Evaluating and Selling Showjumping Foals
— with Charlotte Kondrup
At Stutteri Kondrup in North Zealand, Denmark, Charlotte Kondrup combines her passion for showjumping with her vision of breeding top-quality foals. Not only is she an experienced breeder, but also an international showjumper—giving her a unique perspective on both bloodlines and sport.
Her ambition?
“To become one of the best showjumping breeders in Denmark,” she says.
And she’s well on her way, with a growing string of carefully selected broodmares.
We have asked Charlotte a couple of questions to learn more about how she evaluates a good jumping foal when it is to be sold.
What Matters Most in Breeding Showjumpers?
“There are many things,” Charlotte explains. “First and foremost, the mare line.”
Still, she’s quick to add that all strong dam lines started somewhere. When choosing a stallion, she doesn’t just look at pedigree but also at what the stallion is likely to contribute to the match—especially if it’s a younger stallion.
“For me, it’s about balancing the mare’s weaknesses—and every mare has a ‘weakness’, no matter how perfect she may seem.”
Type and appearance also matter—especially in a market where looks help sell.
“I don’t just breed for myself; I also breed to sell. And a good-looking horse simply sells better than one that’s less attractive. I do wish buyers weren’t quite as picky as they’ve become.”
How Do You Evaluate a Showjumping Foal?
“I look at the overall picture—particularly type and canter,” Charlotte says.
“In my view, it’s almost impossible to predict a foal’s future capacity. That’s why the mare line is so important. If there’s performance in the dam line, the odds of a good foal increase. But there are no guarantees.”
She adds:
“If you check the entry lists at major championships, there are always horses from unknown lines or lesser-known sires. That’s just how breeding works.”
When Is the Right Time to Sell a Foal?
“I don’t have a specific point in time,” Charlotte admits.
“I sell when the right buyer comes along. But it’s easier for me to set a price once I’ve seen the foal properly unfold—so preferably not before it’s at least 4–6 weeks old.”
How to present the foals in a sales situation?
Charlotte has a clear preference:
“I focus a lot on the dam line in my sales presentations. I might also explain why I chose a particular stallion.
But in general, I’ve sold most of my foals through auction. I find it difficult to sell directly from the stable, so I prefer the structure and exposure that auctions offer.”
That said, there are limitations:
“At auctions, you can’t choose the buyer. But so far, I’ve been extremely lucky. All my foals have ended up in very capable hands, and I’m really excited to follow their careers.
A few of them are already doing well in competition!”
Takeaway
Charlotte Kondrup's insights offer a valuable look into the real-world considerations of evaluating and selling showjumping foals—from bloodlines and balance to buyer behavior.
At www.justhorsies.com, we’re proud to highlight breeders like Charlotte who are shaping the next generation of sport horses with dedication, knowledge, and heart.
Whether you're a buyer looking for your next showjumping prospect or a breeder wanting to reach the right audience, JustHorsies helps you make the right match—across borders and disciplines.
