By Chris Gould / CWHBA
Photography: G. Macdonald

The Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association finished the first round of its Stallion Service Auction (SSA) February 20. The second round finished February 27. It was the second year of renewed activity reflective of the strong sales market that the industry has been experiencing since part way through the pandemic.

The SSA seems to be a North American phenomenon and its growing popularity augers well for growth in the Warmblood breeding sector. Unique to the CWHBA, is the foal futurity which ties funds raised to foal futurities held the following year. Only offspring of nominated stallions are qualified to compete in events held throughout Canada.
It is a great way to introduce new stallions to breeders and this year the top selling stallion was a newcomer, Confidento (Contendro I x Embassy). Standing at Sigma Warmbloods in Alberta, he brings a powerful performance pedigree and modern type into the Canadian gene pool that is clearly welcomed.

The second high seller was the 23-year-old proven stallion, Cabardino (Carpaccio x Gaspari) standing at W. Charlot Farm in Ontario. A multiple champion in hunter classes, he was named USEF Hunter Sire of the Year 2017 and 2018, contributing to W. Charlot Farm’s USEF leading breeder awards from 2016 to 2020.
Part of the appeal of the SSA is, of course, the deals. Stallion services are sold at discounted prices offering breeders an opportunity to try new bloodlines at very affordable prices, with the added bonus of free entry into next year’s foal futurity. If the results of last year’s foal futurities are any indicator, the quality and quantity of Canadian Warmblood foals continues to rise.
Based on last year’s SSA, and as covid restrictions ease, Canadian breeders can look forward to a more active show season and some very interesting foal futurities in 2022. To check which stallions offspring are eligible go to canadianwarmbloods.com.