Following the success of Brussels’ Stephex Masters in 2014, Stephan Conter, CEO of Stephex Group will host a brand-new, highly-anticipated 5* event in Knokke, Belgium, named Knokke Hippique.
From 25 to 28 June, the stars of showjumping will land in Knokke and spread their time over the competition arena’s, the beach and the famous Lippenslaan. Knokke Hippique receives 5* on the international calendar, indicating the event is held at the highest level, to be compared with the Champions League of showjumping.
“The interest from the top of the sport for this event is immense. We have got many applications to participate even before we even communicated on it. I believe we receive this recognition as a result of Brussels Stephex Masters, the event we are organizing in September for the second time,” says Stephan Conter.
To welcome all those riders and horses, a terrain of more than 30ha has been prepared with 2 impressive competition rings. On those arena’s riders will compete both during the day and the evening. After dusk, competitions continue with spectacular classes under floodlight. The event is held on an estate between the Natiënlaan and the Nieuwstraat, as part of a golf course to be built over the next years. The terrain of Knokke Hippique is shaped in the same golf-like style.
“Knokke is a special place. It is often referred to as ‘the Saint-Tropez of the North’. It is an attractor for people who enjoy the good things in life. And what is better than showjumping of the highest level?” Conter continues.
The date of the event is chosen very specifically. It will be the start of the summer holidays in Belgium and it is the first weekend that the Belgian coast is flooded with tourists. With entrance free of charge, the event offers visitors a commercial village, performances of renowned artists and restaurants. This makes all Stephex Group’s events attractive, even to an audience that has no relation with horses
“In Brussels we welcomed more than 20.000 spectators and the grandstands were full every evening. I believe that Knokke Hippique will attract even bigger crowds, because of its location and date. The project can be a fantastic publicity for our sport and our entire industry. However, most importantly the visitors will experience from an exceptional weekend,” Conter says.
Knokke Hippique is held from 25 to 28 June 2015 along the Nieuwstraat in Knokke-Heist. Entrance is free of charge and the event starts every day from 9h.
More info soon on their Website and on Facebook
Source: Stephex Group