ANALYSIS CONFIRMS: NO OTHER AUCTION DELIVERS AS MANY TOP-LEVEL SPORT HORSES AS BFA

Jul 25, 2025

Analysis Confirms: No Other Auction Delivers as Many Top-Level Sport Horses as BFA

Statistical leadership confirmed by independent data

According to recent data from Hippomundo, no less than 20% of the world’s top auction-sold foals were sold through the Belgian Foal Auction (BFA). This confirms BFA’s position as the auction with the highest success rate on the international market.

What makes this achievement all the more impressive is that BFA offers only 35 foals per year. Yet, 4 of the current top 20 showjumpers that were ever sold as foals at auction originated from BFA. “We aim for quality over quantity, and that strategy clearly pays off,” states the BFA committee.

An internal analysis further shows that almost 50% of the 300 foals sold via Belgian Foal Auction have gone on to compete at international level, with 5% jumping at CSI5*. These figures underscore BFA’s exceptional impact on the global sport.

Portobella van de Fruitkorf Makes History in 2025

One of the undisputed stars of 2025 is Portobella van de Fruitkorf, sold at the 2015 Belgian Foal Auction, and still co-owned by her original buyers, the Swinnen family. Together with rider Emilie Conter, Portobella achieved extraordinary results: victory in the CSI5* Grand Prix of Wellington (USA), a second place in the CSIO5* Nations Cup in Aachen, and a clear round in the prestigious Aachen Grand Prix.

Other BFA References Also Shine in Top Sport in 2025:

• Quilano – 1m50 with Thibault Philippaerts

• Quando van den Heuvel – 1m55 with Mariano Martinez Bastida

• Qmusic-K van Kattenheye – 1m55 with Jan Vermeiren

• Parel van 't Russelveld – 1m50 YR with Lauranne Spits

• …and many more.

Iconic BFA Ambassadors Through the Years:

• GIG Amai – Grand Prix Aachen winner with Michael Whitaker

• Giovanni van het Scheefkasteel – 1m60 with Pius Schwizer

• Hearton du Bois Halleux – Hickstead Derby winner with Michael Pender

• Koss van Heiste – 3rd in CSIO5* GP Calgary with Conor Swail

• Lavalinno – reference stallion and 1m60 performer

• Narcotique van het Dingenshof – CSI5* 1m60 with Erynn Ballard

The Success Formula: Close to Breeders, Realistic Pricing

The secret behind BFA’s sustained success? A unique approach rooted in trust, knowledge, and fairness. The committee maintains close relationships with breeders, has in-depth knowledge of damlines and foal development, and sets realistic, sport-minded prices. As a result, BFA foals often end up in professional sport stables that know how to nurture talent—and get results.

The Belgian Foal Auction continues to stand out as a unique force in the auction landscape, where passion for sport, commitment to quality, and fair trade come together to build tomorrow’s champions.