Last night saw an exciting evening unfold as Bolesworth Elite Auctions introduced their all new ridden horse auction concept; the ‘A-List’, due to take place during the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International horse show on Friday 9th July.
The invitational event, hosted at Bolesworth, welcomed key industry influencers, sponsors, press, vendors and riders to be the first to hear about the new auction concept.
A new concept for the UK, the A-List Auction will offer an elite collection of hand-picked showjumpers, between the ages of four and seven years old. The launch marks a new era in Bolesworth Elite Auction’s evolution, having established successful foal and yearling auctions over the last six years.
Alongside Bolesworth managing Director Nina Barbour, the Selection Team behind the A-list is headed up by Barry O Connor. A famous face on the International Showjumping Scene, Barry has spent his career working alongside the very best in the sport sourcing horses for clients from across the globe. The rest of the panel is formed of locally based International Showjumpers Dave Quigley, James Davenport, Angelie Von Essen and leading Sports Horse Vet Peter Scholefield.
With Peter Scholefield and the team from Hird & Partners on board, the auction will enforce a meticulous vetting procedure, with x-rays being fully screened as an important part of the selection process, that will be available seven days ahead of the auction for each horse, alongside a video showing the key parts of the live vetting with supporting commentary from Peter himself.
The depth of experience of the A-List auction panel, alongside the established reputation of Bolesworth Elite Auctions, and a fully transparent vetting process aims to give buyers total confidence to buy either onsite or remotely.
Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth, said:
“The launch of the A-List auction is a great opportunity for buyers and vendors alike. Taking place live at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show on Friday 9th July, we are able to offer both onsite and remote buyers a special collection of young horses, in addition to our elite yearlings.
Along with our partnership with renowned sports horse vet Peter Scholefield from Hird & Partners, we will be offering buyers an established and trusted auction process, offering complete confidence in the horses they are securing.”
In dual celebration, Bolesworth Elite Auctions were also delighted to announce Science Supplements as title sponsors. This exciting new partnership perfectly aligns two highly innovative equestrian brands, both equally passionate about investing in the future of elite sport and British breeding.
A long-standing supporter of the Bolesworth Elite Auctions, this partnership has been a natural development of the existing relationship between Bolesworth and Science Supplements, with a mutual interest in elite sport horse production.
David Mitson, Managing Director of Science Supplements, said:
“Having purchased several foals and yearlings from these very auctions over the last few years I am delighted to be able to support Nina and the team at Bolesworth and expand the platform to further promote British breeding.
As well as my love for breeding, I am also passionate about the research and science that supports the welfare of our horses and I look forward to sharing our latest research at the launch of the auctions later this year.”
Nina Barbour added:
“We are delighted to be welcoming Science Supplements as the very first title sponsors of Bolesworth Elite Auctions.
They are a hugely respected brand within equine nutrition, and their values and commitment to equestrian sport are echoed throughout the ethos of the Bolesworth Elite Auctions. This, coupled with the very first A-List auction, is sure to make for an exciting year.”
Bolesworth Elite Auctions are keen to continue to raise the profile and exposure of the auctions to the equestrian industry. Last year, the highly regarded showjumping auctions took the next step in their evolution by offering a hybrid of both live and online auction bidding, complemented by live streaming which extended the reach of the auctions globally to provide greater visibility for vendors and prospective buyers.
Taking place a week after each respective live auction, there will be an online exclusive auction for Elite Yearlings (16th-19th July 2021), and Elite Foals & Embryos (27th -30th August 2021), featuring hand-picked lots with close relations to 1.45m performers. Bidding will remain open online for these two auctions for 4 days, with further details on how to register to bid being released soon.
The A-List Collection can be viewed online at www.boleswortheliteauctions.com no later than Tuesday 15th June. Lots will be available for private trials and viewings on several dates to be confirmed during the month of June held at Bolesworth. Appointments will be limited and must be pre-booked only. Once submitted, a member of the A-List team will be in contact to discuss requirements and confirm an appointment. There will be an official viewing of the horses jumping at the show on Wednesday 7th July (time TBC).
A number of exclusive hospitality packages are available for the live auctions, offering front-row spectating as the adrenaline rises and the hammer falls. Secure your hospitality tickets for the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show to bid live at the A-List auction. To book, please visit www.bolesworthinternational.com/buy-hospitality or contact Melanie Simm on melanie@bolesworth.com.
For all Bolesworth Elite Auction enquiries please contact auctions@bolesworth.com.