FULL STEAM AHEAD TOWARD ELITE AUCTION AT SOESTDIJK PALACE

Jun 8, 2023

Elite Foal Auction Borculo aims high this September by organizing a live auction at the Soestdijk Palace. The selection committee jumping is eagerly looking forward to it. “Such a fancy location has got all the ingredients to turn the event into a big success. The selection process is currently in full swing and we have already selected some interesting and promising foals” enthuses Floris van Leuken.

The selection committee jumping of Elite Foal Auction Borculo can draw upon a wealth of experience and knowledge. Henk van den Broek rose to fame as international showjumper, instructor and member of the KWPN Stallion Selection Committee. “Together with my daughter Monique I run a training and trading stable in Sevenum. We currently manage thirty jumper horses in our stable and employ three riders. We produce the horses right from the basis until 1.45m/1.50m level.” Floris van Leuken is also a renowned name in the showjumping world. He is the owner of trade stable slash stud Holsten Stables. Many first-rate sport horses that are active at the highest international level, were born in his stable. Moreover, he is the breeder of the approved stallion Quality Time TN.
Jos Swinkels represents new blood in the committee. Not only in terms of age, but also thanks to his modern vision on breeding. “In the past I jumped at Z-level. My girlfriend is a showjumper and I still occasionally ride as a hobby. I have a passion for breeding and bloodlines and I am a salesperson of barns and stables for the company Huisman in Gemert.”

Jos Swinkels

Own breeding

Swinkels is a impassioned horse breeder himself. “I expect four foals this year. Two by the young stallions Million Dollar and Meganus PS. In addition, we hope to welcome a Conthargos-foal and an offspring of Denzel van ‘t Meulenhof. Fun fact, I came up with that pairing together with Henk last year.” Van den Broek: “I already have a beautiful foal by Highway TN and also expect one by Denzel van ‘t Meulenhof.” Three foals will be born at Holsten Stables this year. “I chose the Zangersheide stallions Epleaser van ‘t Heike, Aganix du Seigneur Z and Contagio Z”, adds Floris van Leuken.

Selection committee

Last year, Jos Swinkels joined Henk van den Broek in the selection committee for the first time. “It was so much fun! You meet a lot of people, breeders and foals. We were very happy with the result last edition. This year we again aspire to compose an interesting collection and take it to an even higher level”, explains Jos Swinkels. Henk van den Broek also looks back with satisfaction: “Last year turned out great and I loved our task. I had held a seat in the KWPN stallion selection committee and judged foal and offspring inspections prior to it. So I had already gained some experience. Unfortunately, my business takes up too much of my time at the moment. Floris and Jos therefore take on the majority of the workload. I tag along several days and remain involved as an advisor in the background.”

Henk van den Broek

Live auction

Floris van Leuken was part of the selection committee of Elite Foal Auction Borculo for five years as of 2017. “At the time together with Pieter-Jan Berkers. I had to take a one-and-a-half year hiatus due to other activities. When I was asked to come back, I had to think about it. The last five years were a success. When you come back you want to repeat that or, preferably, even improve upon it. Yet, what I like so much about Borculo is the fantastic group of people we work with. I used to sell foals at auctions myself, so I have also experienced it from the other side. It was already a fantastic team back then and nothing has changed. You really feel like we are all in it together. Not just in terms of organisation, it also extends to the breeders we collaborate with. Nowadays, jumper horse breeding is becoming more and more professional and increasingly oriented to the business side of it. Of course, proceeds matter, but it is not the only factor. At Borculo I feel at home, so it is great to be back! I also think it is fantastic we get to have a live auction again this year. I think there is a need for it and it helps us distinguish ourselves from the other auctions. The auction takes place at the Soestdijk Palace. An alluring location and one that has all the ingredients to turn the event into a big success.”

Damline with sport performance

Breeders can still sign up their foal on the website. “We frequently collaborate with breeders out of our own network. However, it is also important to keep innovating. You must continue adding new lines, lineages and people. The first selection is based on the bloodlines, since the supply is so big. It is impossible to view all the foals that are signed up. The pedigree must be interesting from a buyer’s perspective and we are looking for foals with a lot of sport performance in the dam line. Preferably, the international sport results are already present in the first generation. It’s the current trend. As a selection committee we must find what the buyer is looking for. That poses some difficulties at times when you encounter a fantastic and correct foal whose maternal line does not feature much sport performance. We will not add that foal to our collection”, says Van Leuken.

Floris van Leuken

Best foals

The next step in the selection process is the home visit. What are the key aspects they focus on? Henk van den Broek: “Obviously, a foal must have a correct conformation, but I personally believe the appearance and presence is also important. We look for a modern foal: long-legged and with a sufficient rectangular frame. The foal must have all the natural qualities needed to grow into a good sport horse. Showjumping has changed over the last ten years and we, as a selection committee, must move along with the trend. A light-footed and electric foal fits the bill.” Jos Swinkels adds: “Lineages are important, but so are a good canter and ample elasticity. We are looking for the total package. We are called Elite Foal Auction Borculo for a reason and only select the finest foals.”