Three-quarter sister of United Touch 'S', full brother of Echo van 't Spieveld, a foal out of Von Eckermann's Toveks Mary Lou, talented Grand Prix jumpers... The countdown is on: just two weeks left (September 23) until the Equbreeding.auction is ready for its fourth Live & Online edition. The world of horse auctions sparks the imagination, where breathtaking amounts are bid on exceptional horses. What is the secret behind these staggering figures? Passion!
Passion is also at the heart of Equbreeding.auction! Four young and motivated Belgians who, in just three years, have already broken two world records: €360,000 for the most expensive foal ever and €124,000 for an embryo. These numbers are more than just statistics; they reflect a deep-rooted love for horses and the commitment to deliver nothing but perfection.
"Organizing an auction is much more than simply bringing buyers and sellers together," says Bram Van Hulle, co-founder of Equbreeding.auction. "With every horse or foal we present, we feel honored. The story has to be right, and our aim is always exclusivity."
Passion as a Success Factor
Just like the most unique works of art inspire global admiration, the same holds true in equestrian sport. The greatest names and rarest foals consistently attract an international clientele. Well-known figures such as Princess Charlotte Casiraghi, Jessica Springsteen – daughter of rock icon Bruce Springsteen – and Jennifer Gates, daughter of Bill Gates, embody the blend of prestige and intense passion required for success.
"The horse world is more than glitter and glamour," Van Hulle emphasizes. "It is a serious industry where major investments are made with often impressive returns. But as with any investment, expertise is crucial. I didn’t grow up in this world, I had to learn my lessons the hard way, but it was more than worth it."
A Late Bloomer with Passion
Van Hulle’s own story began relatively late; it wasn’t until he was sixteen that he discovered equestrian sport. "At first, I saw it as a hobby. My dream was to become an architect, and I even won several architecture awards," he explains. "But passion has a special power. It demands your full attention and shapes your life choices. Eventually, I chose to dedicate myself fully to equestrian sport, starting with my media company, Equ.Media."
Innovation Driven by Creativity
The transition from architecture to horse auctions may seem unusual, but according to Van Hulle, there is a clear link between art, architecture, and horses. "Both works of art and horses are valued for their exclusivity and uniqueness. Our approach to the auction world is unique because we continuously strive for innovation and forward thinking."
The Power of Shared Passion
While passion is essential, collaboration is what truly makes success possible. "You learn from mistakes and surround yourself with experts," says Van Hulle. "I was fortunate to meet Matthias Claeys and Jody Bosteels, first as clients but soon as partners at Equbreeding.auction." During the pandemic, they decided to take on the challenge of horse auctions together. "What unites us is our shared passion for horses combined with our unique skills. Matthias brings breeding expertise, Jody is a master networker, and I contribute my marketing experience."
Exclusivity as a Core Goal
Equbreeding.auction distinguishes itself with an unwavering focus on exclusivity and quality. "Making money is not our main goal," Van Hulle stresses. "We offer unique investment opportunities, both for people inside and outside the equestrian world. We select horses that are not only valuable today but will also retain and increase their value in the long run. This goes beyond economic worth; it is also about breeding potential and sporting performance. Nobody has a crystal ball, but one thing is certain: quality always sells, regardless of the economic climate."
A perfect example of their foresight is the sale of an embryo, the future sibling of the Grand Prix horse Checker 47. "We knew this was a potential star, and when Checker 47 became Olympic champion just a month before our auction, it confirmed our vision and selection."
Globalization and Expertise
Despite their impressive achievements, the team at Equbreeding.auction remains modest and focused on growth. "We continue to invest in knowledge and expertise," Van Hulle explains. "Last year we welcomed Niels Haesen, a passionate horse dealer with deep knowledge of the American market. This is a crucial step in our further international expansion, always rooted in our passion and expertise."
With a focus on passion, exclusivity, and internationalization, Equbreeding.auction remains a leading force in horse auctions. Just like in the art world, their unique “works” continue to attract a selective and international audience.