British breeding establishment the Billy Stud, a leading breeding venture between show jumper William Funnell, eventer Pippa Funnell and business partner Donal Barnwell, has launched a new online auction of 3-year-old sport horses which begins on Oct. 21.
The stud, now in its 17th year, has selected 10 of its quality 3-year-olds to be available to buy at the online auction.
“All horses will be vetted and X-rayed before the sale, and there’s no reserve on any of the auction horses,” explains Donal, recognised as being one of the best ‘breeding eyes’ in the business.
Equine breeding lines include Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve, Cevin Z (the grey pictured below), Billy Congo, Cruising, Billy Mexico and Clover Hill, and the online auction represents a new way to showcase and sell equines in the UK.
Cevin Z, a top stallion at the Billy Stud, carries the double crosses of both Cor de la Bryere and Capitol 1 in his pedigree. Photo by the Billy Stud.
“It is easier for buyers to browse horses in this way, and the fact the horses have been vetted and X-rayed before the sale makes great business sense for anyone looking for a future star eventer,” Donal tells EN
The unique aspect of this project, jokingly described by Irishman Donal as ‘a mad notion,’ is that there’s complete transparency.
“There are no auctioneers or middlemen — what you see is what you get. The prices are all inclusive. The horses for sale are all bred here, and are completely unspoiled — they will go on and improve and improve,” he continues.
“Buyers are purchasing straight from a world-renowned breeder, and I can tell you that these are horses with plenty of blood, that are bred to jump. Most have the quality to be elite eventers, as of course you need an eventer that can show jump.”
Billy Congo, another of the Billy Stud’s top stallions, is by the AES & Irish Horse Board Approved stallion Vechta, who is by the famous sire Voltaire. Photo by Samantha Lamb, courtesy of the Billy Stud.
For buyers who are able to come to the UK and view the horses, they have the opportunity to see 10 hand-selected youngsters in one place, making a visit to the stud a worthwhile one. For interested parties unable to visit in person, a selection of high quality videos is available showcasing the youngsters being free schooled, as well as videos of the stallion sires.
“This opportunity represents a good deal for international buyers looking for future event horses, as the pound is very weak currently — and there’s no reserve set on the horses, and VAT is also included,” Donal continues. (VAT can be reclaimed from non-EU territories).
“Anyone looking to purchase more than one three year old will also have the advantage that they are based in once place, making shipping very practical. And naturally we can advise purchasers with their shipping requirements. Pippa, William and myself are all just a phone call away if anyone has a query.”
Viewing days at the stud are available on Oct. 21st, 22nd and 23rd, and the auction closes on Oct. 25. For more information, visit the auction page on the Billy Stud website here.
