The organisers of London International Horse Show (London Excel, 18-22 December) are delighted to announce the 2025 edition of The Brilliance Horse Auction Co.’s London Collection.
Photo: Orville VD Watermolen, Credit: Equisportif
A partnership between two of the biggest names in showjumping — Breen Equestrian and The Billy Stud — The Brilliance Horse Auction Co.’s London Collection is a prestigious sale of top-level jumping horses and future stars, which takes place during the Show at 18:00 on Saturday 20 December in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena.
One of the 2025 auction’s highlights will be the London Collection’s inaugural 148cm lot; the highly sought-after Rouet Rouge. This exceptional pony, currently billed as one of the key rides in Europe, took the Pony Foxhunter Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships under Ella Spencer in August, as well as runner-up placings in the CSIP 1.35m Grand Prix at Bolesworth, and the National 148cm Championship at the British Showjumping National Championships.
Much is thought of Orville VD Watermolen, a 2019 bay stallion by Equus Tame out of the Breen Equestrian stable, who Shane Breen describes as, ‘Very good to ride, he has outstanding balance and canter, and is very energetic. He’s been very consistent all year and continues to prove himself careful, scopey, and really fun. He’s got a great future in amongst a top string of horses for a top rider.’
Connections are also excited about the latest crop of Billy Stud horses — famed for their quality — five of which will appear in the auction line-up. These include stars like the promising gelding Billy Pronto, who has been topping the leaderboard of several young horse classes over the Summer, and the “scopey, adjustable” Billy Hellman – who impressed at a recent 1.30m Championship at Hickstead. However, connections are particularly excited by the “straightforward, sporty” mare Billy Outspoken – an 8-year-old performing consistently well in the 1.40m tracks across the 2025 season, who promises the full package, and for whom a Grand Prix career is beckoning.
Not only drawing on the Billy and Breen stables, but exceptional lots this year have also been sourced by the selection team, highlighting the strength of British & Irish breeding and producing. These include Zamira Blue, winning consistently at 1.30m, Rial’s Varinjo, equal first in the CSIYH1* at Oliva Nova, and BE Golden Air who took the victory in 5-year-old qualifier at The British Young Horse Championships at Hickstead.
These horses are tipped to follow in the footsteps of some of the other Brilliance Horse Auction Alumni. Those coming through the Breen family have included Konrad Obolensky – currently jumping at CSI5* under Trevor Breen, Geniale Star Kervec who won the 3* Grand Prix in Doha earlier this year with Duatre Seabra, and Ballyshan B F Superhero – the only horse to win the Irish Breeders Classic back-to-back as both a five- and six-year-old. The Billy Stud horses are also in exceptionally high demand, with Brilliance Horse Auction Alumni including the phenomenal Billy Etna, the silver medallist in the Belgian Championships for Young Riders 2024, Billy Fern who is currently being campaigned at CSI5* by David Simpson, and Billy Fu who is winning at CSI4* under Thomas Whitaker.
Hospitality Tables are now on sale for the Auction, which include a champagne and canape reception from 5pm, followed by a mezze platter. A waiter will be on hand to serve drinks throughout, and the auction is preceded by a short programme of Christmas entertainment. Tables are £300 for six guests, and are available here.
Alongside the Auction itself on Saturday night, visitors to the Show can enjoy The Brilliance Horse Auction Masterclass on Thursday 18 December, and The Auction Showcase featuring 5* riders on Friday 19 December, prior to the Saturday Auction.
William Funnell commented: “We are thrilled to welcome The Brilliance Horse Auction Co.’s London Collection back to the London International Horse Show. With an exceptional line-up that features top-level jumping horses and one of Europe’s most exciting ponies, this year promises to build on last year’s fantastic atmosphere in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena. The calibre of horses ensures another unforgettable auction for buyers both from the UK and overseas.”
Jonathan Goold, Event Director of London International Horse Show, said: “The Brilliance Horse Auction Co.’s Collection is a highlight of the Show, providing a chance for our audience to get up close to these stars of the future. The quality of horses available this year looks to make for a vintage year, and we are delighted to host this event at the home of the British leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™.”
For more information on the Brilliance Horse Auction Co.’s Collection please click here and to purchase your tickets to the London International Horse Show 2025, including VIP tickets for the Brilliance Horse Auction Co.’s Collection please click here.
