Downpours and thousands of galloping horses couldn’t break the grass arena at the Brussels Stephex Masters.
Although almost every show jumper prefers the beauty and quality of grass over a sand arena, you don’t find too many of these arenas around the world. Factors like weather conditions and maintenance have long discouraged organizers from investing in grass. But that could be changing.
The jumping competitions at the Brussels Stephex Masters (August 28 to September 1) take place on grass arenas that can withstand even the heaviest rainfall and an exceptional number of rounds per day.
Rain and storm
When the Brussels Stephex Masters revealed in 2022 that the event would switch to grass, riders were thrilled. It’s now the only 5-star show in Belgium held on grass.
In 2023, the grass was immediately put to the ultimate test: a week of relentless rain and storms. But the competition went on. Even more impressive: the world’s top riders were amazed by the quality and safety the ground still offered after the downpour. It was all made possible by the expertise and commitment of the team responsible for the grass arena. How can an arena like this stay in top condition throughout the entire competition, even with hundreds of horses jumping on the grass every day?
Sand, and a lot of roots
For managing the grass arena, the Brussels Stephex Masters works closely with Michel Poncelet from Green-consult, a Belgian company specializing in sports grass fields that also maintains the perfect turf at the King Baudouin Stadium and RSC Anderlecht. Michel travels the world, having laid the grass in Versailles for the cross-country event during the Olympics, and he’s already booked for LA28. His expertise in grass tracks is also well-known in Asia.
Beneath the grass arena lies an advanced drainage system that ensures efficient water management without any loss. The grass is planted in specially engineered sandy soil, making it strong enough to withstand loads of up to 2 tons per square meter without tearing or becoming slippery. The grass blend is carefully chosen based on a thorough soil analysis, the season, and the climate.
Continuous improvement: a must for both horse and rider
Together with the Stephex team, Michel goes above and beyond to provide riders and their horses with the safest and highest quality footing possible.
Michel: “After every competition, we carefully inspect the grass and look for new techniques to improve the maintenance of the arena. And it pays off! The Brussels Stephex Masters grass arena is one of the best in the world. Its drainage capacity is incredible. In 2023, more than 60 liters per square meter of rain fell in just a few minutes. Everyone thought the competition was over, but shortly after, it resumed. Considering that hundreds of rounds are ridden each day, that’s truly remarkable.”
Mowing every day
Maintaining the perfect grass arena requires regular care. After Michel’s thorough analyses, the execution is handled by Stef De Smedt (Stephex), who implements the recommendations. The main tasks are mowing to create a thick grass cover, fertilizing, and making sure there’s enough oxygen in the soil.
Stef: “The maintenance is more intensive in the period leading up to the Brussels Stephex Masters than during the rest of the year. It’s especially important in the six weeks before the event, when the arena needs to be mowed daily. We also spread lava granules on the surface, which provide more stability and absorb a lot of water. The most intensive maintenance period is right after the Masters, as the grass is damaged in many areas.”
Sustainable
Extreme weather conditions, like heavy rain or intense heat, are the biggest challenges. Large amounts of water need to be drained or added in a short time, which is made possible by the drainage system.
Diseases are also a risk for the grass, so regular inspections are crucial. By using organic products, the grass is less vulnerable to harmful germs. No pesticides are used either, which is good for root development and makes the process more sustainable!
