Posted: 28th May 2014 | Back to news feed
“I can honestly say the whole Westphalian Weekend experience was so delightful that I didn’t want to come home!”
What were you expectations of the Westphalian Auction?
Having never experienced auctions outside of the UK I was intrigued to see how this auction would fare in comparison. My trainer, James Burtwell, invited me for a Westfalen Weekend to experience a German Equine Auction House and my expectations were completely surpassed. I am forever grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to go!
Did you feel welcomed by the Westphalian Sales and Administration team? Throughout the whole process we were continually impressed with how professional, organised and efficient the Auction House ran.
What were your impressions of the auction riders and how they handled and trained the horses?
The riders were very skilled, quiet riders and showed kindness and empathy to each of the horses they rode.The grooms were also well informed and happy to answer our many questions about the character and stall manners of their horses.
What were your impressions of the Westphalian horses that you tested?
Being an amateur rider, we chose to ride just two horses. They both excelled themselves in their way of going, were very responsive and an absolute dream to ride. The instruction and guidance from the Auction riders on the ground also proved invaluable throughout an otherwise potentially daunting process.
Did you find the vets helpful and informative when you spoke with them prior to the auctions?
The vets were fantastic. It was a refreshing and welcome change to talk frankly about the clinical examinations and x-rays. It served to hugely contribute to our final decision.
Did the Westphalian Sales Team provide you with the support and information you required?
From the moment we were collected from the airport it was evident we were in safe hands with Rhegan White. Rhegan answered each and every question with utter professionalism yet with endearing passions, which helped us a great deal to make our final bidding decisions.
What were your impressions of the auction itself?
I was somewhat nervous at the prospect of bidding but the whole auction team made the experience endlessly impressive. From the presentation of the horses to the auctioneer’s clear announcements it was impeccable in every way. The auction hall itself was charming and stables and facilities around were excellent. I was very pleased with my first live auction experience.
Did you enjoy the Westfalen Weekend experience?
I so enjoyed the camaraderie of the group which Rhegan had assembled of her clients from Canada, the USA and the UK. We became fast friends and supported each other throughout. The Post Hotel where we stayed was divine and being chauffeured to and fro each day was a treat as were the yummy meals at the hotel with the group each night. I can honestly say the whole Westphalian Weekend experience was so delightful that I didn’t want to come home!
How was the experience of arranging payment and transport after you purchased your mare?
Reflective of our entire experience, everything was easy and ran like clockwork.
Now that you have Liberty home, is she what you had hoped for in this horse purchase?
She is my dream horse. She has and continues to surpass my expectations in every manner. What a find and I am so thrilled I have her!
The Westphalian Summer Auction takes place on Sunday 1st June 2014
The Westphalian Studbook e.V. holds seven equine auctions each year at their Equestrian Center in Munster, Germany. Experience our Brand of Excellence!
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