook (USA), also an Olympic team silver medallist.

Following the opening event in Wellington, the Rolex Series will continue across Europe with CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena (May 27–31), Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France (June 11–14), and Falsterbo Horse Show in Sweden (July 8–12). The series will then move to Jumping International de Dinard (July 27–August 2), before heading to the RDS Dublin Horse Show (August 4–9), and will conclude with the Brussels Stephex Masters (August 26–30).