Monbeg Odyssey ridden by Georgie Strang, 2016 KBIS British Eventing Four Year Old Championship at Osberton International
The organisers of Osberton International Horse Trials (29 September – 2 October) and Herefordshire based auctioneers Brightwells have announced an innovative new sale partnership.
Owners and breeders of Britain’s best young horses at this year’s event will be offered the opportunity to present their horses in a select auction sale.
Stuart Buntine, Director of Bede Events which organises Osberton International, explains: “This will be the first auction of its kind, the horses being offered having competed right up to the day of their sale.
“The concept is simple. We already attract Britain’s best young horses to Osberton, along with a knowledgable audience and numerous potential buyers.
“Mix the two together at a Saturday evening reception which includes a well-run auction and we should end up with a great result. Our British produced young horses are the envy of the world and I’m sure that it’s going to be a very worthwhile venture for everyone who wants to get involved.”
Past Osberton graduates include horses such as Ceylor LAN, Borough Pennyz, Billy The Biz and Billy The Red, all of which have made their mark at the top level of eventing.
Brightwells Auctioneers have a wealth of experience in selling competition horses, notably through their Elite sales at Addington.
“Selling an Olympic gold medal winning eventer is our next aim,” said Sarah Johnson of Brightwells, who will be overseeing the selection of horses.
“For this inaugural event we’ll be offering those vendors who wish to participate an extremely attractive entry package. As with our dressage and jumping horses, each selected eventer will undergo a rigorous pre-sale assesment, including X-rays, bloods and two pre-sale vettings. This should give buyers every confidence that they are purchasing a horse not only with good form, but the soundness to go with it.”
Harry Meade, one of Britain’s leading event riders, welcomes the initiative, commenting: “Osberton attracts many of the best young horses in the country. By joining forces with Brightwells, I see this as an exciting opportunity for anyone wishing to buy a future star. I will do all that I can to help promote the venture.”
