This week, World of Showjumping follows Belgian breeder Eric Goossens at his Haras de la Vie. Through Eric’s blogs, our readers can get the insight into every-day-life as a breeder.
However, Eric’s life with the horses is quite a special one. In 2012, his life changed dramatically: After selling his garden center and buying a farm to further expand his breeding as well as welcoming a son – Matteo – fate struck hard. Eric was crushed by a water barrel, and his lower limbs were paralyzed. Life would never be the same. Eric's facinating and emotional story can be read at the bottom of the blog.
*** Day three ***
Tomorrow our colt Porto de la Vie (President x Nimfe) will be sold at the second Foal Auction 111 organized by Stud 111. This event takes place during the De Kraal International at Zandhoven.
Organizing a foal auction during an international show jumping event is a great way to attract a lot of potential buyers. There will be a lot of riders and horse owners who love the sport and are willing to invest in a future champion. The setting will be 100% professional and hopefully, the atmosphere will be great. There will also be the possibility to bid by phone and everybody can follow the auction through livestream.
If you choose to sell your foal at an auction, it will need to get selected first. Normally, every auction organizes one or more selection days where you can present the foal. The organizing committee will evaluate your youngster taking into account the conformation, type, movements and pedigree. More and more, they pay attention to the dam line, and more precisely to sport results in the dam line. Here again, we have the importance of good mares to start your breeding ambitions. An ordinary mare is as expensive as a great mare: vet, farrier and feed is the same for both. Off course, the purchase of a great mare will be more expensive, but in the end, it will be all worth it. Going to a selection also means that mare and foal need to be in excellent shape. You want to present them in the best possible way so washing, clipping and plaiting will be of order.
Once all foals are selected for the auction, the organization makes arrangements for a photo-shoot. They also want to reach as many people as possible so these photos and videos will be used to make a nicely looking catalogue and an attractive website. Once again, you want to present your foal in the best way you can, so you re-start the whole process of washing, clipping and plaiting.
Usually some time will pass between the photo-shoot and the actual auction. In the meantime, you want to take extra care of the chosen one. Maybe, the foal was completely clipped so it will need to come in at night. Maybe the farrier already needs to come for the first time. Maybe it needs some additional feed. And then, there is the day that you have to deliver to foal.
Yesterday, we delivered Porto at Zandhoven. His white socks were carefully washed and his little plaits were so nice. He looked very handsome in a brand new collar. Today there is already a presentation of the auction foals and tomorrow the actual auction will take place. Hopefully all mares and foals show the best of themselves because the first impression is always the most important one.
And exactly now, there is heat wave in Belgium. So for tomorrow evening, there are 2 possible scenarios: Either it will be hot or there will be thunder and lightning. That’s the way the summer goes in our small country. But we hope for the best: both for the auction and the weather. So fingers crossed…
Eric
Then