Emile Conter  (Foto:Silvia Reiner)

Brussels Stephex Masters | 27 – 31 August 2025 The star-studded parade of showjumping

Discover the world’s elite and the young talents who are set to ignite the Brussels Stephex Masters.

The Brussels Stephex Masters is a dazzling parade of showjumping’s brightest stars. Olympic champions, World
Champions, European Champions – they will all be present in Wolvertem for the CSIO5* Henders & Hazel
Nations Cup presented by STX Finance, (29/08) and the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi (31/08).
Belgium is recognized as the number one horse nation in the world – in breeding, in riders, and in events. The
Brussels Stephex Masters is the nec plus ultra, the ultimate calling card of Belgium as horse country.

A parade of stars, with the next generation ready to shine

Such world-class riders don’t appear by chance, their presence must be earned, and that has everything to do
with respect and trust. Few competitions welcome such an extraordinary array of top riders. Their presence
speaks volumes about their appreciation for organizer Stephan Conter, a global player in both trade and sport.
With his organization he wants to give something back to his beloved sport. That is why young talents also get the chance to compete in the magic of the Brussels Stephex Masters, where top sport flows seamlessly into atmosphere and lifestyle.

And the public is up for a treat. The Belgian golden team with Gilles Thomas, Thibeau Spits, Pieter Devos and
Nicola Philippaerts, who became European Champions last month, will all be present for the first time since the
Europeans. Last year Team Belgium claimed silver in their home Nations Cup. Will they jump to gold this time,
just like at the Europeans? One thing is certain: it will not be a walk in the park with Olympic Champion and
European runner-up Great Britain sending its strongest delegation. Among them Scott Brash and Ben Maher, the
world’s number 2. Maher won Olympic gold last year in Paris with Dallas Vegas Batilly, the same horse with which he had taken the Rolex Grand Prix, presented by Audi a year earlier.

Steve Guerdat, ranked 4th in the world, was this year’s outgoing European Champion with Dynamix de Belheme,
the horse he rode to second place in last year’s Rolex Grand Prix. The winner was José Maria Larocca with Finn
Lente. For the Argentinian, it was the greatest victory of his rich career. A year earlier he had already been
second in the Rolex Grand Prix, presented by Audi. His win was the ultimate highlight. Scott Brash, Ben Maher,
Steve Guerdat, José Maria Larocca: they are the big challengers for the Belgians, who will also face reigning
World Champion Henrik von Eckermann and current Olympic individual champion Christian Kukuk.
Or will it be a young talent who takes the win and drives home in a brand-new Audi? One of the highlights this
year will be the incredible young generation of riders, with six of the world’s Top 7 in the U25 rankings set to
compete: Nina Mallevaey (FRA, World No. 1), Carlos Hank Guerreiro (MEX, No. 2), Emilie Conter (BEL, No.
4), Thibeau Spits (BEL, No. 5), Jeanne Sadran (FRA, No. 6), and Antoine Ermann (FRA, No. 7). These rising
stars embody the future of the sport and will bring youthful ambition, talent, and energy to the Brussels arena. The
Conter sisters are in strong form and extra motivated on home soil. The French delegation is led by éminence
grise Roger-Yves Bost, the 2016 Olympic Champion. He teams up with, among others, Jeanne Sadran (24), who
won her first 5* Grand Prix in Paris in June. Her compatriot Nina Mallevaey (25) is no less impressive. At the
Rolex CSIO in Rome she rode a faultless Nations Cup with her Belgian horse Nikka vd Bisschop – helping France
to second place – and also secured an individual third place in the Rolex Grand Prix. Nina and Jeanne competed
at the Europeans for Les Bleus – and will do so again in the CSIO5* Henders & Hazel Nations Cup presented by STX Finance. Anyone wishing to experience the pinnacle of showjumping should definitely come along. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Admission is even free.

Nina Mallevaey – from Knokke Hippique to Wellington, gold at the French Championships, the Europeans and the Brussels Stephex Masters

If there is one rider looking forward to the Brussels Stephex Masters with gratitude, it is Nina Mallevaey. In 2021, she visited Knokke Hippique, where she made the connections that would set her on the path to the many victories she is
now achieving at the very highest level. Four years on, Nina is French Champion, competed at this year’s European Championships, and rides for an American stable. “If you had told me that ten years ago, I would have found it completely unrealistic and impossible,” Nina laughs.

