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Friday 29 August 2025 will be one for the history books. After an action-packed day at the Brussels Stephex Masters — featuring the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup presented by STX Finance, one of the most prestigious and hotly contested showjumping competitions of the year — the spotlight shifts to the arena for an equally thrilling highlight: the Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection Auction.
The Brussels Stephex Masters is more than a 5* show jumping competition. It is a world-class celebration of equestrian sport and lifestyle, where the very best riders go all out for a coveted place on the start list, and guests from every corner of the world gather to enjoy spectacular sport, fine dining, and an unparalleled atmosphere. Against this backdrop, Stephex Stables will present something truly extraordinary: the chance to acquire eleven exceptional foals from the world’s number one breeding programme. Passionate investors and breeders across the globe are already eagerly prepping themselves for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and even leading global media far beyond the equestrian world are watching closely.
Giving back to sports and breeding
Belgian showjumping horses are recognised as the best in the world, and that is no coincidence. Their success is the result of countless contributors – trainers, riders, grooms, veterinarians, organisations, suppliers – all relentlessly striving for excellence. But it all starts with breeding. Breeding at the highest level is a craft that demands everything: early mornings, long days, year-round dedication in all weather conditions. It requires the eye to spot talent before it is born, the knowledge to create the perfect match, and the patience to wait years for results. Above all, you need one essential ingredient: a top-quality mare. And today, such mares are almost impossible to come by. The finest bloodlines – often of Belgian origin – seldom become available on the open market.
This is why Stephex has chosen to give back to the breeding world. The success of Stephex Stables – from the stable yard to Olympic gold – is built on dedication and vision. It is the result of continuous improvement, which started with the selection of the very best horses. Some of their top athletes are now enjoying their well-deserved retirement in the vast green pastures of Haras De La Pomme in Normandy, where they contribute to the Pommex breeding programme. For Stephex Group CEO & founder Stephan Conter, the Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection auction is a way to share success and give others the chance to take it even further: “I want to share the genes of our best mares with breeders because that is where everything starts. “This year, we selected our very best eleven foals – fewer than in previous years – because quality comes before quantity. The focus is on fillies, with no fewer than nine in our collection. This gives our clients the opportunity to build a strong breeding programme of their own.”
De Liebri: Only the best will do
Although the auction has only been held for a few years, several breeders already have multiple Pommex horses in their stables. One of them is Lieven Bruyneel of De Liebri Stud. “I’ve known Stephan for a long time. My horses compete at his fantastic show, and I’m well aware of the talent within Stephex,” he says. A very selective buyer, Lieven explains: “Although I only invest in foals I truly want, I’ve bought at every edition so far – that says a lot about the quality. They are the best of the best.” So far, he has only purchased colts. “One of them, Windsor Pommex Z (Comme Il Faut x Erenice Horta | 2022), is now an approved stallion, and I’m very proud of that. It would be fantastic to secure a filly from my favourite Pommex lines.”
The collection
The catalogue includes foals out of Jeunesse van’t Paradijs (Emerald x Heartbreaker), Kracotte Z (Kannan x Darco), Equita van ’t Zorgvliet (Cassini I x Darco), Soory De L’Hallali (For Pleasure x Pegase Gerbaux), Nusha (Emerald van’t Ruytershof x Chin Chin), Pironella (Nonstop x Pilot), Viva (Corrado I x Nimmerdor), Erenice Horta (Diamant de Semilly x Parco), Zoë II (Kannan x Goes Without Saying) and Jasmien vd Bisschop (Larino x Chin Chin).
They are paired with some of today’s most influential stallions, including established names such as Comme Il Faut and Mylord Carthago, as well as current stars like Ermitage Kalone and United Touch S. The collection also includes a Cumano daughter of Amaryllis (Darco) from the breeding programme of Star Stables Kattenheye.
Auction Director Tom Kerkhofs explains: “This year, we selected just 11 foals – fewer than in previous editions – because quality comes before quantity. The focus is on fillies, with nine in the collection, offering our clients the chance to build a strong breeding programme of their own. We have particularly high expectations for our United Touch filly out of Jeunesse van’t Paradijs. United Touch is currently in great demand, and Jeunesse is the dam of multiple Grand Prix horses. With her young son, Replay van’t Paradijs, also making waves, we believe this filly will draw significant attention.”
We also have something unique with two foals by Dexter de Kerglenn. There are only 15 born worldwide this year, and we have two fillies in our collection: one out of Viva, the Grand Prix winner of Mechelen, and one out of Zoë II, who competed successfully with Lorenzo de Luca.” Geert and Geertrui who bred and raised the foals at Haras de La Pomme are equally excited: “These two are truly exceptional and our personal favourites.”
Brussels Stephex Masters: the ultimate blend of top sport, style, and exclusive breeding
The Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection Auction takes place on Friday 29 August 2025 at 10 p.m., during the Brussels Stephex Masters in Wolvertem. Bidding is possible both on-site and online. In the afternoon, between the two rounds of the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup presented by STX Finance, the foals will be presented to the public in the arena. Visitors are also welcome to admire them up close in the stables.
Friday 29 August is set to be a true highlight of the equestrian year: in the afternoon, the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup, presented by STX Finance brings together the very best riders and horses from the strongest showjumping nations in the world, all fighting for victory in an atmosphere charged with tension and national pride. The flags will be flying, the crowds roaring, and every jump will have you on the edge of your seat.
Beyond the sport, the Brussels Stephex Masters (27–31 August 2025) is pure lifestyle. Expect exclusive shopping, delicious food and drinks, surprising entertainment, and the idyllic setting that makes you feel part of something truly special. For five days, the world’s top riders give their all, with a fresh line-up of spectacular classes every day, leading up to one of the week’s absolute highlights – the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM.
The Brussels Stephex Masters is a free event, open to all. So don’t miss out!
More about the auction: www.stephex.auction
More about the Brussels Stephex Masters: www.stephexevents.com
