Josephine Sjölin, Author at Falsterbo Horse Show

Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show has entered a new long term partnership with Rolex. This marks a historic moment for the event and strengthens Falsterbo’s position as one of the most prestigious competitions in international equestrian sport.

As part of the sponsorship, Rolex becomes the official timepiece and the title sponsor of the Rolex Grand Prix, which will take place on Sunday, July 13 at the international show jumping arena, with total prize money of €500,000. Over the years, some of the world’s top riders have claimed victory in this prestigious class, including John Whitaker, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Steve Guerdat, Peder Fredricson, and Martin Fuchs.

“We work hard to develop both the event and the sport to attract the world’s best riders to Falsterbo. Collaborating with committed and like-minded sponsors such as Rolex is crucial to achieving this. We are delighted to work with Rolex to continue developing the sport into the future” says Jana Wannius, president of Falsterbo Horse Show.

Rolex has been a dedicated partner to equestrian sports for a long time. Through its commitment and support of some of the world’s premier equestrian events, the watch brand has become a symbol of excellence in the sport.

Falsterbo, which has been a cornerstone of Swedish and international equestrian sports for over a century, continues to attract over 60,000 visitors annually. The unique coastal setting, the loyal and knowledgeable audience, and the top competitions make Falsterbo one of the most renowned events in the equestrian world. Henrik von Eckermann, the current world number one, shares his thoughts on the new agreement:

“As a Swedish rider I think this is fantastic news. I’m really looking forward to this summer and to Falsterbo. It’s a show with a long tradition and history, it suits perfect for the Rolex Series. This elevates the event’s significance on the international stage and marks a decisive milestone in its development. I’m really looking forward to it!”

Rolex Series Events 2025

Wellington Equestrian Festival – Week 12 – March 25-30, 2025
CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena – May 21-25, 2025
Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France – June 5-8, 2025
Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show – July 5-13, 2025
Jumping International de Dinard – July 24-27, 2025
RDS Dublin Horse Show – August 6-10, 2025
Brussels Stephex Masters – August 27-31, 2025

Contact
Jana Wannius, President Falsterbo Horse Show, (USA, contact after 13:00 CET)
wannius@falsterbohorseshow.com / +46 707 83 83 03

Elisabeth von Schrowe, Event Director
elisabeth@falsterbohorseshow.com / +46 706 30 63 31

Josephine Sjölin, Sport Manager
josephine@falsterbohorseshow.com / +46 730 60 04 40

Falsterbo Horse Show gains a strong new partner as Al Shira’aa becomes the title sponsor of the event, from 2025 named Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show. This six-year agreement secures a long-term collaboration, marking an important milestone for the competition and further strengthening its international reputation.

Al Shira’aa is a well-known name in international equestrian sports, with long-standing partnerships such as the title sponsorship of the Hickstead Derby in the UK. Starting in 2025, they are also the main partner and title sponsor of the prestigious Hamburg Derby in Germany. Behind this initiative is H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a passionate advocate for equestrian sports, who has played a key role in supporting and developing the sport through competitions, breeding, and education via Al Shira’aa Stables.

The partnership between Al Shira’aa and Falsterbo Horse Show enhances Sweden’s international appeal in equestrian sports and creates new opportunities for both riders and spectators. Through this collaboration, Falsterbo Horse Show strengthens its position as a platform for attracting the world’s top riders while continuing to evolve under its guiding principles of “tradition and renewal”. Jana Wannius, President Falsterbo Horse Show about the new partnership:

“I am of course very happy with the new long-term partnership with Al Shira’aa and also honored that H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted the role of Honorary President of the Organizing Committee. This collaboration strengthens the continued development of Falsterbo Horse Show, with the horses, the sport, the riders, and our fantastic Falsterbo audience as our top priority. The future of Falsterbo Horse Show – and Swedish equestrian sport – looks bright!”

With Al Shira’aa as a long-term partner for three of the world’s most prestigious and historic Derby competitions, the interest, level, and status of these iconic events will continue to grow, benefiting the sport, its athletes, and audiences worldwide.

