Investing in the sport

The Callaho Summer Online Auction 2022

The Callaho Warmblood Stud Summer Online Auction was, as always, a resounding success. Nineteen lots, consisting of sixteen sporthorses and three broodmares, went under the virtual hammer, with each finding a buyer. For those watching from the sidelines, the Auction delivered much excitement – multiple last-minute bids ensured time extensions across all lots, with some horses receiving in excess of 30 bids before finally closing. More significantly, for the people taking home their new Callaho partners, the Auction was a special one. With several brand new owners joining the Callaho family with their purchases, and many repeat buyers adding another world-class horse to their string, the message conveyed could not be clearer – the quality of Callaho horses is proven and the influence of the Stud on the sport continues to increase.

From HQ’s perspective, putting together our special edition for this sale involved delving into the full workings of the Callaho production process. We were blown away by the individualised programs for each horse, the attention to detail of all involved, and the calibre of both the Callaho Team and the horses they are producing. This is a professional operation functioning at the height of its powers, so this Auction’s success came as no surprise.

Click HERE to view the Callaho special edition

RESULTS To see 50% of the horses going to repeat buyers, who between them own over 51 Callaho horses (!), shows the confi dence in the Callaho quality and process. These repeat buyers included one buyer adding their 15th Callaho to their string and another, their 8th! The popularity of these horses is indisputable.

The fact that 79% of buyers bought the horses untried and unseen is further testament to the faith in Callaho and their assessment of each horse. As we have said previously, purchasing a Callaho horse is a true investment, and the Summer Online Auction bidders are sure to reap the rewards of their purchases for many, many years to come.

Mention must go to the top-seller of the Auction, Callaho Rainer K (Cartier/Lissabon/Cassini I), who was picked out by several of the Callaho Professional Team as a genuine superstar of the collection. As the fi rst son of Callaho Cartier, who is currently delivering a masterclass in showjumping in the open classes under Rainer Korber, this gelding not only impresses in his own right but also heralds great success for Cartier as a future sire. Purchased by a new Callaho client, we wish Rainer K and his new owner much luck for the future. We strongly suspect we’ll see them on the show circuit very soon, taking their share of the tickets.

Further mention must go to Callaho El Greco (Equinox De Chalusse/Casparon/Argentinus), the fi rst offspring of the Callaho stallion Callaho Equinox De Chalusse (Numero Uno/ Vigo D’Arsouilles/Jalisco B). Equinox De Chalusse, produced into the open classes by Lara Neill, is a young Selle Francais stallion imported directly from France. His hand in producing an exceptional prospect like El Greco suggests his potential as a sire will rival his potential as a showjumper. With a welldeserved price tag of R560,000, El Greco is certain to bring both pleasure and success to his new owner.

Callaho Rainer K

Another signifi cant auction result came from the broodmare Callaho Leika (Lissabon/Fidertanz/ Stedinger) in foal to Callaho’s Benicio. Reaching the price tag of R270,000, this broodmare sets a great precedent for the value of broodmares in South Africa and shows that the recognition given to top broodmares by the European market is starting to infi ltrate the local consciousness. In foal to one of the top dressage stallions in the world, Leika will certainly more than repay her owners in the long run.

buyers bought the 19 lots on offer.

repeat buyers have cumulatively owned 51 Callaho horses!

of these buyers were repeat buyers

i.e.have bought a Callaho horse previously.

was an impressive average price of a broodmare on this Auction of buyers acquired their horses unseen.

1 client has now bought their 15th and another their 8th Callaho horse!

was the average price of a riding horse on this Auction

The offspring by new stallions Equinox de Chalusse and Cartier (El Greco and Rainer K, respectively)

were both top sellers, and both went to brand-new Callaho clients.

CALLAHO SAMURAI

BOUGHT BY DESIRE MILLER

We decided to go down to try-outs as a last-minute thing as I initially wanted a going horse because I thought I was going to have to retire my top horse (Richelieu). However, after some check-ups, Richelieu was cleared, so we then decided to look at some young horses to train up before Richelieu retires (Richelieu just turned 20). Try-outs were lovely; everything was done incredibly professionally, and everyone I dealt with really went out of their way to help and give advice. During this time, I decided to move yards to Ray Korber’s yard. He helps to train the young Callaho horses, so he knew the horses on offer and said that if we could get Callaho Samurai within our budget, then he would be a great buy as Samurai is full of quality. We were thrilled when we bought him! Samurai has now come up to Johannesburg, and I have sent him through to Graham Winn for some downtime. Graham will work with him a bit, and then I’ll take over under Ray’s guidance.

