FRANCE by Tiphaine Guetre) Renowned breeding farms as well as passionate breeders of just one or two broodmares came together to show their two- and three-year-old colts and fillies on the Selle-Français studbook breeding circuit, and to promote their production, under the watchful eyes of Selle Français judges.

The eight qualifiers organ-ized by the Selle Français studbook are important stages for the future of these young horses, and are also a place to identify future stars and to conduct trade. The many connoisseurs includ-ing Belgian, Dutch, Swiss and German stallion owners and breeders came to see the 437 colts and 87 fillies that were presented at all the qualifiers. The FENCES Agency also attended to see each candidate perform in the conformation and gaits free-jumping workshops, with a view to organizing its next Elites Sales.

So the objective of the qualifiers was twofold: (1) for the owners of colts to have them qualified for the Selle Français Stallion Championship Final to be held October 22-25 in Saint-Lô, Normandy, and the opportunity to have their stallions approved to breed as Selle Français; (2) for the fillies to qualify for the Selle Français Filly Event Final, taking place September 4-5 during the Grande Semaine de Fontainebleau. Additionally, the qualifiers offered greater visibility for the breeding farms to boost the sale of their products during these events where personalities, horse dealers and owners are very present.