Official Press Statement by H.R.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan

– Al Shira’aa Stables Becomes the New Title Sponsor of the Falsterbo Horse Show –

Al Shira’aa Stables, founded, owned, and led by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, proudly announces its title sponsorship of the Falsterbo Horse Show, one of Scandinavia’s most esteemed equestrian events. From now on, this prestigious tournament will carry the name “Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show”, marking a new chapter in its celebrated history.

Since its establishment, the Falsterbo Horse Show has stood as a symbol of excellence in equestrian sport, embodying values deeply cherished by Her Highness: tradition, dedication, and the unique bond between horse and human.

“Horses have been an integral part of my family’s and my nation’s heritage for centuries. They symbolize strength, grace, and an extraordinary partnership. Their significance extends beyond sport – they are central to our culture, embodying the deep-rooted traditions of the United Arab Emirates,” explains Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show is not just a celebration of equestrian competition but also a tribute to the entire community that makes this event possible. Her Highness emphasizes:

“This tournament honors and celebrates the riders who inspire us with their talent and dedication, the breeders and farmers who devote their lives to raising extraordinary horses, and the countless individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to sustain the Falsterbo Horse Show over the years. Together, they create an environment where equestrian heritage thrives, bringing people together from around the world to admire and appreciate the noble animal that unites us all. This event is about more than sport; it is about preserving culture, tradition, and the incredible efforts of a community driven by their love for horses.”

As the founder, owner, and leader of Al Shira’aa Stables, Her Highness has long championed equestrian sport globally. Al Shira’aa Stables is internationally recognized for its exceptional stallions and its annual breeding of outstanding horses, many of which have achieved success on the global stage. These horses exemplify the excellence and passion that drive Her Highness’ vision for equestrianism.

In addition to the Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show, Al Shira’aa Stables proudly supports the Al Shira’aa Deutsches Spring- und Dressur-Derby in Hamburg, German. One of the world’s oldest and most iconic equestrian tournaments, established in 1920. Together with its long-standing partnership with the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby in the United Kingdom, these sponsorships demonstrate Her Highness’ dedication to preserving the heritage of equestrian sport while promoting its growth and innovation.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Al Shira’aa Stables are committed to ensuring the Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show continues to flourish as a celebration of equestrian excellence.

This partnership highlights the profound role of horses in culture and sport while honoring the riders, breeders, and organizers who bring these remarkable events to life. Her Highness looks forward to seeing the Al Shira’aa Falsterbo Horse Show thrive as a symbol of tradition, passion, and unity for the global equestrian community.

Contact
Jana Wannius, President Falsterbo Horse Show, (USA, contact after 13:00 CET)
wannius@falsterbohorseshow.com / +46707 83 83 03

Elisabeth von Schrowe, Event Director
elisabeth@falsterbohorseshow.com / +4670 630 63 31

Josephine Sjölin, Sport Manager
josephine@falsterbohorseshow.com / +46730 60 04 40

Falsterbo Horse Show is making significant improvements to enhance the experience for both horses and riders. Ahead of this summer’s competitions, significant investments are being made in the venue, with a focus on footing quality and improved riding paths.

Following valuable feedback from some of the world’s top riders, several projects were initiated last autumn:

New footing in the warm-up arena at the international jumping arena: The warm-up arena, measuring 72×34 m, will receive a fiber-sand surface to enhance performance and safety.
Expanded training and warm-up arena: The Expandia fiber-sand arena is being extended and widened from 70×30 meters to 110×45 meters. Primarily intended as a warm-up and practice arena, it can also be used for competition.
Enhanced maintenance of grass arenas: All grass arenas – the International jumping arena, the Falsterbo arena and the grass warm-up arena – are now part of a detailed maintenance plan. This includes regular sand dressing, fertilization, and vertical cutting to ensure optimal competition conditions.
A wider and more durable pathway between the stables and competition arenas: The riding path is being widened from 6 to 12 meters and reinforced to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring safe and efficient transport for both horses and riders.
Dedicated studding stations: Several designated stations will be installed near the Falsterbo Arena, allowing participants to safely change their horses’ studs when transitioning from fiber-sand warm-up surfaces to grass competition arenas.

