If the Hannoveraner Verband is a good example, the answer is 'yes', as a colt sets top price in Verden. Force Majeure (Franco Nero x San Amour I) delivered €23,500 for this first-generation son of Franco Nero (Franziskus), thanks to a winning bid from a US buyer. His breeder, Stephan Herrmann, from Northeim, had already presented the most expensive Verden auction foal in 2017 from the same damd, the state premium mare A Speciality For You.

The first four online auctions in 2020 were created at short notice in response to the coronavirus, and included 82 foals. Compared to last year, both the average price and volume of sales could see an increase, with the former currently set at €9,088 (€7,197 at the 2019 May auction), and a total turnover, so far of €745,250 (€547,000 in 2019).

Post auction is also pre auction, with 48 dressage and 17 showjumping horses waiting in the wings for new owners on July 18 from 2:00 p.m. Carefully selected and prepared, they can be observed in training and individually tried from July 7 in Verden, with a live-streamed presentation on Wednesday, July 15.

The next foal group, numbering around 100, will come to Verden on August 8/9. On Friday, August 7, the foals will be presented 'live' in Verden, with a limited number of prospective buyers in attendance and in compliance with safe-distancing rules. Registration is mandatory and will be accepted until July 31 by email: auktion@hannoveraner.com. Confirmation of registration by the Hannoveraner Verband is obligatory.