Stargate auction?

[indyblue]

It was mentioned in another thread that Stargates horses are coming up for auction.Does anyone know where there is any information about the horses offered for sale?Ive googled with no luck.Im also trying to find a video of Bergamon and trying to find out what level dressage he is trained to and whether or not he has competed.Thanks for your help.

[Helicon]

Here is a link to the website about the auction. The sale is November 21st. I don't think they have a catalog yet. http://www.professionalauction.com/09stargate.htm

Bergamon was in the USDF symposium a few years back. Ernst Hoyos worked him in hand and thought he had a tremendous gift for piaffe. I suggest contacting Roslyn at Stargate for more information about the stallion's training and show record.

[Sonesta]

Here is a short video clip of Bergamon.

http://www.horse-flirt.de/video/mov1367.m1v

He is a wonderful stallion.

[LD1129]

Bergamon will be auctioned off I guess :confused::confused: Ahhhh If I only had the $$. I am not a breeder I would just pet him and feed him treats :lol::lol:

[myhorsehannah]

Stargate brought some horses to the Professional Auc Service Summer Sporthorse Sale in Lexington, VA. I went to spectate not really expecting anything to go in my price range. Some very nice broodmares in foal to Stargate stallions went for under $5. If I had gone prepared I would have bought one of them for sure. I have been sorry about the missed opportunity ever since. I would expect to find some bargains at the sale in November. Alas, too far for me to go...

[not again]

Is this a separate auction?

http://phelpsmediagroup.com/viewarticle.php?id=4581

[yaya]

Those look like two different auctions held in two different places in Texas.

Too bad, it might split the market if people can't go to both on the same day.

[3horsemom]

Stargate brought some horses to the Professional Auc Service Summer Sporthorse Sale in Lexington, VA. I went to spectate not really expecting anything to go in my price range. Some very nice broodmares in foal to Stargate stallions went for under $5. If I had gone prepared I would have bought one of them for sure. I have been sorry about the missed opportunity ever since. I would expect to find some bargains at the sale in November. Alas, too far for me to go...

under 5000.00 for mares in foal. wow.
who owned stargate?

[Forte]

Can anyone tell me how far Stargate is from Austin TX? I'll be in Austin next week, am wondering if it's worth it to go have a look at their horses and then bid over the phone during the auction. I am looking for a good broodmare.

[Zevida]

Can anyone tell me how far Stargate is from Austin TX? I'll be in Austin next week, am wondering if it's worth it to go have a look at their horses and then bid over the phone during the auction. I am looking for a good broodmare.

That will be close to a 4 hour drive. Stargate is on the north side of Dallas.

[3horsemom]

i think it would be a 3.5 or 4 hr drive depending on traffic.

[littleum]

You're looking at about 4 solid hours Austin to Dallas. (Used to live in Austin, now live in Dallas)

It's an easy 4 though- just get on 35 and set the cruise button.

[Sonesta]

I do plan to go up for the auction. If there is something in particular you are interested in, I would be willing to act as agent to place bids for you. Contact me privately.

[cyriz's mom]

The other auction mentioned is in Weatherford at October Hill on the same day. This is actually an excellent opportunity for buyers...as the Stargate auction is being held in the morning and is limited to 40 horses and the Candy Store auction starts at 2 pm and is open to 100 horses. The two facilities (two of the nicest in Texas) are approximately one hour apart. So, the opportunity to see 140 top notch horses in one day. Not something that happens in this country very often!

[dressurpferd01]

The Candy Store Auction will likely be a better venue for finding nicer horses. They're setting it up very much like a big German auction in Verden. Booze, VIP tables, etc. Can't wait to see the horses in it.

[Zevida]

So, is anyone else going? My friend and I are going to attend to see Stargate one more time and we've never been to a sport horse auction before. They moved the time so it is not starting until 6pm. We are window shoppers not buyers, so planning to arrive 4:30-5:00pm? I have no idea what to expect, how it will be set-up, etc., etc. Any tips? I'm very excited! Got the book in the mail on Monday and will definitely be picking out my "in case I win the lottery Friday" horses!

[SGray]

I do plan to go up for the auction. If there is something in particular you are interested in, I would be willing to act as agent to place bids for you. Contact me privately.

if you're going anyway, just go ahead and buy Bergamon Rebecca

[Sonesta]

if you're going anyway, just go ahead and buy Bergamon Rebecca

I've actually been considering it, but I really don't want to get back into standing stallions. I just hope he goes to a good home where they'll market him and not let him just sort of disappear.

But if you guys want to get a consortium together to buy him, we can do that and then stand him with Kathy St. Martin!

[YankeeLawyer]

But if you guys want to get a consortium together to buy him, we can do that and then stand him with Kathy St. Martin!

