About Azelhof
Welcome to the Hazebroek family equestrian center
Welcome to Azelhof
Azelhof has quickly grown into a well-established venue specializing in the organization of equestrian events in Belgium. The equestrian center is run by the Hazebroek family, together with a small and passionate team. They organize events at various levels across a wide range of equestrian disciplines. All levels are catered for: training shows, young horses, regional, national and international. Azelhof also strives to innovate and invest in its facilities year after year, for riders, horses, and spectators alike. Feel free to come and take a look at one of their events. Azelhof is accessible to everyone! You are welcome!
Our History
From humble beginnings to becoming one of Belgium's most prestigious equestrian venues
Casablanca
The equestrian gene was passed down from generation to generation. Although Theo Hazebroek himself came from a family of competitive riders, he and his wife Greta were the first to take the step to build their own riding school in 's Gravenwezel. They named it Casablanca. Their children, Mike and Sofie, also grew up among the horses. From a young age, they helped out: giving lessons, caring for boarding and lesson horses, trading, competing… Together, they ensured that Casablanca grew and flourished year after year.
Stal Hazebroek – Van Gerwen
When Mike met his wife Sofie in the late 1990s, she immediately joined the riding school project. In 2000, they had two beautiful children, Mathias and Maxime. That young family made them think even more about the future, and so they decided to breathe new life into Casablanca. The old riding school was completely demolished and replaced by modern facilities. A few months later, they proudly opened Stal Hazebroek – Van Gerwen: a new building featuring two spacious indoor arenas, a large outdoor arena, a horse walker, stables for over a hundred boarding horses, cozy cafeterias, and much more. The new infrastructure immediately invited the organization of club competitions such as Christmas and Easter show jumping events. But it didn't stop there. Mike and Sofie organized events with one goal in mind: to bring together atmosphere, conviviality, and equestrian sport. Every year, more competitions were added, until the first international indoor competition became a reality.
Azelhof in the picture
Stal Hazebroek eventually became too small for all those events. When Mike and Sofie were introduced to the Azelhof, they didn't have to think twice. Their passion for organizing would be fully realized there. The then-abandoned Azelhof was thoroughly renovated: grandstands disappeared, indoor terraces were built, fences were renewed, indoor arenas were enlarged, and new outdoor arenas were laid out. The grand opening followed in October 2013. Their first event at the Azelhof was the Azelhof Masters. The first competition was held with thousands of attendees, the beginning of many to follow. It soon became apparent that their approach was a success. A year after the opening, they decided to sell their riding school and focus entirely as a family on developing the Azelhof and organizing competitions.
A Premier Equestrian Destination
Today, Azelhof stands as one of Belgium's most respected equestrian venues, hosting world-class competitions year-round. The company continues to invest in its facilities and community, maintaining our commitment to excellence while looking forward to an exciting future in equestrian sport.
Today
Today, Azelhof is recognized worldwide as a premium, state of the art facility dedicated entirely to the peak sport, comfort, and well being of both horses and riders. For several years now, the venue has proudly earned the trust of the Longines EEF Series to host the CSIO3* Nations Cup. Alongside this event, Azelhof regularly welcomes top-tier competitions like the CDI4* and the high-energy Horse Mania. Yet, the facility’s true strength lies in its versatility. Beyond the show jumping community, it serves as show ground to a diverse range of equestrian disciplines, opening its doors to spectacular events in Dressage, Horseball, Western, Reining and Vaulting. As far as show jumping is concerned, the facility maintains a more than respectable calendar through the year. Every year, three CSI3* events take place, highlighted by multiple weeks tours both in the indoor and outdoor season. Understanding that the sport thrives on legacy and future talent, Azelhof also organizes dedicated international shows for youth athletes, veteran riders, and developing young horses. On a national level, Azelhof is synonymous with premier infrastructure and community development. Azelhof is also hosting training shows that consistently draw a lot of combinations every week. It also focuses on breeding and sport horse development as it serves as the annual stage for both a qualifier round and the finals of the Lannoo Belgian Stallion Competition. Furthermore hosting the STX Youngsters Cup, the BWP Stallion Approvals and Auctions, the Belgian Young Horse Cyclus, the LRV Finals, and regular Gold League and VOR. Ultimately, Azelhof stands proudly as the beating heart of equestrian sport, bringing together the local, national, and international communities. Driven by a passion for excellence, the team at Azelhof is constantly looking forward, committed to growth and excited about the future.
