Save the Date: The Baran Global Hunter Classic Debuts in Europe July 10-13, 2025
- whitney134
- Feb 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Wellington, Fla. - Feb. 14, 2025 - A thrilling new chapter in hunter competition is about to unfold with the debut of The Baran-Global Hunter Classic. Set to take place July 11-13, 2025, in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, this landmark €300,000 event will bring the excitement and tradition of hunter competition to a global stage.
Co-founded by Kristen Baran and Andrew Lustig, The Baran Global Hunter Classic aims to introduce and elevate the hunter discipline on a world stage, uniting top talent from around the world. The competition will feature 10 elite teams, each consisting of three riders-one professional as the team captain, one amateur or junior and one top FEl rider-competing in a Nations Cup-style format. The competition will take place over three days of world-class sport hosted by Jan Tops at Tops International Arena, home of the Global Champions Tour.
Eligibility for riders is as follows:
Professional Hunter Riders and Team Captain Eligibility:
Rankings in the top three from the 2024 USHJA Hunter Derby Finals results.
The following five highest-ranked riders are based on USHJA World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) year-end standings for 2023 and 2024 combined.
Two wildcard spots are available.
The Team Captain selects a Junior or Amateur rider, and the
horse they plan to compete with must have:
Been champion or reserve at a USHJA WCHR show in a 3'6" division between Jan.1, 2024, and April 1, 2025.
Or have completed a USHJA WCHR International Hunter Derby.
The International Rider selected by the Team Captain must be:
In the top 50 of the Longines World Ranking List as of April 1, 2025
Or have represented their country at the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, World Cup Finals, or an FEI Regional Championship.
Baran and Lustig have assembled a powerhouse event leadership team, including Chris Sorensen, Mike Belisle and William Sorensen, to bring this innovative competition to life.
Baran, a long-time hunter competitor and philanthropist, has over 50 years of experience in the equine industry and has supported the hunter community by sponsoring some of the most significant charitable hunter events. Lustig has trained some of the top hunters in the United States, including Horse of
the Year recipients Monday Morning and Conversation Piece.
Chris Sorensen has represented Canada in Nations Cup competition, coached or competed in every major hunter ano jumper competition in North America and served as president of Equestrian Canada. He launched multiple events and entrepreneurial projects in the equestrian industry, including The Hunt, the first-ever European Hunter Auction.
Belisle and his Helm LTD bring high-level equestrian event consultative experience, including start-up equestrian event venue TerraNova Equestrian Center and the successful Split Rock Jumping Tour. He played a pivotal role in securing a CSI-W 5* event for Santa Anita Park and led the effort to bring the 2026 World Cup Finals to Fort Worth, Texas.
William Sorensen brings a fresh perspective to the equestrian world, blending experience in sports marketing, event production and concept development. He co-founded The Hunt and has been involved in major global sports, including
the UFC and esports.
The Baran Global Hunter Classic leadership team's combined passion and expertise promise to deliver an unforgettable experience for riders, owners and spectators, bringing a new enthusiasm to invigorate hunter competition.
"More than just competition, this initiative is designed with the goal to support and grow the North American hunter industry by providing global exposure for its riders, owners and horses," Baran said.
The Baran Global Hunter Classic is just the beginning -- the inaugural event will pave the way for larger pretigious competitions in North America in 2026 and beyond. Stay tuned for more details and mark your calendars for this historic turning point in hunter competition.
"More than just competition, this initiative is designed with the goal to support and grow the North American hunter industry by providing global exposure for its riders, owners and horses." - Kristen Baran
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, and future information, please contact: thebaranevent@gmail.com
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