Actually, that is a cool idea. I wouldn't mind producing another Bugatti!

[SGray]

anyone asked what the reserve price is?

[Sonesta]

THis is a no reserve, absolute auction. That's why I worry about Bergamon.

[Oakstable]

No reserve. Not good.

[dressurpferd01]

I'm sure they'll PO him if the price is absolute crap.

I'm pretty concerned about the Candy Store auction after what happened with the auction in NM. I'm afraid the market hasn't recovered enough for auctions to be successful for sellers yet.

[SGray]

• Entry Fee: $750
• COMMISSION 10% of the Selling Price OR $500, whichever is greater
• Buy Back Fee - $500

There shall be an Upset Price of $1,000 on any entry offered If an opening bid of the upset price is not received the entry shall be led out as unsold and all No Sale Fees will be due.

[Sonesta]

There is no PO. They MUST sell at the highest price over $1000.

[Equibrit]

under 5000.00 for mares in foal. wow.
who owned stargate?

Emily Lindsay (sp) (family owns Michael's craft stores etc..)

[Sonesta]

Remember: Stargate has sold to someone with cutting horses. Stargate's owners are now just plain gettting rid of their horses before the new owners take over.

[SGray]

maybe you should bring me home hip#7 as I'm very partial to grey mares

[Sonesta]

maybe you should bring me home hip#7 as I'm very partial to grey mares

I'll be happy to do so if you give me authority to bid on your behalf.

[inca]

Edited because I did get the catalog to download and see that Belicia is 16.1h, which is perfect. Of course, I REALLY don't need another horse and can't make it up to the auction. Sonesta, are you taking a trailer?

[Sonesta]

If someone wants me to bid on something, I'll take my trailer and bring the horse(s) home to Houston and keep here for you til you can get them. PM me or email me to discuss further.

[ASBnTX]

I like the gray mare too. I might attend just as a spectator. I'm curious to see what they go for...I'm making hubby pick up a lotto ticket today :)

[butlerfamilyzoo]

That Pik's Dharma filly is REALLY calling my name. Wish i had the extra funds.

I do think there will be some good deals there for the younger horses, beings candystore is earlier in the day and people might be broke by stargate's start time. IF they wont overlap and you cant make it to both. If that is the case, i think it's really going to hurt Stargate beings candystore has many more numbers to choose from.

Wish i still lived in TX, it would be neat to go watch anyway. I know lots of window shoppers going, but dont know any serious buyers going with money to spend.

[SGray]

Sonesta - you have an email

[Sarabeth]

I'm in love with Bergasohn. A third horse is a little much as I'm boarding right now, no horse property yet. What timing! :(

[inca]

Sonesta, I e-mailed you also.

[cinthia]

Is anyone planning to go to do any previewing? I would love to get more information on a couple of the youngsters.....but I'm not sure I want to pay anyone to go look.

[dressurpferd01]

First of all, the Candy Store auction is later in the day than Stargate, just to clear that up. Second, I've heard some not so great things about the horses in the Stargate auction. The Candy Store auction has some really incredible horses in it, tons of beautiful jumpers as well as a handful of some really spectacular dressage horses. Several youngsters that someone will get a hell of a deal on.

Also, evidently Bergamon has a metal plate in his ankle and is done as a riding horse. He's also nearly past breeding age, so I doubt he's going to go for much money at all.

[dressedup]

I just received a supplemental disclosure from the auction company of "additional disclosures for a few of the horses selling tomorrow
as well as the order of sale."

Here are the disclosures:

Bergamon
Stargate Sport Horses will retain frozen semen on Bergamon. It is not for resale - for Stargate use only. Buyer agrees to sign any and all paperwork required for registration of any foals resulting from use of frozen semen.
Buyers are obligated for any rebreeds from 2009. Estimate: 1
Lameness on RH. Diagnostic blocks isolated to pastern w/ Degenerative Joint Disease (arthritis) on radiographs. Surgery performed 09/08 - successful arthrodesis (fusion) of pastern joint. 11/08/06: Radiographs front feet: within normal limits. Left & right stifle - within normal limits. Left hock - small spur (osteophyte) with mild arthritis in tarsometatarsal (lower hock joint). Right hock - moderate arthritis in distal intertarsal joint (center hock joint).
Nassau
Buyers are obligated for any rebreeds from 2009. Estimate: 2
Last exam 12/15/08 successful treatment for left hind suspensory desmitis.
Radiographs 06/26/07 - left hock - mild spur with mild arthritis in tarsametatarsal (lower hock joint). Right hock - arthritis in distal intertarsal joint (center hock joint). Stifles Left & Right - no significant findings.
Bergasohn
Bilateral hind limb lameness. Diagnostic blocking isolated to proximal suspensories bilaterally. Successful surgical faciotomy / neurectomy performed 05/09 - back to athletic soundness.
Radiographs 05/06/08 - left hock - 2/4 osteophyte (spur) with moderate arthritis in
tarsametatarsal (lower hock joint). Right hock - 2/4 spur with moderate arthritis in lower hock joint. OCD trochlear ridge.
Negasi SG
Left fore 3/5 lameness 1/18/08. Abscess isolated.
Radiographs - LF fetlock OCD roughening dorsally mild arthritis. Left hock - OCD involving trochlear ridge and distal intermediate ridge of tibia. Right hock - OCD distal intermediate ridge of tibia. Left Stifle - type III OCD cyst medial femoral condyle. Right stifle - type II OCD cyst medial condyle, medial trochlear ridge with fragments.
Basha SG
Grade 2/5 lame on right hind 07/16/09. Diagnostic blocking isolated lameness to hock. Radiographs left hock - 1/4 osteophyte with mild DJD in TMT joint. Right hock - 2/4 osteophyte with no apparent DJD in TMT joint. Stifle radiographs - WNL.
Natiki SG
Radiographs - left and right stifles - trochlear ridge OCD - mild flattening medial femoral condyle. Left and right hock: OCD distal intermediate ridge of tibia bilaterally. Left hind fetlock: OCD / fragment off extensor process of proximal P-1.
Baruch SG
Arthritic changes in right front foot. Odd shaped right front hoof.

[Miss Dior]

This is quite representative of their breeding program. Poor Bergamon indeed...tough life there no matter how fancy. And there is absolutely reserves. The owner is neither stupid nor broke !!!

[dressurpferd01]

This representative of a very poorly planned breeding program. To have that many horses with such significant findings is abhorrent. Multiple horses with OCD, both stallions lame, is inexcusable.

You're right, the owner isn't stupid or broke, they merely don't care about their horses. They simply want them gone.

I feel bad for their horses, but they are a product of a substandard breeding program and a piss poor management regimen.

ETA: Page 3 is mine...

[Miss Dior]

Yes. But in this case the very trusting owner is only indirectly responsible really. She relied solely on the judgements of others who were NOT qualified to make the selections ,having little to non existent knowledge of what appropriate choices really were.

[MaximumChrome]

This representative of a very poorly planned breeding program. To have that many horses with such significant findings is abhorrent. Multiple horses with OCD, both stallions lame, is inexcusable.

You're right, the owner isn't stupid or broke, they merely don't care about their horses. They simply want them gone.

I feel bad for their horses, but they are a product of a substandard breeding program and a piss poor management regimen.

ETA: Page 3 is mine...

What exactly causes OCD - isn't an issue of feeding, not breeding? Or do you include feeding as part of the breeding program? I don't see the bloodlines as an OCD issue at all. And, just wondering, is it really all that many horses that they produced with OCD, or have they sold the majority of the horses, and the few that remain are those that have issues, or are older broodmares? In reality, most sport horse breeders will run into an ocassional OCD case - if their horses are xrayed prior to sale, and if they are selling anything other than weanlings.

A friend is attending the auction with intent to buy (suspecting good bargains on nice bloodlines)..

[YankeeLawyer]

What exactly causes OCD - isn't an issue of feeding, not breeding? Or do you include feeding as part of the breeding program? I don't see the bloodlines as an OCD issue at all. And, just wondering, is it really all that many horses that they produced with OCD, or have they sold the majority of the horses, and the few that remain are those that have issues, or are older broodmares? In reality, most sport horse breeders will run into an ocassional OCD case - if their horses are xrayed prior to sale, and if they are selling anything other than weanlings.

A friend is attending the auction with intent to buy (suspecting good bargains on nice bloodlines)..

There are a number of factors that can cause OCDs. Genetics are thought to be a component but I believe the current research indicates that environmental factors - exercise and nutrition - and growth intensity (which is influenced by exercise and nutrition) are the most significant causes. I personally consider it to be a management issue more than anything. As you pointed out, the ones in the sale may represent only a fraction of the numbers actually producred in that program, and it is conceivable that the others did not have issues. .

Below is a link to a very informative article on OCDs

http://www.hanoverian.org/ahs_media/downloads/articles/OCD.pdf

OCDs frequently can be remedied with a simple surgery. There have been threads here recently reporting quotes of between $1500 and $3000 to remove a chip, I believe. Depending on the size and location of the lesion, sometimes it is better to leave them alone if they are not otherwise causing soundness issues. OCDs are often not a big deal, but I would consult with a vet when considering buying a horse with the condition.

[3horsemom]

Emily Lindsay (sp) (family owns Michael's craft stores etc..)

i have scribed on more than one occasion for a young woman from stargate named emily. would that be her?

