Isle of Wight Farm
	Holsteiner Warmblood Stud	Auction
Home About IOW History News Clinics Stallions Foals Supported Riders Sales IOW Auction Contact Us The 6^th Annual Isle of Wight Farm Elite Young stock auction was once again a resounding success. The facilities at Tatura Park are world class as are the stock, meticulously presented by David and his team. The outdoor arena, stabling and amenities are all close to the indoor where the auction takes place making it easy for potential buyers to move around the complex and view the horses. With approximately 250 people in attendance at the auction, the atmosphere was vibrant. From the minute you entered the indoor you knew you were in for a treat. Trade stands included Strathbogie Floats, Horseland Shepparton, Rapid Rain Irrigators and O’Dea’s saddlery. All stands had bargains on display with vendors available for a chat about their merchandise. Putting on an event such as this is quite an exercise and David gave guests some insight into the preparation that goes into the horses explaining that for all of the youngsters, the auction is a sequence of ‘firsts’ – first time they have a bath, first time they have a rug on and their first time off the farm. The task of transporting 18 young horses that have never been on a float the 20 odd kilometers from Murchison to Tatura might make some people blanch. Robyn Pearce, who kindly brought them all to the auction in her gooseneck, could not believe how easy it was. ‘All of the horses displayed such trust! Each youngster took just a few minutes to lower their head, smell the ramp and then walk calmly on. It was amazing to witness!’. The return journey on David’s truck which has quite a steep ramp, was exactly the same. It is the confidence that the horses develop in their handlers in such a short space of time which is a testament both to their temperaments and the ability of David’s team. You know that an Isle of Wight horse will always have been well handled. Extra interest in the auction was created from the young riding horses presented by outside vendors. All of these horses behaved impeccably during their trialing and in the auction atmosphere as well. This is another big ask for young horses who had never been ridden in such an environment before and they all acquitted themselves well. The Isle of Wight auction is perhaps unique in that starting with images in the catalogue, horses are displayed not only on the flat but also free jumping. This gives buyers an exciting opportunity to see how the horses not only handle a fence but also get an exceptional look at their hock action and how they use their backs, essential no matter which Olympic discipline you are selecting for. MC Bruce Falk introduced the horses as they came into the arena and auctioneer Michael Glasser, did his usual exceptional job of handling spirited bidding. The top price for the ridden horses was the lovely young stallion, Isle of Merlin. At $22,000.00 he was purchased for a show jumping career and went to a Gippsland buyer who was thrilled with her purchase. The top price for a yearling was the beautifully bred Isle of Inverell who was sold to NSW for $13,500.00. Unfortunately the auction clashed with Melbourne 3 Day Event so several potential buyers were unable to attend however the results of the auction were a great achievement with 16 lots being sold for a gross of $167,000.00. Negotiations are underway on at least 4 of the lots who were passed in and continued sales are expected. Given that the auction was a month later than usual in order to avoid another clash with Mother’s Day, credit must go to David and his team on the exceptional presentation of these youngsters. David was heard to comment that he would not hold the auction that late again as it was hard to get the horse’s coats right to which one of the staff was heard to reply ‘never mind the horses! It’s just too cold for us!’. While the coats were naturally thicker, all horses looked an absolute treat. Despite the cold, the arena was set up to its usual exemplary standard with 70 VIP’s partaking of the excellent 2 course meal and glass of wine on offer with additional food and beverages being available for all attendees. I’m sure the coffee cart did a roaring trade! David would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Team Isle of Wight without whom this auction could not happen. From the crew who set up the arena, to the staff who wash the horses back at the farm then live at the complex taking care of them during the auction to the office staff who handle the bidders on the day – you are all a vital link in the production chain without whom this auction could not be held. There are many, many people who contribute to the auction’s success and it is with heartfelt thanks that David thanks you for your participation. We are fortunate to have too many people to name, but you all know who you are so thank you and look forward to seeing you next time!