So, 2024 was the year I attended my first equestrian event. This year, I attended the Brussels Stephex Masters for the first time, part of the Rolex Grand Prix, a series of six of the world’s most respected equestrian competitions. As someone who had never been to an equestrian event, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Will it be too fancy? Would I feel out of place? Those are the questions I asked myself when I received an invitation to attend. This was my experience:
About the Brussels Stephex Masters
This year’s Brussels Stephex Masters event, which ran from August 28 to September 1, celebrated its tenth anniversary in a big way. It was part of the prestigious Rolex Series for the first time, so it attracted some of the biggest names in the sport. Riders like Kent Farrington, Jessica Springsteen, and Marcus Ehning were all competing, along with world No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann and several other top-ranked athletes. It was amazing to see such a high level of competition in person, and the highlight of the week was, without a doubt, the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi on Sunday. The course was stunning, with details like the replicas of the Atomium and Mannekin Pis adorning the horse jumps.
The Experience
What surprised me was how accessible the Brussels Stephex Masters was. I always thought these prestigious competitions would be expensive or difficult to attend, but the Stephex Masters is open to the public. You can wander around some stables, get close to the horses, and watch all the events. It felt like there was something for everyone—from serious equestrian fans to families with kids, all enjoying the unique atmosphere. There’s also plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment around. The vibe is casual elegance. You will see guests dressed to the nines and people in casual looks like shorts and sundresses. I advise wearing comfortable shoes to walk around and enjoy the fun installations throughout the venue.
VIP packages are available for those seeking a more upscale experience. They offer perks like access to an open bar, comfortable seating, and prime views of the competition. As a guest, I had the opportunity to experience the VIP area, and I think it’s an excellent investment, as you will have all the comforts during a busy event.
What stood out most for me was how immersive and welcoming the event was. Even as a newcomer to equestrian sports, I got caught up in the competition, cheering on riders I’d only just learned about. Seeing the horses up close between events added a personal touch to the experience.
The event occurs in Meise, a small Flemish town north of Brussels. From the Brussels city center, it takes around 45 minutes to get there by car, and there’s plenty of parking. Public transportation, which takes around 90 minutes, is also an option.
The Verdict
For a first-timer, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the world of show jumping by experiencing the Brussels Stephex Masters. I’m looking forward to attending again next year with my family and am excited to keep learning more about the sport. If you’ve ever been curious about equestrian events or want to experience something new, look into the Rolex Grand Prix events for their calendar of events.
