Over the last week, World of Showjumping has followed Belgian breeder Eric Goossens at his Haras de la Vie. Through Eric’s blogs, readers have gotten 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.
*** Last day of blogging ***
The beautifull setting during the auction in the evening. Photo (c) Paardenfotograaf.
Porto de la Vie is back home after the Foal Auction 111 during the De Kraal International at Zandhoven. It was a long weekend for him and his mother Nimfe. Like predicted, it was hot, very hot the whole weekend. Mares and foals were sweating in the stables while they waited their turn to enter the arena. At 11 o’clock in the evening, it was still 26°C. But the atmosphere was great. There were a lot of people enjoying the jumping, enjoying the foal auction and enjoying the food and drinks at the VIP.
The auctioneer. Photo (c) Paardenfotograaf.
Porto de la Vie was not a topper of the auction but that is fine for us. He is not a foal with extraordinary gaits. He didn’t’ steal the show. Maybe the heat also had an impact. But we still believe he will be a good sport horse. So for us, it is great news that he is sold to a Belgian rider and his sponsor. Porto will stay in Belgium and hopefully we will see him in 5 years when he is starts the competitions for young horses. He can make publicity for our stud farm.
This lady bought a foal and had to sign a contract. Photo (c) Paardenfotograaf.
It was also nice to see the names of 2 other Haras de la Vie horses on the starting list. Heros de la Vie competed again at a 1.40 m class after he has been out for almost a year due to an injury. Antigone de la Vie (Antigone Quality) started in a 1.50 m class on Friday and was classified to start in the 1.60m GP on Sunday. She started excellent with a clear round but the rider wanted it a little bit too much in the jump-off and the result was 2 fences down.
This was our last blog. Next year we expect again 9 foals. This week we also launch our new website. So if anybody is looking for a special sport horses, remember….. Haras de la Vie: your choice for the future:-)
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