Bridgehampton, United States – August 31, 2025 – Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Jireh have made a name for themselves the past two years, claiming several wins and top placings in CSI 3* & CSI 4* classes. But on Sunday, they made a strong statement at the five-star level, securing a top three finish in the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI 5*.  

The Hampton Classic and its longtime partners reminisced on 50 years of world-class equestrian tradition before opening the gates for the 39 horse-and-rider combinations representing 14 countries in the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI 5*. Nick Granat’s highly technical course featured 17 total jumping efforts set at 1.60m, proving to be quite the challenge as the class went on.

American Kristen Vanderveen (USA) was the first to pass the test without fault aboard Bull Run’s Jireh, but it took another 17 trips before Jessica Mendoza (GBR) guaranteed the spectators a jump-off. World #22, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) was the only other rider to join them riding James Kann Cruz.

“I knew today was going to be very difficult, and with the seated order based off Friday’s qualifier, that we had to wait for a clear round,” Granat said. “I was really pleased with the class and the jump-off. There is always pressure to have some clears; everyone wants to see a jump-off. I was happy we were able to give them one.”

Vanderveen and Bull Run Jumpers Inc.’s 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding took a risk while setting the time to beat in the tiebreaker course, but the final fence fell to put them on a four-fault score and leave the door open for their fellow competitors.

Mendoza immediately followed with her double-clear score in 37.34 seconds aboard the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare she co-owns with Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Mellissa Skowlund and Pernilla Amman, which ultimately secured her first FEI 5* win. 

Sweetnam and his and Gizmo Partners’s 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding landed in second place with their faultless time of 37.90 seconds, dropping Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Jireh into third.

Despite a rail down in the jump-off the dynamic duo proved they have what it takes to shine at the five-star level and represent Team USA in future Nations Cup events.

Celebrating 50 years of world-class equestrian competition in 2025, the Hampton Classic Horse Show took place in Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, featuring FEI CSI 5* and CSI 2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter competitions with more than $1 million in prize money. 

Final Results – €400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI 5*

1) Jessica Mendoza (GBR) & In the Air – 0 / 0 – 37.34

2) Shane Sweetnam (IRL) & James Kann Cruz – 0 / 0 – 37.90

3) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Jireh – 0 / 4 – 38.04

Source: Press Release from Marty Bauman / Classic Comunications for The Hampton Classic Horse Show

Photos: © THCHS / KindMedia

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