first learned to ride on a Shetland pony, developing an unconditional love for horses that inspired her to become a professional rider at the age of 18. She inherited her passion from her father, an amateur rider who always kept a few horses. After her Shetland pony came her first horse. At just 12 years old she started competing in the pony classes, and a year later she was selected for the European Pony Championships. She remains deeply grateful to her parents for all the sacrifices, time, and energy they invested in her passion. After finishing school, Nina joined the Sadran family’s stable at 18, where she trained under Eric Louradour and Julien Epaillard. Three years later, she felt it was time for a change. By coincidence, she traveled to Knokke Hippique, where she met Stephan Conter, who introduced her to Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines stable. She still remembers nervously approaching the
Canadian Olympic Champion. The connection was immediate, and Nina was hired. Her very first big competition
for Torrey Pines? The Brussels Stephex Masters – riding the then eight-year-old Nikka vd Bisschop.
That winter she moved to Wellington, where she met Tara and Mark Rein, the owners of Nikka vd Bisschop and
now her current employers – though Nina says they feel more like family. With their support, she gained
opportunities to compete in the GCT and gradually established herself on the 5* circuit. Today, with Nikka,
Clementine, and Dynastie de Beaufour, Nina has a fully-fledged five-star string – and a close bond with each of
them. “It’s not just about riding them; you need to invest a lot of time to build a real partnership. The more care and attention you give them, the more they give back,” Nina explains.

Along the way, she learned from some of the sport’s greats: Julien Epaillard, who remains close to the simplicity
and nature of the horse; Eric Lamaze, who taught her to believe in herself; and also Laura Kraut and Nick
Skelton. More recently, she has been training frequently with Helena Stormanns, who has given her tremendous confidence. With such mentors behind her and an unstoppable drive of her own, it is no surprise that Nina Mallevaey is today
the reigning French Champion – and one of the stars to watch at the Brussels Stephex Masters 2025.

 

Emilie Conter, a new star in showjumping: “Portobella changed my life”

The very best will appear at the Brussels Stephex Masters. But the big names are far from guaranteed a win.
They will be challenged by a strong new generation of young talents, who will undoubtedly push them to their
limits. One of those promising talents is Emilie Conter, who has been making waves this year, thanks to Portobella vd Fruitkorf, her partner in crime.

The Brussels-born rider from the Stephex stables won her first CSI5* Grand Prix in Wellington in March. A few
weeks later she helped the Belgian team to bronze in the Nations Cup in the United States. Emilie Conter and
Portobella had put themselves on the map and became a fixture in the national team, confirming their status with faultless rounds in the Nations Cups of Rotterdam and Aachen. What stands out is that her ten-year-old mare Portobella vd Fruitkorf is not the biggest horse. “You could even say she’s small, but once she enters the ring, she always believes she’s the biggest,” Emilie laughs. And yet it was not love at first sight: “Three years ago Portobella was first introduced to my father, and he was not immediately convinced. On the other hand, he did recognize her as a horse that would fit me. In the past he has assigned me horses like that before. We have several riders at the stables and dad usually knows very well which horse suits
which rider. But this time? I really wasn’t crazy about her. Because I trust my father 100%, I wanted to give it a chance. Portobella had a lot of scope, you felt that right away. At the same time, I found her rather cold and not careful. That was my first impression.

The first year we did not compete much, because I wanted to get to know her better and gradually we grew closer. Chestnut mares usually have a very strong character and Portobella is no exception. On top of that, she’s also a bundle of energy, sometimes too wild, and she reacts incredibly quickly. We found each other because I always respected her and never asked anything of her that she didn’t like. Portobella has a long neck and back and jumps with her head forward and up. I took that into account. I never asked her anything that made her uncomfortable, and I think she appreciated that. We also share the same traits. In the past, when I jumped a 1.40m class, I could be easily distracted, leading to faults. Bella is the same. When it’s less important, she can be careless. But when it really matters, we show total focus. We are kindred spirits, and that’s why we grew towards each other. I love all my horses, but my life now revolves around Portobella. She feels that. That’s why she can be so demanding. She knows she’s important. You know what’s even more important? That as a rider you keep believing in your horse. Belief works wonders. Horses feel that, and then they give so much more back. 5* is the highest level in our sport, and realizing that I can now compete there as a newcomer is very special. Above all, it has given me courage and confidence – not exactly my strongest qualities in the past. That’s why you need a horse you can trust unconditionally. And that goes both ways. That’s why I tell everyone that Portobella has changed my life. She has made me mentally stronger and more mature. And I mean that. A horse is such a fantastic teacher. Without words, they teach you so many values and skills: belief, courage, trust, patience, consistency – the list is endless. And equally important: if one horse teaches you that, you also ride your other horses that way. Do you now understand how important Portobella is to me?” In the Olympic year 2028, Portobella will be 13 and at her peak. “We’ve had a great start and already shown we belong on the five-star circuit. My aim now is to keep confirming that status step by step. The Los Angeles Olympics would be a dream, of course. And I know my father dreams of the Olympics too. Imagine if his daughter
were selected? For now we joke about it, but in the meantime I work on it every day. And sometimes dreams do come true.”

