BREEDING MAGIC INSPIRES BUYERS ON THE CLOSING NIGHT OF THE CALLAHO WINTER AUCTION

The closing night of the Callaho 2021 Winter Auction was another exciting affair. The proven ability of Callaho to breed consistently for the top levels of the sport was acknowledged through the enormous support from the equestrian community across Southern Africa.

The impeccably bred Callaho Larido (Larison/Quidam De Revel/Pilot), who promises to take the local showjumping circuit by storm, 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) – achieved the deservedly high price of R640,000. It will be exciting to see this gelding soar up the grades.

Callaho Sambuca (Sampras/Lissabon/Ramiro Z), the eye-catching son of Sampras, was also expected to turn heads, and 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 Carmelita (Carnaval La Silla/Embassy/Eiger I), the final lot to close, with the virtual hammer coming down at R440 000, looks set to follow in her father’s footsteps. Carnaval la Silla, a top international 1.60m jumper from Europe, has definitely had a strong influence on his daughter. Carmelita – who is a real powerhouse and yet suitable for a novice rider – will safely partner her pilot wherever they wish to go!

Callaho Tel-Aviv, who sold for R420 000, is another horse to watch out for in the next few years. The unanimous verdict from the professional riders watching his free-jumping was that he’s a ‘proper jumper, suited to the big classes’. As if this was not enough, Callaho’s ability to breed wonderful temperament and rideability has also ensured that this horse is suitable for a novice; the horse will be ‘confidence inspiring and easy to ride’.

Bidders certainly didn’t overlook the Anglo-Arab infused progeny, after Callaho Balvenie (Bolzano Du Quinze/Escudo I/Ramiro Z) was the bargain of last night. Offers on Callaho Beaumont (Bolzano Du Quinze/Argentinus/Landadel) finally settled at R350 000, while Callaho Siguine (Sampras/Olala De Buissy/Veloce De Favi AA) reached a similar total of R320 000. It will be exciting to see the influence of these AA bloodlines on the showjumping sport over the next few years, particularly with Gareth Neill at the helm on the magnificent Bolzano Du Quinze.

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.

Those that missed out on the Callaho breeding magic this weekend won’t have long to wait for another chance. Callaho’s Summer Collection will be presented in October, and sold again through their innovative online bidding platform. 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.