King Olav (SWB) by So Perfect out of Brilliant Ida (SWB) – Everdale, seller/breeder: Annie Nilsson, was the highest-priced dressage foal at the 2024 auctions, selling for €50,000. Photo: My Häger.
In 2025, SWB will host not just one, but two SWB Elite Foal Auctions: a live auction during the SWB Equestrian Weeks at Flyinge, and a fully digital edition shortly thereafter. Both auctions will once again be presented in partnership with Horsepartner Sweden AB.
“This decision is based on a strong preference expressed by our regional organizations and members to have an in-person SWB Elite Foal Auction at SWB Equestrian Weeks,” explains Aja Blomberg-Andersson, Chair of SWB.
This year’s SWB Equestrian Weeks will feature the Breeders Trophy in both dressage and jumping – all condensed into a single week, from September 30 to October 5. This is a new format compared to previous years when the event spanned two weeks.
“By uniting the dressage and jumping foals at one auction, we’re creating an even more exciting and diverse collection,” adds Blomberg-Andersson.
To ensure broad accessibility for breeders regardless of their location, SWB will also host a digital auction.
“The digital format allows breeders who cannot attend in person to showcase their foals, and gives buyers more ways to engage,” she continues.
Both auctions will feature a carefully curated selection of top-quality dressage and jumping foals. Choosing to host two separate auctions—rather than one—was a deliberate decision.
“The program during Equestrian Weeks is already packed, and we want to create the best possible conditions for breeders to participate,” says Blomberg-Andersson.
Interest in the SWB Elite Foal Auctions remains high. Over the past two years, SWB has seen a notable increase in foal nominations, reflecting strong engagement and growing global interest in Swedish horse breeding. Buyer interest is equally steady, with many returning year after year throughout the auction’s nearly 20-year history.
Many former Elite Foals have gone on to compete at the Grand Prix level, both nationally and internationally. Approximately 30 foals will be selected for each auction. The selection process is led by an experienced team that focuses on quality and future potential.
The physical auction—also open to online and phone bidding—will take place on Friday, October 3 during the SWB Equestrian Weeks. The date for the digital auction is yet to be confirmed.
Selection will take place between August 12–17. Breeders in Northern Sweden can submit entries via photo and video, as in previous years. More information will be published on SWB’s website.
“We’ve seen a decline in the number of breedings, particularly in dressage. That’s why it’s crucial for as many breeders as possible to present their foals for selection to either auction,” says Johan Ifverson, a longtime member of the selection team.
“Even if your foal isn’t chosen for the auctions, participating in the selection is still highly valuable. You’ll receive professional photos and video, which are essential tools for marketing yourself as a breeder and for future sales.”
Johan Ifverson is a well-known figure in Swedish horse breeding with extensive experience in selecting stallions and sport horses. He’s been a core member of the SWB selection team for many years, valued for his keen eye for conformation, movement, and potential in both dressage and jumping foals.
Johan Ifverson, photo: Michaela Swärd/SWB
Boudewijn Schepers of Belgium brings decades of expertise in breeding and show jumping. He served as the international sport representative during this year’s SWB Stallion Performance Test and was a key judge in the BWP (Belgian Warmblood) stallion selection committee for 18 years, several as chairman. Today, he serves as BWP’s vice chairman. Under his leadership, BWP grew into one of the most successful jumping studbooks worldwide.
Schepers Boudewijn, photo: Dirk Caremans
Rick Jespers from the Netherlands is an experienced foal and young horse judge with expertise in both breeding and sport. He is frequently invited to judge international selections and has served as an international judge at Swedish foal championships.
Rick Jespers, Photo: private source
The SWB Elite Foal Auctions showcase the very best of Swedish Warmblood breeding. Held annually since 2007, the auctions feature handpicked dressage and jumping foals selected for their quality, pedigree, and potential. With a strong track record of producing top-level sport horses, SWB Elite Foal Auctions have become a highly regarded event among breeders, buyers, and enthusiasts across Europe and beyond.