The headliners of the Brussels Stephex Masters

The Brussels Stephex Masters offers a wide range of international competitions. The pinnacle is the CSIO5*
level. Alongside that, there are CSI1*, 2* and 3* classes, plus competitions for 6-, 7- and 8-year-old Future Stars.

That adds up to around 450 horses competing across three arenas.

Wednesday 27 August – Kids Day and launch of CSI1*, 2*, 3* and young horse classes

Traditionally, the first day brings a wonderfully enchanted atmosphere. The competition arenas are still slightly
quieter with only the young horses and the 1*, 2* and 3* riders competing. But the grounds are buzzing with fun thanks to a lively Kids Day full of entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages.

Thursday 28 August – First 5* competitions and Grand Prix qualifier

One day before the CSIO5* Henders & Hazel Nations Cup presented by STX Finance, the 5* horses enter the Grand Place Arena. In Formula 1, the stars compete for pole position; in the Nations Cup, the starting order is drawn. Yet this first day is crucial, as it allows horses to settle in and get used to the unique atmosphere of the Brussels Stephex Masters. The action begins at 1:15 p.m. with a 1.40m warm-up class. At 9:00 p.m., the 1.50m highlight of the day kicks off – the first major 5* competition and a qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. Last year, Belgian Champion Gilles Thomas (Elfra van Beek Z) claimed victory.

Friday 29 August – CSIO5* Henders & Hazel Nations Cup presented by STX Finance and Auction

Day two is all about the CSIO5* Henders & Hazel Nations Cup presented by STX Finance, featuring 10 nations. For all riders, it remains the most beautiful competition in the sport. In the last edition, Switzerland triumphed ahead of Belgium and the Netherlands. Once again, the three European Championship medal nations will clash – for the first time since the Europeans. Other countries in the mix include Brazil, France, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, Sweden and the UAE. Inspired by the Nations Cup? That same evening spectators can invest in the future during the Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection Auction – offering foals of outstanding quality.

Saturday 30 August – First Grand Prix classes and final qualifier

Day three features the first Grand Prix competitions, in the CSI1* and CSI2*. For the Nations Cup horses it is
often a rest day, but not for the riders. At 9:30 p.m., the stars return for a spectacular 1.50m class with jump-
off. It is also the final chance to qualify for the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. Last year this class
was a highlight for Stephex Stables, as Daniel Deusser (Tobago Z) clinched the win after a thrilling jump-off
decided by fractions. Steve Guerdat (Is-Minka) finished second, Harrie Smolders (Mr Tac) third.

Sunday 31 August – CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix, presented by Audi

On the final day, spectators are treated to two Grand Prix classes. At 10:00 a.m., the CSI3* Grand Prix kicks
off over a 1.50m course. Lorenzo de Luca (Violino Il Palazetto) has fond memories of this class. The Italian
rider won last year ahead of Mike Van Olst (Comme Elle Faut Z) and Marine Scauflaire (Hortus d’Hoogpoort).
Jessica Springsteen (Naomi vh Keizershof), a former Rolex Grand Prix winner, finished in fourth place. But
De Luca’s amazing Sunday didn’t end there. In the following CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi, he
placed fourth after a single rail down in the jump-off. That thrilling class is the absolute highlight of the
Brussels Stephex Masters. Only the top three managed to stay clear from start to finish – with José Maria
Larocca (Finn Lente) emerging as the fastest. Steve Guerdat (Dynamix de Belheme) claimed second place, and Sweden’s Peder Fredricson (Alcapone des Carmille) took third.

Curious who will take the win this year? The appointment is set for 2:30 p.m., for one of the most prestigious showjumping competitions of the year – with the absolute world elite at the start.

More on the Brussels Stephex Masters: www.stephexevents.com

Quelle: PRESS RELEASE | 20 August, Wolvertem (Belgium) Katrien Van Miert, Press officer | +32 (0) 479 633 573 | Press@stephex.com

Fotos: © Silvia und Hans-Joachim Reiner