Jill MedingerBlending American hunter tradition with international star power, The Baran Global Hunter Classic made history with its European debut July 11–13 at the Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, Netherlands. Founded by Kristen Baran and Andrew Lustig, the visionary event reimagined hunter sport for the world stage—complete with €300,000 in prize money and a boundary-breaking team format pairing top hunter pros, juniors or amateurs, and international show jumpers.
Team Hesslink Williams—led by decorated professional Geoffrey Hesslink, junior rider Faith Schuttemeyer, and Lillie Keenan (USA)—topped the podium with fluid, stylish performances over courses designed by Kevin Holowack (CAN) and artfully decorated by Flora Baptiston (MEX).
Fresh off team gold at the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup in Aachen, Keenan donned a shadbelly and returned to her roots in spectacular fashion. Meanwhile, three-time Olympian Harrie Smolders (NED) made his hunter debut and helped Team French—alongside hunter professional icon John French and junior Paige Walkenbach—claim reserve champion honors. Smolders wowed in the Under Saddle, taking the win aboard Ever So Often.