While showjumping stars are stacking up Grands Prix across Europe, another competition is taking place far from clocks and jump-offs. A competition where there are no Rolexes or Longines to win, but where tomorrow’s results may already be taking shape. On July 25 and 26, the SBS Open-Studbooks breeding show returns to Libramont for two days in which all eyes will be on those who are sometimes only a few months old… but already showing a few promises.

At the heart of the Libramont Agricultural, Forestry and Agri-food Fair, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the SBS Studbook will transform part of Europe’s largest open-air fair into a real trading floor… breeding edition. Here, no one is selling shares. Models, movement, locomotion, genetics and, above all, potential are being assessed — the kind of potential that could make the biggest international arenas tremble in a few years’ time.

Where it all begins

Over the years, the show has become the major summer gathering for SBS breeders. A chance to compare their work, observe the new generations and measure the evolution of Belgian sport horse breeding.

Because behind every crack, there was once an awkward foal, a promising yearling or a three-year-old discovering free jumping. Before becoming CSI5* stars, they all passed through this kind of appointment.

Over two days, nearly 170 sport horses and ponies will parade before the judges, between in-hand presentations and loose jumping. The objective? To detect conformation qualities, sporting ability and that famous little something that cannot always be explained… but sometimes jumps straight out at you.

Two days, several generations and plenty of hope

The show will open on Saturday from 8.30am with young ponies born in 2024, before the two-year-old horses take over during the morning.

The afternoon will be devoted to pony colts and fillies born in 2025, foals, three-year-old ponies and then three-year-old horses, often the most spectacular thanks to their loose-jumping performances.

Sunday, traditionally the most eagerly awaited moment, will be dedicated to yearlings before the yearling and foal championships, always full of emotion for breeders who see several years of work decided in just a few minutes.

A showcase open to the world

Although the show is organised by the SBS Studbook, the door remains open to other studbooks that are members of the WBFSH — the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses. An openness that further strengthens the sporting and genetic interest of the event.

With a total prize fund of €7,000, complemented by numerous prizes in kind, Libramont will reward the best young prospects. But beyond the winnings, recognition is what really matters. A distinction in Libramont can quickly become a serious argument for a breeding operation or a future sales horse.

Because in this sport, stories rarely begin under the spotlight. They often start in an Havrincourt ring, in front of a few attentive judges… before, sometimes, ending under the applause of a CSI5* Grand Prix.

Practical information

📍 SBS Open-Studbooks Breeding Show
📅 July 25 & 26, 2026
📍 Libramont Fair, Province of Luxembourg, Belgium
Around 170 horses and ponies presented and loose-jumped
🏆 7.000 € in prize money and numerous prizes in kind
Open to WBFSH member studbooks WBFSH.

Photos ©Photo Evenement