Best Riders 2026: Four Riders Who Stood Out in Brussels

At the Brussels Stephex Masters, every round tells a story. Some are built on speed. Others on patience, consistency or a single perfectly judged jump-off. But across a full week of competition, it takes more than one strong result to stand out. It takes rhythm, focus and the ability to deliver again and again. That is what the Best Rider Awards 2026 celebrate.

From the CSI1* to the CSI5*, four riders rose to the top of their divisions during the Brussels Stephex Masters. Each of them left their mark on the show in their own way; through winning rounds, consistent placings and performances that carried through the week. As a proud partner of the sport, we are honoured to reward these riders with prizes designed to support their journey beyond the arena.

Best Rider CSI1* – Fleur Beyne

For Belgian rider Fleur Beyne, the Brussels Stephex Masters became a week defined by consistency and confidence. Across the CSI1* classes, she collected an impressive series of results, including three victories and six placings from eight starts. It was the kind of performance that reflects not only talent, but preparation, focus and a clear connection with her horses throughout the event.

Her results placed her at the top of the CSI1* Best Rider ranking, making her the well-deserved winner of the title. As Best Rider CSI1*, Fleur Beyne receives an STX Small Tackbox: a refined and practical essential created to keep equipment organised, protected and ready for every next round.

Best Rider CSI2* – Dennis van den Brink

In the CSI2* division, Dennis van den Brink delivered the kind of week every rider aims for: steady, controlled and consistently competitive. The Dutch rider placed in six of his seven starts, collecting valuable points across the CSI2* classes. With Night Star, he also secured a strong second place in the CSI2 Grand Prix* after a clear jump-off, confirming his position as one of the most consistent riders of the division.

His Best Rider title was not built on one moment, but on a complete week of professional performance. As Best Rider CSI2*, Dennis van den Brink receives an STX Tackbox Dream. Spacious, elegant and highly functional, it is designed for riders who value organisation and presentation as much as performance.

Best Rider CSI3* – Yves Vanderhasselt

Experience often shows itself in the details: the right pace, the right decisions and the ability to keep producing results when the competition is at its strongest. That was the story of Yves Vanderhasselt in the CSI3* division.

The Belgian rider, long established on the international showjumping circuit, delivered a consistent week at the Brussels Stephex Masters and finished at the top of the CSI3* Top Series ranking with 494 points. In a competitive field, his performances across the week proved the value of experience, precision and reliability.

As Best Rider CSI3*, Yves Vanderhasselt receives the use of a 2 Horse STX Horsetruck for one year: a fitting prize for a rider whose week was defined by professionalism both in and out of the ring.

Best Rider CSI5* – Simon Delestre

At the highest level of the Brussels Stephex Masters, every result is earned against some of the best riders and horses in the world. French rider Simon Delestre once again showed why he belongs among the leading names in international showjumping. Throughout the CSI5* competition, he delivered a series of strong performances, including a third place in Friday’s CSI5 1.50m class* with Golden Boy DK, a second place in Saturday’s CSI5 1.50m presented by Audi*, and a fourth place in the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi with Gatsby du Tillard, after a clear first round and just one rail in the second round. It was a week of top-level consistency, shaped by experience, accuracy and world-class sport.

As Best Rider CSI5*, Simon Delestre receives the use of a 2 Horse STX Horsetruck for one year.

Beyond the Arena

The Best Rider Awards are about more than results on a scoreboard. They celebrate the complete journey of a rider: the preparation before the first bell, the focus between rounds, the long days at the show, and the road that continues long after the final prize-giving. Supporting these awards is a natural extension of what we do every day. We build for the riders, horses and teams who live the sport on the road, at the stable and in the arena.

Congratulations to the Best Riders of the Brussels Stephex Masters 2026:

CSI1 – Fleur Beyne*
Prize: STX Tackbox Small

CSI2 – Dennis van den Brink*
Prize: STX Tackbox Dream

CSI3 – Yves Vanderhasselt*
Prize: 2 Horse STX Horsetruck

CSI5 – Simon Delestre*
Prize: 2 Horse STX Horsetruck