Callaho Samurai

I chose Samurai as he seemed very level-headed, has a lovely jump and is a big solid horse. In the little time I’ve managed to spend with him, he seems very kind and brave and is a real thinker. I’m very excited to see what the future holds for us.

As an interesting aside, my horse - Mossandi Richelieu - was originally purchased at one of the first Callaho Auctions, but this is my first Callaho horse.”

Callaho Samurai

CALLAHO CONCALI

PURCHASED BY DEMI VAN BREDA

“I initially spoke with Annette (Rousseau) about what I was looking for in a ride and partner, and she sent a list of five possible options for me. This was all just a few days before the actual Auction, so there was no time for try-outs! I really had to go on her word, so based on her list, I made a top three, and Concali was top of the list. The real deciding factor was the Callaho Concali good vetting analysis she (and the others) received from Prof Roy Gottschalk. I know some people differ in their views on vettings, but Roy has been our lameness vet for years, and I trust his assessments. Also, the Callaho clinical exam features the horse’s history, so it was super to see and know what had happened in the years leading up to the Auction. There was nothing major (of course) but this history, coupled with Roy’s interpretation of the X-Rays, really gave me confidence in the soundness of the athlete I was getting! Why Concali? I really liked her demeanour and expression in the videos; she looked like a composed, willing girl with a fantastic jump and great rideability. I have had my fair share of nutcase horses over the years, so this was a big plus for me! So far, she truly has the best temperament of any horse I have owned, and I have been very fortunate to have had some lovely, well-bred youngsters over the years. Although I have not yet ridden her (she is on a bit of a holiday until we sort out a saddle) I have done a bit of work with her on the ground, and some in-hand walks in the neighbourhood, so we could get to know each other on the ground before starting under saddle, and she is absolutely divine! She is super confident and brave, and you can really see this is a horse who has been well and lovingly produced. As a side note - when we met Evi (Hendriks) the day we collected Cali from Ray - she mentioned that all the Callaho horses hack out regularly, which we kind of knew already, but this fact is super important to me! I really believe in hacking my horses weekly, so I was glad to know she had received that in her early education.

She is my first Callaho, and I really have been super impressed with the Callaho Team, who, either themselves or through their processes (vettings, production etc.) have really made it such a wonderful experience.

We take buying our horses very seriously because once they join the family, they never leave, and Cali certainly will stay with us for her life. We took a calculated chance on her, but I still can’t quite believe that it actually worked out and she’s here chilling in one of our paddocks. I have to pinch myself that she is actually mine!”

CALLAHO HERMÈS

BOUGHT BY KIARA BURN

I went to try-outs with my coach Joanne van Achterbergh from Kincardine Equestrian Centre. She has been my coach and support since I was little and her input meant a lot to me! She had her list, I had my list and my dad had his list and while our lists were very similar, Hermès was the common denominator. While some people go off what they see on the videos, it was Callaho Hermès important for me to do the try-outs so that I could see and feel for myself. I wanted to see if I could establish a connection with him and see if he suited my riding style and my seat. I chose Hermès because he was perfect on paper, with excellent breeding, a good vetting and he is a perfect height for me. But when I sat on him, I fell in love. He didn’t feel like a traditional Warmblood – he was excited, didn’t want to stay in the walk for too long and I loved it. He is the perfect blend of bloodlines and just perfect for me. He reminded me of each of my horses in some way. His beautiful face was an added bonus! My dad (Simon Burn) bought our first Callaho horse at the first Callaho Auction held in 2009 – Callaho Eryka. I was only a year old when I attended my first Callaho Auction! I obviously don’t remember anything of that first auction, but I do know that the Callaho Auction is an event I have grown up with and an experience like no other; it always results in beautifully bred, confident and handsome horses coming home. We still have two Callaho’s (bought by my dad in previous years) – Erreplus Callaho Lindor currently competing in the junior open 1.35ms with me and Erreplus Callaho Casper, currently competing in the junior 1.25ms with me. They are my very special boys who have taught me so much about riding and about life.

