Media Alert: The Baran Global Hunter Classic to Premiere in Valkenswaard
Media Alert: The Baran Global Hunter Classic to Premiere in Valkenswaard
Wellington, Fla. – July 2, 2025 - Hunter sport takes a bold leap into the future with The Baran Global Hunter Classic, which debuts July 11–13 at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard. This first-ever showcase for the hunter discipline features €300,000 in prize money. An inventive team format blends a hunter professional rider (team captain), a junior/amateur, and a top international jumper. Founded by Kristen Baran and Andrew Lustig, The Baran Global Hunter Classic brings hunters to the world stage.
Top junior rider Paige Walkenbach and her many-time champion hunter, the venerable Babylon. The pair will join veteran hunter pro and Team Captain John French and Crystal Blue, owned by Walkenbach Equestrian, and international jumper rider Harrie Smolders (NED) with a provided hunter to form one of
The Baran Global Hunter Classic teams. Photo by Kind Media
FAST FACTS
What:
The inaugural Baran Global Hunter Classic, a landmark three-day international hunter team competition.
When:
Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2025
Schedule (tentative):
Friday, July 11:
3:30 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST) (9:30 a.m. EDT) - Welcome Class
6 p.m. CEST (12:00 p.m. (noon) EDT) - Under-Saddle Class
Saturday, July 12:
3:30 p.m. CEST (9:30 a.m. EDT) - Classic Hunter Round
Sunday, July 13:
2:45 p.m. CEST (8:45 a.m. EDT) - Handy Hunter Class
Where:
Longines Tops International Arena,
Maastrichterweg 249 5556 VB
Valkenswaard, The Netherlands.
Airports:
Eindhoven Airport (EIN): 23km from the venue. It has flights from all over Europe. Taxi or bus to the venue.
Amsterdam (AMS): 2 hours from the venue.
Suggested Hotels:
Fletcher Hotel Jagershorst Eindhoven
Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne
Livestream:
In North America: Catch every thrilling moment live from Europe via ClipMyHorse.TV Coverage includes expert commentary.
In Europe: Go to GCTV
Media Contacts:
In North America: Carrie Wirth, EQ Media, Carrie@EQMedia.agency
In Europe: For media credentials, contact: Floss Bish-Jones, Floss@globalchampionstour.com