Geoffrey Hesslink Leads Team to Victory
Historic Baran Global Hunter Classic
October 22, 2025 at 12:29 PMBy b.wehner
Landmark Event Brings Hunter Sport to Europe
The inaugural Baran Global Hunter Classic concluded a historic weekend at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, showcasing hunter elegance on an international stage. With €300,000 in prize money at stake, competition was fierce, and world-class talent filled the arena.
Geoffrey Hesslink guided Paisley Park to top the individual leaderboard while helping Team Hesslink Williams—alongside Faith Schuttemeyer and show jumping star Lillie Keenan—secure overall victory with a final score of 182.83. Sunday’s handy track, designed by Canadian Kevin Holowack, tested precision and strategy, with Schuttemeyer’s performance aboard Juan Carlos playing a key role in cementing the team’s lead.
Podium Highlights Global Talent
Team French, featuring John French, Paige Walkenbach, and Dutch Olympic rider Harrie Smolders, finished second with 178.17 points. Smolders, new to the hunter ring, impressed with his adaptability, contributing valuable scores to his team. Team California Rose—Halie Robinson, Caroline Ingalls, and Maikel van der Vleuten—rounded out the podium with 171.83 points.
The event’s mix of innovative formats, international riders, and high production value set a new benchmark for hunter competition abroad, marking Hesslink’s individual win as a historic first and signaling a bold new era for hunters on the global stage.
Photo by Laila Klinsmann
Related Articles
Lizzie Rinehart Dominates USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby With One-Two Finish
he $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington saw 29 competitors test their skill over the flowing course in the R+L Arena. Rising to the occasion, Lizzie Rinehart delivered an impressive performance, not only taking the top spot aboard her own Bond but also claiming second place with Story Hour.
HunterJanuary 17, 2026
Wright and Game Day Rise to the Top in $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-and-Go Derby
In the featured $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-and-Go Derby, Melanie Wright emerged victorious aboard her own Game Day, leading the field of 13 entries to claim top honors.Designed by Scott Alder, the Hunt-and-Go track challenged riders to demonstrate both classic hunter style and handiness within a single, flowing phase.
HunterJanuary 17, 2026
Davoudi Delivers Breakthrough Win in $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur
Darya Davoudi added her name to the list of first-time derby winners on Friday at Desert International Horse Park, capturing the $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur, sponsored by Vogel, aboard Told You So. Competing on the Grass Field during Desert Circuit 2, Davoudi’s performance capped off a standout day of hunter competition.
HunterJanuary 17, 2026
Latest News
Tony Stormanns and RMF Cinnamo Capture First in the $32,000 CSIU25 Grand Prix
Germany's Tony Stormanns is two for two with RMF Cinnamo during week four of WEC Ocala's Winter Spectacular.His victory with the 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding in Thursday's $32,000 1.45m CSIU25 Grand Prix follows the pair's win in Wednesday's CSIU25 1.40m $1,000 Speed class. In addition, Stormanns placed fourth with the 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding Twick Star in both classes.
Jumping2 hours agoSean Jobin Wins the $62,500 Grand Prix Qualifier in Grande Style at WEC Ocala
Canada's Sean Jobin and the 10-year-old mare Grande Dame DK took over first place after going second to last in the jump-off in the $62,500 CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier on Thursday at WEC Ocala.Ireland's Philip McGuane and Coronado finished second.
Jumping4 hours agoFEI Appoints Andrew Temkin Eventing Technical Delegate for LA Olympic Games
The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) has announced additional appointments for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The FEI Board has approved American Andrew Temkin as eventing Technical Delegate. Temkin has served as Technical Delegate for the Badminton Horse Trials in England.
Eventing6 hours ago