One million Euros for gelding Dior – A look back and first impressions
It was an evening that will resonate for a long time to come.
With the 20th Show Jumping Horse Auction, former Nations Cup rider Holger Hetzel not only celebrated a remarkable milestone at his estate on Pfalzdorfer Buschstraße in Goch, but once again delivered a powerful statement for the captivating magic of show jumping. Around 700 guests from 51 nations followed the invitation and were enchanted by an event that uniquely combined sporting excellence, emotional depth, and social prestige.
The most touching moment of the evening was delivered by the seven-year-old Holsteiner grey gelding Dior, who, as “Youngster of the Year,” became the “Horse of the Night.” For the sensational sum of one million euros, he changed hands—an unforgettable moment that was met with thunderous applause inside the riding hall, transformed into a glamorous event location. Majestic in appearance and noble in name, Dior embodied everything Holger Hetzel’s auction has stood for over two decades: quality, charisma, and the promise of a dazzling sporting future.
No less dramatic was the finale surrounding the Dutch-bred gelding Playboy. When the hammer of seasoned auctioneer Volker Raulf fell for the third time following a tense bidding duel, time seemed to momentarily stand still. The exceptional performance model, blessed with limitless talent, was worth 900,000 euros to his new owner—a horse destined for the great arenas of this world.
In total, the auction lot comprised 21 high-calibre show jumping horses, which, just half an hour before midnight, were sold for a combined total of around six million euros. A remarkable testament to the international appeal and radiance of the event. Yet, the auction also demonstrated heart: two foals were auctioned in support of the RTL Charity Marathon “Wir helfen Kindern” (We Help Children), raising an impressive 98,000 euros—gratefully accepted by initiator Wolfram Kons.
The festively transformed riding hall, where a golden carpet paved the way through a night full of magic, offered a social setting that left nothing to be desired. Brazilian samba dancers opened the show programme, which impressed with elegance, acrobatics, and stylish staging—framing the auction in an atmosphere of celebration and awe. Among the guests were German Champion Mario Stevens, German Vice Champion Timo Schewe, current World Cup Series runner-up Alain Jufer, and Olympic Champion Michael Jung.
Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. h.c. Martin H. Richenhagen, President of the German Equestrian Federation, football professionals Philipp Sander and Fabio Chiarodia of Borussia Mönchengladbach, alongside former pros Patrick Herrmann and Tony Jantschke, German Ladies' Show Jumping Champion Stephi de Boer, Belgium’s Chef d’Equipe Peter Weinberg, and Goch’s Mayor Stephan Luyven.
Visibly moved, host Holger Hetzel reflected on the beginnings:
“Twenty years ago, I started with just an open day here at my facility in Goch-Pfalzdorf—with an idea. My wish was to bring extraordinary horses together with extraordinary people. Discovering horses, developing them, and forming successful horse-and-rider partnerships has always been my passion.”
The auction was expertly hosted and commentated by the well-known voice of equestrian sport, Carsten Soestmeier, who presented the horses with his signature insight and charm.
The 20th Show Jumping Horse Auction at Holger Hetzel’s was far more than a sales event. It was a celebration of emotion, vision, and lived passion for equestrian sport. More than that, it was a jubilee that impressively showed how much heart, quality, and international flair reside in the tranquil setting of Pfalzdorf.
Stephan Derks
