Lever Equine specialise in Performance Horses from all angles - sourcing, producing, competing and breeding - and so we, at jumpingaround.com knew they would be at this major auction on the Australian calendar. Our thanks to Annie Lever for providing us with this report on Belcam International who are located in the picturesque Gippsland area of Victoria in Australia. Anyone planning a visit to Victoria in Australia must make both Belcam International and Lever Equine an entry on their "must visit schedule" as the principals of both these businesses have taken the very best of the Northern Hemisphere "horse business" and combined it so very successfully with the very best of the Australian environment.

To find out more about both Lever Equine and Belcam International please click on the banners above

The 'who's who' of the equestrian industry in Victoria and from as far as Western Australia and NSW, gathered at Belcam International on Sunday June 6th to witness the second sale of 21 warmblood performance horse youngsters.The horses on offer were mostly the progeny of the Capone bred lines with a smattering of the now deceased Contango II.

Belinda Klatte and Axel Renz and their team of professional assistants had the place beautifully presented and looked very smart with their burgundy and gold banners decorated with abundance of flowers and plants around the marquee.Kentucky Equine Research, who provide the feed and nutrition support to Belcam, were on hand to answer any related questions to visitors.

When we first arrived the number of 'lookers' appeared to be down on last years first sensational sale, but when the sale began people were flocking in and before a lunch break the horses were paraded at the walk in the main marquee which gave spectators a taste of what was to come.

At the beginning of the afternoon program of events the lovely Rebecca Fenner rode into the marquee
on the Oldenburger stallion star of the show 'Capone', to the Man from Snowy River theme. Having purchased and trained a few Capone horses ourselves, we can support the buzz amongst the horsey set that he stamps wonderful trainable temperaments on his progeny.

The first lot went for a reasonable sum, you could sense that the sale was to be a good one in terms of prices. Axel personally ran out all of the horses and we were sure that he was going to be a paper cut out figure by the end of the day. But such is their professionalism and their passion for what they are doing that they oversee and work personally physically hard to ensure the perfection we were treated to today.

Lot 3 'Classiker' stood out as something special, which was to prove right, with it being the highest sold lot at the sale at $22,000 to the David Middleton group.

David Middleton is one of Australia's leading event riders and his group went on to purchase 5 lots in the sale, Lot 1 'Albata'a 3 yo by Albata by Belcam Aalto for $8,000, Lot 2 'Charmed' by Capone $21,000, Lot 3 the fabulous colt by Capone out of Fourwinds Fams/Falkland lines for 22,000, Lot
11 'Centucky' by Capone out of Belcam Janita (Jaguar, Imp Bel) lines, and lot 13 'Calita' by Capone out of Belcam Glade(Grannus II lines).

We are seeing the emergence now of event riders purchasing warmblood performance the changes due to eventing structure for horses trials and the cutting out some sections of three day events. - it will be interesting to see over the next 5-10years how horse trials will change if at all.

Notable horses included Lot 6 was a lovely brown, filly 'Caponelle' by Capone out of Folly (Falkland imp Hol) sold for $18,000.

Lot 12 a nice brown filly 'Chital' was purchased by Gary Sisely. His daughter informed me that they have 3 others with the same bloodlines Belcam Carrington, Belcam Canon (Elementary), Belcam Cruiser (Novice) which they compete dressage and are very happy with.

Lot 7 'Celtic' Bay gelding, sold for $17,500 sold to Raquel Fitzgerald from Oakville, Sydney. This rising 2 year old is by Contango II out od Belcam Avenue (Aachen lines) and has been bought for jumping and will travel home this week and be admired in the field for a few months before commencing its early education.

Karen Connors, who has a lovely dressage horse 'Spiderman' by Inspiration, purchased Lot 9 'Crispin' a chestnut colt by Capone out of Belcam Avenue (Aachen lines) for $8,000.

Many onlookers bought their own picnics and enjoyed the days activities and a few horses may have been purchased on the back end of a few bevvies. The horses were groomed to perfection so would draw anyone to want to take home a 'Belcam' performance horse. All in all it was a very pleasant day and I am sure that Belinda and Axel were very happy with the days proceedings and deserved a well earned glass of champers at the conclusion.