Ride On Time

In its patronage of two of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events—one in Britain, the other in the Us—rolex continues a six-decade tradition of supporting competitive riding, writes Christian Barker

ince 1957, when it forged an alliance with British showjumper Pat Smythe, Rolex has been closely aligned with equestrianism. Today, the brand counts among its testimonees numerous leading competitive riders, including Kent Farrington, Scott Brash, Eric Lamaze, Meredith Michaels-beerbaum, Bertram Allen and Zara Tindall. Additionally, Rolex is the headline sponsor of a number of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events, not least the Royal Windsor Horse Show in London and the Rolex Central Park Horse Show in New York. The Swiss watchmaker feels that its values of elegance, precision and testing the very limits of performance are wonderfully reflected by events such as these, which attract the best riders on earth. One such outstanding equestrian, leading showjumper Kent Farrington, describes the Royal Windsor Horse Show as “five days of top‑flight competition, set against the backdrop of the historic Windsor Castle”, boasting “world‑class showjumping, dressage, carriage driving and endurance riding competitions”. Farrington, who picked up a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics as a member of the US showjumping team, and won both the Rolex Grand Prix at Royal Windsor and the Grand Prix at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show in 2017, chooses to wear a Rolex Gmt‑master II. The watch, very handily, allows him to track the time simultaneously in Berkshire and Manhattan, home to these two illustrious events. Of the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show, Farrington says, “I was privileged to win there in 2016, as the show then included the 90th birthday celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen.” (We might add that Queen Elizabeth II competed in the show before her ascension to the throne, as did her sister, Princess Margaret.) “I even got to meet her.” Originally known as the Windsor Horse and Dog Show, the event was established in 1943 to aid the war effort, and performed admirably, drumming up sufficient funds for the purchase of 78 Typhoon fighter aircraft. Dogs were removed from the bill the following year, after an amusing incident at the inaugural event when—to the horror of the organising committee—one of the hounds on show snatched a piece of meat from King George V’s lunch plate. The royal family nevertheless offered their enduring support and patronage to the show, which has been held ever since in the green and pleasant land surrounding the queen’s country residence, Windsor Castle. Rolex became official partner to Royal Windsor in 2016. It is, says Farrington, “one of my favourite shows in the world. The atmosphere is amazing and the spectators are especially knowledgeable and appreciative of horses. It’s also one of the world’s great showjumping settings”. Farrington expresses equal admiration for its parallel event across the Atlantic. “I also love riding at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show in New York,” he says. “I think it is one of the best venues we have to showcase our sport. New York’s iconic skyline really helps create a special atmosphere, especially as much of the event is held in the evening.” The Rolex Central Park Horse Show is a five-day event featuring a diverse line-up of equestrian competition. Showjumping is, of course, a highlight—and Farrington is delighted to “wear the crown” as reigning champion. The American particularly appreciates being able to compete on his home turf in such a stunning setting. “New York is a special venue and it’s very impressive for the horses,” he says. “Warming up at the back of Central Park and walking up to the arena is incredible. Some of the horses are a bit star-struck but usually can settle in once they enter the arena. As a rider, it feels like a privilege to present our sport under the New York City skyline.” Though sadly the event was cancelled in 2018 due to scheduling issues that could have affected the riders’ performance or endangered the horses’ welfare, Farrington, his ponies—and his Gmt-master Ii—will return to Central Park next September.