Press release from Brussels Stephex Masters

“With this exceptional, one-time adjustment to the programme, top riders will have more opportunities to compete at Brussels Stephex Masters, while reducing the pressure on their top horses.”

The Brussels Stephex Masters will not organise the Nations Cup presented by STX Finance during the 2026 edition of the event. This decision was made specifically for this year, following careful consideration of the international calendar and with a clear focus on the quality of the sport, the riders’ planning and the horses themselves.

With the FEI Jumping World Championship in Aachen taking place only days before Brussels Stephex Masters, the 2026 season requires particularly careful planning from riders, owners and their teams. Many top combinations will be coming straight out of a major championship period, making the availability of horses and riders for a full CSI5* week more complex than usual.

In that context, the organisation believes that adapting the Friday programme is the most responsible decision. This adjustment allows Brussels Stephex Masters to maintain a strong international field of competitors, while giving riders greater flexibility in how they manage their horses throughout an already demanding season.

Stephan Conter, Chief Executive Officer of Stephex Group, explains: “Top riders plan their seasons very carefully, especially in a championship year. With this exceptional adjustment to the programme, we give them more flexibility to include the Brussels Stephex Masters in their schedule, while reducing the pressure on their horses. It allows us to continue offering sport at the highest level, without losing sight of what matters most.”

Also Zoé Hank Conter, rider and Managing Director of STX Finance, fully supports this decision: “In a year marked by the World Championships, giving riders greater flexibility and prioritising horse welfare is the right approach. The Nations Cup presented by STX Finance remains an important class for us, and we are proud to continue supporting it through STX Finance.”

Although the Nations Cup presented by STX Finance will not take place this year, Friday will remain one of the highlights of Brussels Stephex Masters. For this edition, the organisation is preparing an exceptional new CSI5* class as a strong sporting alternative.

The new CSI5* class will be combined with the renowned Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection auction, a much-anticipated moment where carefully selected young horses and embryos from some of the most exciting bloodlines are presented to an international audience. Together with the traditional evening entertainment and show programme, it promises to become another exceptional Friday evening at Brussels Stephex Masters.

Several leading international riders have already confirmed their presence for the 2026 edition, promising another week of top-level show jumping in Wolvertem. Alongside the CSI5* competitions, the programme offers a full week of outstanding sport, with classes for young horses, young riders, CSI3* riders and CSI1* riders.

On Sunday, all eyes will be on the Rolex Grand Prix, presented by Audi, the absolute highlight of the week and the class every top rider wants to win.

Visitors can also look forward to a full event experience, with a vibrant exhibitors’ village, great food and drinks, children’s entertainment and spectacular evening shows.

The Brussels Stephex Masters will take place from 26 to 30 August 2026 at Stephex Stables in Wolvertem, Belgium, and demand is already high. Hospitality packages are selling fast, while the exhibitors’ village was fully booked in no time and has already been expanded to meet demand.

Visitors who want to secure a great view of the arena are encouraged to book their grandstand tickets in time, as these are also selling quickly. The event remains free to access for all visitors. Grandstand tickets are only needed for those who want a sheltered seat with the best view of the sport.