HX Magazine 2024 | Edition 2

Record-breaking 24th edition
of the Limburg Foal Auction
U Can Do It by Nature was the top seller of the evening.
International investors
During the 24th edition, the Aganix du Seigneur colt U Can Do
It by Nature claimed the highest price of €36,000. He was bred
by young breeders Stan and Daan Creemers and originates from
the famous Callas Sitte Z damline. Another offspring of Aganix du
Seigneur, Adore Vinio MB bred by Maarten Brands, achieved an
impressive price of €32,000 and was secured by an American
buyer. For €30,000, the Carthago filly C U Again S Z bred by
Nico Schulpen, and the Cornet Obolensky filly Uptown Girl D
bred by Jan Pen, were sold to buyers from the United States
and Turkey. Investors from Ireland, Finland, Canada, Germany,
and the United Kingdom also acquired foals in this edition of the
Limburg Foal Auction. “During the live auction, things started off
a bit slow, but in the second half, we saw many high-quality foals
achieving strong prices. We are thrilled with these results. Last
year’s auction seemed difficult to surpass, yet we have managed
to do so with a sense of pride. I’m particularly pleased that so
many top-level riders and high-level sport stables placed their
trust in this auction by purchasing one or more foals. This greatly
increases the likelihood that we will be hearing much more
about these foals in the future", said Paul Hendrix. “Meanwhile,
numerous horses sold in the past in the Limburg Foal Auction are
now performing at the highest levels worldwide, which serves as
the best advertisement a sales organization could wish for. It is
therefore fair to say that the Limburg Foal Auction is among the
best showjumping foal auctions in the Netherlands.”
Text: Jenneke Smit
The Limburg Foal Auction had a very successful 24th edition. In a time when such achievements are far
from guaranteed, this auction has once again set a new benchmark, breaking its record for the average
price. In the live auction, held at the Peelbergen Equestrian, nearly 80 foals were sold with an impressive
average of €11,550. This reinforces the Limburg Foal Auction’s reputation as the premier live auction of the
Netherlands.
Horse of the Year title for
Zodiak du Buisson Z
For years, it has been evident in the sport that the finest
showjumping horses originate from the Southeast of the
Netherlands and its surrounding regions. The 2024 collection
of the Limburg Foal Auction once again underlined that fact.
Breeding in this area is conducted at the highest level. This year,
with the aid of both proven and promising sires, breeders once
again succeeded in producing exceptionally interesting foals,
which were selected for the auction.
Key factors
The success of an auction is inextricably linked to two key
factors: the right network of buyers and a high-quality collection
of foals. Over the past decades, the Hendrix family has attracted
a growing base of international clients. Thanks to their consistent
delivery of high-quality horses and foals, and excellent aftersales
service, they enjoy a strong global reputation. Many of
these clients were not only present at the Dutch Sport Horse
Sales but also attended the Limburg Foal Auction the following
day. Additionally, new buyers were recruited during the World
Championships for Young Jumping Horses, held just days
before the auctions. This resulted in many international riders
and owners placing bids, both in person and by phone, during
the Limburg Foal Auction. This would not be possible without
offering the highest quality of foals. The collection is the result
of the trust breeders have placed in the Limburg Foal Auction
over the years. Year after year, this auction proves its value to
breeders, not only by supporting them in marketing their foals
but also by achieving truly excellent prices for the very best foals.
The pedigree of the foals boasts outstanding damlines, leaving
little to be desired. The Limburg Foal Auction offered foals out
of the direct damlines of top-level performers like Beauville Z,
Jaguar Mail, Emerald van ’t Ruytershof, Valentina van ’t Heike,
Vink Especiale, Sapphire, Glamour Girl, Verdi, Nelson van ‘t
Roosakker and Van Gogh.
Nothing speaks louder for a foal auction than
a horse that rises to Grand Prix glory. One
of the rising stars is Zodiak du Buisson Z,
auctioned in 2015. Bred by Gijs van de Mortel,
this son of Zirocco Blue VDL has made a strong
impression under Richard Howley, becoming
a stellar ambassador for the auction. During
the live auction, his achievements have been
rewarded with the title LVV Horse of the Year.
Zodiak du Buisson Z made an impressive
debut at international 1.60m level last year at
the age of eight. Under his Irish rider Richard
Howley, this talented gelding has delivered
several standout performances. Just days after
the auction, he won his first 5* Grand Prix in
Coapexpan.
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Limburg Foal Auction | 55