Jana Wannius, President of Falsterbo Horse Show, shares more details:

“Falsterbo invests in its facilities every year across various areas. This year, the majority of time and resources are focused on our training and competition arenas. This summer, we will have a total of four large training arenas, three with fiber-sand footing and one on grass. Additionally, there will be three competition arenas—two on grass and one with fiber-sand—along with the Expandia Arena and Falsterbo Park, covering 10,000 sqm.”

Renowned Spaniard Santiago Varela has been appointed international course designer for the 2024 edition of Falsterbo Horse Show. With a wealth of experience that includes World Cup finals and numerous championships, international riders at Falsterbo can expect courses of absolute top class.

Santiago Varela, the CEO of a multinational infrastructure company in his daily life, only builds a selection of competitions each year. Prior to Falsterbo, he will be at Spruce Meadows in Canada, and after Falsterbo, the Olympic Games in Paris awaits the accomplished course design.

“I am truly looking forward to designing the courses at Falsterbo Horse Show; Falsterbo is one of the world’s most prestigious competitions, and the Swedish audience is something truly special,” says Santiago Varela.

Jana Wannius, President of Falsterbo Horse Show’s organizing committee, looks forward to welcoming Santiago Varela to the event:

“The course designer is the key figure during the competitions, responsible for creating fair courses for both horse and rider, while also ensuring excitement for the audience. That’s precisely what Santiago is well-known for. We look forward to working with him this summer and are proud to, as always, offer our riders a course designer of absolute world-class.”

Top nations applaud Falsterbo Horse Show’s New Course Designer – “In my eyes, the world’s best course designer”

Sweden’s chef d’équipe Henrik Ankarcrona, who has guided the Swedish showjumping team to three consecutive championship golds, is delighted by the news of Santiago Varela coming to Falsterbo this summer:

“In my eyes, he’s the world’s best course designer. It’s fantastic that we’ll have him in Falsterbo.”

Peter van der Waaij, an experienced Falsterbo attendee and newly appointed chef d’équipe of Switzerland, the 2023 champions at Falsterbo’s International Arena, is equally enthusiastic about the announcement:

“Santiago is a very established course designer who has proven himself at the biggest shows and championships. He always presents interesting challenges, and it will require us to bring along strong and technically capable riders. He’s definitely somebody that will do right to the standards that we are used to at Falsterbo. “

For more information or inquiries, please contact:

Josephine Sjölin, Sports Manager Falsterbo Horse Show
josephine@falsterbohorseshow.com/+46730600440

Agria takes on the role of title sponsor for the Nations Cup at Falsterbo Horse Show, ensuring the continuation of the prestigious and hugely popular team competition on Swedish soil. “It feels great that we, together with the Falsterbo Horse Show, can present a team competition at an international level with the best nations in a year like this with many exciting events coming up. To be able to treat the Swedish audience to a genuine nail-biter is particularly exciting,” says Mikael Theorén, Country Manager at Agria.

The Agria Falsterbo Nations Cup will be a standalone event, following the same format as other Nations Cup events throughout 2024. In addition to Agria taking on the role as the title sponsor for the Agria Falsterbo Nations Cup from 2024 to 2028, the collaboration will also continue for the Falsterbo Derby qualifier, the Falsterbo Derby itself, and Icelandic horses.

“The Nations Cup has long been considered as one of the most prestigious competitions in international equestrian sports.This team jumping has been a cornerstone of the Falsterbo Horse Show since 1985, marking its 40th anniversary this year. This year we are taking an exciting step into the future as we welcome Agria as our new long-term partner. This collaboration not only signifies the ongoing development of the event but also symbolizes our commitment to maintaining a central role in international equestrian sports. ” says Jana Wannius, President of the Organizing Committee Falsterbo Horse Show.

The focus on the Nations Cup is part of Agria’s strategy to increase brand awareness among horse owners in Europe. Currently, Agria operates in five countries with horse insurance and digital veterinary care advice for horse owners.

In December, it was announced that Agria would take over the sponsorship of one of England’s oldest and most important show jumping events – the Royal International Horse Show and Nations Cup in the United Kingdom. The competition is now called the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

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