Breeding Magic

CALLAHO’S ONLINE AUCTION WINTER COLLECTION

The story of Callaho’s remarkable sale can certainly be told through records and eye-catching statistics. But no list of results, however impressive, could capture the energy and atmosphere created by this innovative auction. Glued to their screens, bidders and spectators were transfixed by endless lot extensions as prices soared and top-quality sport horses found new homes. It was exciting to observe the determination with which bidders fought for their horses of choice, and wonderful to think that these young horses will soon be top performers on the South African equestrian circuit.

21 horses went under the ‘virtual’ hammer, and the consistent Callaho-quality on offer saw high prices across the board. The sale enjoyed a perfect sell-through rate: every one of the 21 lots found buyers. The confidence of the equestrian community in Callaho’s brand was made clear, and punters were certainly keen to invest in Callaho’s renowned bloodlines.

TOP LOTS

Callaho L’Ormarin (Lissabon/ Dageraad/ E-Pilot)

Callaho L’Ormarin (Lissabon/Dageraad/E-Pilot) set the tone for the entire auction as the opening horse, selling for an impressive R730 000. With talent to spare, the gelding demonstrates Callaho’s breeding experience and will undoubtedly light up the South African show jumping circuit in the near future.

Callaho Vasco du Ayenne (Victory for Ever/Baloubet Du Rouet/Contendro I)

Bidding on the arresting Callaho Vasco du Ayenne (Victory For Ever/Baloubet Du Rouet/Contendro I) ended at R640 000. The depth of this gelding’s performance dam-line underscores his remarkable potential. Described by Callaho as being ‘equipped to become a very serious contender at the highest levels of the showjumping sport’, it comes as no surprise that he drew such attention. Ronnie Healy of RH Equestrian was the winning bidder, and with this supremely experienced top open South African showjumper on board, we can expect to see Callaho Vasco du Ayenne in the top grades in no time at all.

Callaho Larido (Larison/ Quidam De Revel/Pilot)

Ronnie’s wife, Ashlee Healy, also of RH Equestrian was not to be outdone. She selected the impeccably bred Callaho Larido (Larison/Quidam De Revel/Pilot), who promises to take the local showjumping circuit by storm. He was always going to tempt those at the top of the game. A grandson of Piquette – the international jumper and producer of the serial-winner Callaho Lansink (10 times SA national Open Champion Showjumper with Ray Korber) – he achieved the deservedly high price of R640,000. It will be exciting to see this gelding soar up the grades with Ashlee, and fun to watch the husband and wife team battle it out with their two new competitors. With Ashlee having recently won the Puresan Stokkiesdraai World Cup Qualifier, just a few months after giving birth to her beautiful son, we just know Callaho Larido has found a home fitting of his endless potential.

Callaho Sambuca (Sampras/ Lissabon/ Ramiro Z)

Callaho Sambuca (Sampras/Lissabon/Ramiro Z), the striking son of Sampras, was also expected to turn heads: he didn’t disappoint, selling for R620 000. Two of his forebears, Sha Rukh Khan and Sigmund, have been performing strongly under Chris van der Merwe and Lara Neill respectively. His price tag recognises the rarity of Sampras offspring and their eagerness for high-grade jumping.

Callaho Labyrinth (Lissabon/ Weltmeyer/ Bumerang)

From a dressage perspective, Callaho Labyrinth (Lissabon/ Weltmeyer/Bumerang) and Callaho Benito (Benicio/His Highness/ Landstallmeister) will be dancing their way to the top with their new riders. Labyrinth, directly descended from three generations of Hanoverian State Premium mares, and with movement to die for, reached R330 000, while Benito, with his extravagant paces and passion for his work, made R370,000.

Callaho Benito (Benicio/His Highness/ Landstallmeister)

THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE

Testament to the potential of the Callaho horses, many of the lots were snapped up by professional riders. Professionals know quality and talent when they see it, and finding their next champion at the Callaho auctions has become the norm.

Callaho Lisca (Lissabon/ Stakkato/ Caletto I)

As already mentioned, RH Equestrian took home two of the top horses for themselves, and then their client Kirsty Brimacombe purchased Callaho Foreign Affair. The Goetsch family purchased Callaho Tel Aviv and Callaho Lisca for their top showjumper Chatan Hendricks, who has been a regular feature in the tickets of the open classes for several years now. Then, Kirstin Winn, a well-known eventer and showjumper at this highest levels, purchased Callaho Ulhana du Cella. Kirstin knows talent in young horses when she sees it and this is certain to be an exciting pairing to watch.

Callaho Tel Aviv (Tolano Van’t Riethof/Clinton/ Cassini I)

Liam Stevens’ purchase of Callaho Siguine, a super-talented mare, is also worth noting. Callaho’s passion for breeding the best athletes allows for new, promising bloodlines such as the Anglo-Arab bloodlines carried by Siguine, to be introduced. For Liam’s professional eye to pick out the potential of this special mare shows just how Callaho’s breeding programme is evolving and constantly offering new opportunities for top riders. The Anglo-Arab influence in Callaho Siguine is certain to bring in the stamina, blood and natural agility of this breed. With the relatively modest price in mind, this mare promises to prove a star buy!

Callaho Siguine (Sampras/Olala De Buissy/Veloce De Fave AA)

Callaho Ulhana du Cella (Ulhan Du Temple/ Con Coriano/ Silvio I)

THE NUMBERS

AVERAGE PRICE PER RIDING HORSE 2021

R418,947

AVERAGE PRICE PER RIDING HORSE 2020

R373,243

NEW CALLAHO BUYERS

70%

REPEAT CALLAHO BUYERS

30%

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SHOW?

• Encouragingly the price for a riding horse is considerably higher than last year, showing that the faith in Callaho’s ‘breeding magic’ is on an upwards trajectory!

• 70% of buyers were brand new, expanding the reach of Callaho’s family even further.

• 30% of buyers couldn’t resist purchasing their second, third or fourth Callaho partner.

• 79% of those who attended try-outs purchased a horse on the auction. Ultimately, once you’ve ridden a Callaho, it’s hard to walk away!

NOT OVER YET

Those who missed out on the Callaho breeding magic in the Winter Collection won’t have long to wait for another chance. Callaho’s Summer Collection will be presented in October and sold again on their innovative online bidding platform. With such strong demand for top quality warmblood sport horses, the Summer Collection auction promises to be another highlight in the equestrian calendar.

The Callaho team goes from strength to strength, and we wish to congratulate them on their achievements. Finally, we would like to wish all new buyers great joy and success with their new mounts. There can be little doubt that the South African equestrian scene gained some real talent over the course of these two days, and we hope to see the new owners and their rides in the ring soon.