Maastricht, NED – Oct. 13, 2017 – Already a reputable source of top horses for clients in North America and one of the premier contacts in Europe for horse sales, Sorensen Stables is excited to expand their offerings by proudly presenting THE HUNT, the first ever European Hunter Auction. Unlike the many European sporthorse auctions centered around young jumper prospects, THE HUNT is a one-of-a-kind debut event comprised of 12 to 15 horses curated specifically for the North American hunter market. Chosen for their overall excellence in conformation, movement, jumping technique and temperament, a collection of Europe’s top horses with proven hunter talent will be gathered in one place November 13, 2017 in Maastricht, Netherlands, all available for purchase to the highest bidder.
“For years I have been a part of the standard horse sales operation, driving for hours to try horses, then sending videos to clients and attempting to pair the right person with the right horse. Though I’ve had a lot of success, I thought I could improve upon the process, which bred the idea of THE HUNT,” said Sorensen Stables’ namesake Chris Sorensen. “Taking advantage of my network of connections here in Europe, I set out to find great young hunters that could provide their new owners with a long and prosperous career in the show ring, and I think I have managed to do just that with an exceptional group of horses.”
A world-renowned competitor and trainer, Sorensen has bought and sold horses from Europe for nearly two decades, with much of that time also spent as one of the top Canadian riders. During his time in the industry, he has coached, trained, competed and sold multiple national hunter champions, Winter Equestrian Festival circuit champions and top placers at International Derby Finals, among other accolades. Now based out of the Netherlands, Sorensen’s hunter knowledge and experience is unprecedented in the European market, adding another layer of prestige to the hotly-anticipated auction. Versed in the inner workings of international horse sales, Sorensen developed the concept of THE HUNT as an opportunity to minimize both the risk and labor currently associated with sourcing a horse from Europe for a competitive career in North America.
By hand-selecting the collection of elite horses, Sorensen has exponentially decreased the amount of work required for potential buyers. Adding to the appeal, the horses offered at THE HUNT have all been trained exclusively as hunter prospects, most recently under Sorensen’s tutelage, not only increasing their value but also easing assessment of the horse. Trainers and riders can reap the benefits of purchasing a schooled hunter horse with the knowledge that they are saving both time and funds by circumventing the jumper-to-hunter transition process, making for a swift entrance into the show ring. The first round of profile videos is now available on THE HUNT‘s website, with more slated to be released as the auction grows closer, and the horses are all available for trials from now until the auction.
More than just a horse auction, THE HUNT offers its guests an unprecedented experience featuring a unique venue, fine dining and extraordinary horses at an event unlike any other. THE HUNT invites you for a long weekend in Maastricht, one of the oldest and most picturesque cities in Europe, to explore the historic sites and world class restaurants, as well as shop in the heart of the world’s equestrian industry. From Friday to Sunday, watch top international equestrian competition at Jumping Indoor Maastricht, then cap the long weekend Monday as a premier participant of the first European Hunter Auction.
Pre-registration for tickets for the event will be offered beginning Monday, October 16, with the official ticket sale commencing later in the week. With only 150 general admission spots and 50 VIP tables available, make sure not to delay to ensure your place at this exclusive event. For those unable to attend, the auction will be live-streamed with phone bidding options available, as well.
For more information on THE HUNT, to view the collection or to reserve your spot, please click here.
To arrange a horse trial, please contact Chris or Whitney Sorensen.
For more information on Sorensen Stables, please click here.