Since getting Hermès home I can tell you that he is the coolest boy!

He is only five but already so wise, so kind and so brave. He has settled in so well and so quickly. I have taken Hermès on a few hacks, just to get him used to his new environment and he is so brave. He has the kindest personality and just loves being the centre of attention. He is an absolute gem and I cannot wait to produce him and take him up the grades.”

Kiara Burn and Erreplus Callaho Lindor

CALLAHO CARISCO

BOUGHT BY ELVIRA RICCARD FOR JEANNE KORBER

“Elvira and I really liked Carisco’s breeding and we’ve never had a Carnaval la Silla in our stable yard. I also really love the damline, and we love Chatan’s mare Con Dior.

Then, obviously, after looking at him and watching his videos we were very drawn to him. We liked his type. He’s very electric and quick. He looks very careful, and then Ray [Korber] also does a lot of teaching at the farm and there’s a couple of horses that he’s always mentioned and Carisco was one of them.

Callaho Carisco

Unfortunately, I haven’t actually ridden Carisco yet, but I can tell you that, he’s very sweet, kind and gentle to work with in the stable and on the ground. Our plan is to produce him up the grades and then to sell him. Elvira and I have partnered to buy a few horses over the last year and a half, so he’ll be a horse that we produce together and then sell at a later stage.” Jeanne Korber

Jeane Korber and Callaho Lexington

CALLAHO CARMEN

BOUGHT BY DIVAN BOSMAN

“We recently bought Callaho Carmen at the latest Callaho Summer Auction. Looking at the videos I was immediately impressed by her extravagant and smooth jump and she presented herself as a well-trained horse.

When she arrived at the stables, she was exactly what I expected having the most comfortable forward canter, a willing jump and a cheeky, competitive attitude.

Callaho Carmen

We bought our first Callaho at the winter auction in 2021. We went for try-outs, which assisted me in my decision to bid on Callaho Balvenie. I was fortunate enough to be successful in becoming her new owner. We are jumping 1.10m at the moment and she is very careful, lively and very competitive. Since then we have bought another three Callaho horses, including Carmen. Up until now I have been fortunate enough to become the owner of my favourite horses on each auction. Even without attending try-outs, I have never been disappointed with my choice and am a die-hard fan of Callaho.”

Divan Bosman and Callaho Balvenie

Callaho Con D’Elle Callaho Corinthia

CALLAHO CON D’ELLE AND CALLAHO CORINTHIA

BOUGHT BY THE NEL FAMILY

“In 2019, I was lucky enough to get my first junior horse Callaho Consina who is jumping in the 1.35m at the moment. She is brave and does anything to please her rider. I fell in love with the Callaho horses on the latest Callaho action. The purchase of the two new babies came unexpectedly; my Dad did some homework (in secret) and surprised us with Callaho Con D’Elle and Callaho Corinthia, I couldn’t be happier and am looking forward to producing such an incredible youngster.

Callaho Corinthia, my new horse, is a big mare; she is very keen and wants to please her rider. She has a beautiful personality and loves to play around. I’m extremely grateful to have this mare as my partner and can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Salome Nel

“It was a big surprise for me when I saw that my dad bought us a Callaho baby. We did not go for try outs but we are very happy with the ones we got. I own another Callaho, Callaho Victory Love, that I’m jumping in the 1.35m classes and she is just amazing and I can trust her to jump anything. I have the best bond with my horses and I hope that the bond between me and Con d’Elle will be just as strong. I can tell you so far that the Callaho babies are young, strong, brave and scopey when it comes to jumping and I am really excited for the future and to build this mare up to the open classes.” Ziska Nel

Ziska Nel and Callaho Victory Love

FINAL THOUGHTS The Callaho Team has once again delivered an exceptional Auction Collection. We are so fortunate to have a Stud of Callaho’s calibre on South African soil; the opportunity to acquire international standard horses right here is an incredible gift to our equestrian community. With the open classes teaming with Callaho horses and more ascending the ranks to join them each month, the feeling of excitement surrounding each Callaho youngster is entirely apt. We congratulate each owner on their purchase. You are in for a very rewarding ride!

Thank you, Callaho - your commitment to both excellence and quality drives our sport, and it is a privilege to be a part of your journey.