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Showjumping might look effortless. Elegant horses, stylish riders, fast rounds. But behind this polished image lies a sport built on history, precision, and trust. It is not simply about jumping fences. It is about strategy, tradition, and the connection between horse and rider. These five insights reveal what makes the sport truly remarkable. Each one comes to life at Brussels Stephex Masters, where the best riders and horses meet on the world stage.
1. It didn’t start in a stadium
Showjumping’s story began in the English countryside. In the 18th century, foxhunters had to jump fences after land was enclosed. What started as necessity later became a sport. These riders needed to follow hounds across newly divided land, clearing hedges and ditches along the way. Over time, this evolved from practical riding into formal competition. Showjumping entered the Olympic Games in 1912.
At first, only military officers were allowed to compete. Women were only permitted from 1956 onwards. Since then, men and women have competed as equals for the same medals. This remains rare in elite sport and still surprises many newcomers. Competitions like Brussels Stephex Masters embrace and celebrate this tradition of equality.
2. Precision and timing make the difference
Showjumping is a sport of details. Riders compete against the clock. Any knock, refusal or hesitation adds penalties. At the highest level, fences reach 1.60m. Success depends on rhythm, balance, and small adjustments made in fractions of a second.
Stephex Rider Dennis Johansson puts it simply: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Brussels Stephex Masters brings this challenge to life. Every round shows just how much precision and timing matter.
3. Riders don’t succeed alone
Behind every rider stands a team.
“Success here at Stephex Stables is a team effort, involving grooms, riders, gardeners, and more, each excelling in their role… Grooms play an incredibly vital role, often even more crucial than riders. A good groom’s intuitive understanding of a horse’s needs and moods is key to our success.” – Christoph Schwieters, Stable Manager Stephex Stables.
Trainers, grooms, vets, farriers, nutritionists, physios — all work together. Logistics play a key role too. Stephex Horsetrucks transport horses in comfort. Top horses travel worldwide by air, with their own grooms, passports, and strict health checks.
These horses are elite athletes. They receive specialist care, from massage to ice boots, to ensure peak performance.
Kendra Brinkop, Stephex Rider since 6 years, says it well:
“Trust is built daily, not just in the ring.”
Brussels Stephex Masters brings together this entire world of people, horses, and expertise.
4. Bloodlines and patience matter
In showjumping, success is never rushed. Riders and horses take years to reach their peak. Horses often shine between 10 and 14 years old. Bloodlines are key. Auctions are competitive, with breeders looking for talent, temperament, and scope.
Elite horses come with elite prices. In 2016, MHS Going Global sold for €12 million — a record at the time. Breeding also looks to the future.
That future begins at the very start — with foals carefully bred from proven champion mares. On Friday evening, August 29, the Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection will take place during the Brussels Stephex Masters, showcasing an extraordinary selection of foals born for the top level.
This is more than just a sale — it’s a celebration of sport horse genetics, ethics, and passion. With meticulous care, foals are raised on-site in Le Pin, France, and the entire process avoids embryo freezing, favoring natural implantation into high-quality surrogate mares. As Geert Baertsoen of Haras De La Pomme puts it:
“These mares have given a lot during their careers. So, it’s only right that they get as much as possible back from us and we ask as little as possible from them.”
If bloodlines shape champions, then the Stephex Foal Auction shapes the future of the sport — one careful choice at a time.
Stephan Conter, CEO & Founder Stephex Group, beautifully adds:
“With this auction we also aim to give back to the breeders by providing them the opportunity to acquire the finest bloodlines and offspring from champion mares.”
5. Every jump tells a bigger story
Behind each jump lies years of work: breeding, training, care, and preparation. Records stand as proof of what is possible. In 1949, Captain Alberto Larraguibel and Huaso cleared 2.47m. This remains unbeaten today. For comparison, it matches the height of a typical ceiling.
Partnership is everything. Built on trust and preparation, it shines through in every round.
Kendra Brinkop: “It’s a partnership. Sometimes the horse is leading me, but if it needs me to lead, I will be there. I’ll give confidence to the horse.”
At Brussels Stephex Masters, these stories unfold. Every fence speaks of dedication, resilience, and ambition.
Farid LadJouan, Sales Presentative and trainer since 14 years at Stephex, states:
“The Brussels Stephex Masters is crucial for us. It’s important that the show runs smoothly and that our riders and horses perform their best. We are ready for battle before going to the event… My golden advice is always an encouraging word before they enter the ring: ‘trust yourself, you got this.’”
Final note
Showjumping blends heritage with innovation. Behind the elegance lies a world of effort, skill, and patience. Brussels Stephex Masters stands as a celebration of this sport — where complexity, beauty, and excellence meet. See you there?
