Source:  News Release/JWM Inc.

Second Annual WEF Sport Horse Auction Featuring
VDL Stud Sees Extraordinary Success

Wellington, FL - Top young sporthorse prospects were on display Thursday night during the WEF Sport Horse Auction at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Sixteen horses from the renowned VDL Stud in the Netherlands were sold for a grand total of $2,022,000, a figure well over last year's final tally.

The VDL Stud has produced a long list of champions winning at the top levels of show jumping, including the Olympic Games, World Cup, and the World Equestrian Games. Horses offered for sale in Wellington were the top selection of the same proven European bloodlines and were chosen for their superior talent, quality, and disposition.

John Campbell Fairty and family with their new horse Erinus, with Wiepke and Janko van de Lageweg

Potential buyers were able to view horses under saddle and over fences and also were offered the opportunity to have their personal veterinarians review full health reports and radiographs for each horse prior to the auction. Buyers could also test ride their favorite prospects in the days leading up to the auction itself.

Before the equine auction began, a scholarship fund for the riders of Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) in Loxahatchee, FL, was also up for bidding. The fund guarantees riders the opportunity to participate in the programs at the VTRC regardless of their financial situation. Vicky Castegren of Hyperion Stud was the winning bidder.

The WEF Sporthorse Auction offers the unique opportunity to bring together Europe's finest prospects and the booming buying market of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The auction allows the world's top competitors and buyers to view exemplary VDL prospects without having to leave Wellington.

Erusa will go home with Rafael Rocha and his family.

Dr. Brett Taylor, of St. Louis, MO, was one of many bidders who went home with a four-legged acquisition. Taylor purchased Everglades VDL, a seven-year-old gelding by Ephepe For Ever out of Urbine S. Taylor was drawn to the gelding's even-keeled demeanor and promising description. "He was really calm and moved well. His description said he was a horse that was uncomplicated and scopey," Taylor commented.

"I had heard about the auction and dreamed of just going to see it. It was not completely part of my plan to be so much a part of it," Taylor laughed. "I'm very happy with him, though. He looks like he's going to be a great mount if not for me, for someone else."

Taylor has high hopes for Everglades VDL, who he described as a "prospect for [his] own aspirations." Taylor currently competes at the FTI WEF and is eager to develop his show career with Everglades VDL. "My hope is with time and training, he could be my Amateur-Owner horse and eventually I could compete with him the Masters classes," Taylor described. "I've not been doing this long, but I've jumped in with both feet!"

Dr. Brett Taylor with his new mount Everglades VDL.

Taylor was equally impressed with his first experience at the WEF Sporthorse Auction. "Everyone I've encountered through this entire experience has been an absolute joy to deal with. I was filling out paperwork and wiring funds while showing and they were happy to work around my schedule. They bend over backwards to make this event an absolute pleasure," Taylor concluded.

The highest bid in the auction was for Alpha, a 2005 gelding by Corland out of Kersina, purchased by Eva Castegren, who was given a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne to celebrate her top purchase.

By the end of the evening, fourteen geldings and two mares had been auctioned off to new owners eager to begin successful partnerships with their new mounts. The WEF Sporthorse Auction will return to the PBIEC in Wellington during the 2014 season of competition.

Jennifer Goddard purchased Eclips DN, shown here with Wiepke van de Lageweg, rider Jules de Bruyn, and Candice and Alex King.

Photo Credit: Photos © ManciniPhotos, www.manciniphotos.com. 

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

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