Highlights:
Our team successfully facilitated the sale of Truman Van Het Eikehof, a promising Belgian Warmblood, to a Swiss client. The operation involved cross-border coordination, proving our expertise in handling international equine transactions. Truman is a young horse known for his balanced canter and calm temperament, making him an ideal partner for an ambitious amateur rider aiming for high-level showjumping competitions.
The sale, coordinated by our sales partners Guillaume Augustin (France) and Jennifer Uldry (Switzerland), highlights Bridl’s growing reputation in managing complex, high-value international sales.
Background:
Truman Van Het Eikehof is a Belgian Warmblood (BWP) bred from strong showjumping lines. He possesses a rare combination of agility, intelligence, and composure, making him a valuable asset for the competitive showjumping world.
With notable bloodlines, Truman’s pedigree includes some of the finest show-jumping ancestors, setting the stage for his promising future.
At the time of sale, Truman had shown considerable promise in his early training, consistently improving performance and temperament. With these traits, it was the perfect moment for Truman to propose to a new owner who could further develop his potential in competition.
The Swiss customer had an ideal plan for Truman’s continued development, with plans to begin training and competing during the upcoming winter season—Switzerland Truman’s next destination.
Challenges:
Finding the right buyer for Truman presented several challenges. The buyer needed to align with Truman’s temperament and have the ambition and capability to take him to higher levels of competition. This balance between Truman’s gentle nature and high-performance potential was vital to ensuring a good match with the rider.
Moreover, managing an international sale between Belgium and Switzerland involves overcoming various logistical hurdles, such as complying with Swiss import regulations, VAT considerations, and cross-border veterinary checks.
Jennifer experienced this herself when importing her horse earlier this year and was able to support the customers' needs.
Finally, transport was a significant factor. Ensuring Truman's comfort and safety during his journey to Switzerland required diligent coordination. Close communication with the buyer throughout the process was crucial as we worked to maintain transparency, efficiency, and trust.
Solution:
Our sales partners took a highly personalized approach to identifying Truman's ideal buyer. Guillaume Augustin, our sales partner for the French market, sourced Truman, while Jennifer Uldry, our sales partner in Switzerland, brought in the client.
Jennifer, familiar with the buyer's requirements, conducted a series of in-depth discussions to understand the client’s needs and expectations better. After presenting a carefully curated list of horses, Truman emerged as the standout candidate for the buyer.
The trial process was meticulously organized, allowing the buyer to personally evaluate Truman’s temperament, agility, and performance. The buyer was impressed with Truman’s balanced canter and calm demeanour, which confirmed that he was the ideal horse for their competitive aspirations.
Once the decision was made to proceed with the purchase, the customers facilitated a pre-purchase vet check with a renowned veterinary clinic to ensure Truman’s health and soundness. After a thorough review, the buyer was delighted, and we finalised the sale.
The international transport of Truman to Switzerland required careful planning.
Jennifer helped the customers manage the legal documentation and worked closely with their transporter of choice to ensure that the journey complied with Swiss import regulations.
Throughout the process, we maintained close contact with the buyer to keep them informed of each step and ensure that all aspects of the transaction were handled smoothly.
Conclusion:
This sale exemplifies Bridl’s ability to handle complex, high-value international equine transactions. From selecting the right horse to ensuring compliance with cross-border regulations, our team’s expertise was critical in ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
The partnership between our sales agents, Guillaume Augustin in France and Jennifer Uldry in Switzerland, played a pivotal role in connecting the right horse with the right rider, and their collaboration showcases our strength in managing international sales.
Truman’s new environment in Switzerland and his buyer’s ambition promise a bright future for this young Belgian Warmblood. This sale strengthens Bridl’s presence in the Swiss market and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service and ensuring that both horses and clients are set up for long-term success.