[Zevida]

First of all, the Candy Store auction is later in the day than Stargate, just to clear that up.

The Stargate auction is at 6pm tonight - hard to get much later than that! Originally it was scheduled for the morning, but they moved it. I don't know when the Candy Store auction is, but I had thought mid-day today.

[MaximumChrome]

the current research indicates that environmental factors - exercise and nutrition - and growth intensity (which is influenced by exercise and nutrition) are the most significant causes.

That was my own understanding, which is why I questioned based on the posting about poor breeding results in OCD. It didn't quite square up with what I thought I knew. A couple of breeder friends have kept me up to date on these kind of health issues - so was wondering if their information wasn't correct.

[NJRider]

i have scribed on more than one occasion for a young woman from stargate named emily. would that be her?

Emilee Reed was a trainer there at one time.

[horsegalriding]

Just heard Bergamon went for $48,000. to a local trainer. Nassau still on the auction block at about 65,000.

[Kyzteke]

Just heard Bergamon went for $48,000. to a local trainer. Nassau still on the auction block at about 65,000.

Are you joking? $48K for a stallion who is not rideable AND past the age to breed?

Or is that last part just rumor? I just checked his age and he will be 16 next year, so he certainly shouldn't be past breeding age. However, considering most WB stallions only get a handful of breedings each year, and you can breed to Bugatti HT for $1800 (early booking), then I doubt they'd get more than that for each of his breedins. So he would have to sell 26 full price breedings just to pay for his purchase price...doesn't seem like a very good investment to me...

I think the sellers got a very good price for him, especially since they get to keep all his frozen...and maybe the economy isn't in the dumper after all if they are paying those kinds of prices....

[S A McKee]

Are you joking? $48K for a stallion who is not rideable AND past the age to breed?

Or is that last part just rumor?

.

He's 15. Many older stallions who are breeding.

If you thought the part about 'past the age to breed' might have been rumor why are you repeating that ?

[Scaramouch]

I've been watching the live feed and Bergamon sold for $47K .... he was ridden during bidding and looked fine? Nassau went for $10K.

[Kyzteke]

He's 15. Many older stallions who are breeding.

If you thought the part about 'past the age to breed' might have been rumor why are you repeating that ?

He was foaled in 1994, so will be 16 in 2010 for his next breeding year.

And the "rumor" was already on this thread if you'd read it all...

Also the disclosure about his lameness and the fact SG is keeping all his frozen.

[YankeeLawyer]

Also the disclosure about his lameness and the fact SG is keeping all his frozen.

Is Stargate keeping *all* of his frozen or just some frozen for their personal use? I thought the disclosure was a little vague on that point.

[cyriz's mom]

Page Peters (sp?) bought Bergamon for 47k. They represented during the auction spiel that he was back in work and ready to go back into full training and show again. Uh, yea.

Emilee Reed, who used to be the trainer at Stargate and took Nassau to his only show (in 2007), bought him for 10k.

According to my tally, the Stargate horses brought about 110K altogether.

some of the consigned horses did better. Pik Dharma went for 12,200, Caymen for 30,000 and Heineken for 40,000.


Anyone know know how the Candy Store auction went?

[YankeeLawyer]

Anyone know know how the Candy Store auction went?

Someone reported that one of the stallions, a grey (I think his name is Concho) went for 150K, and that several horses went at prices in the mid 30s, but a number of the horses were no-saled.


http://www.octoberhill.com/candystoresporthorses/collection4.html

[Kate66]

Just looked at the Stargate sales listing. Apart from Bergamon and Nassau, the rest went pretty cheap.

[Touchstone Farm]

Having a Bergamon, I'd say that was a bargain -- especially if you had a mare herd of 8-10 mares (assuming they'd "match" with Bergamon). Compared to paying for breeding to outside stallions, you could "conceivably" (pun intended) have Bergamon pay for himself in a few years, not counting the outside mares (which average about 5 mares per U.S. stallion...something low like that, from what I remember).

And, he looked sound, but not having talked to a vet or attended the auction. Still, glad to see he was purchased for a decent sum and presumably headed for a good home.

Anyone who posted here buy anything? Sonesta -- did you buy or deliver any from people posting on the thread? My online video "froze" right after Nassau, so I never saw the last third of the auction...just a static picture of the indoor arena. The online buyer for Piks Dharma was determined to bring her home! Fun to watch the action on that one. I was surprised to see Nassau go for so little, but nice to see his previous rider/trainer picked him up. I hated seeing some of the horses go for under $2,000. I hope they went to good homes.

[YankeeLawyer]

Just looked at the Stargate sales listing. Apart from Bergamon and Nassau, the rest went pretty cheap.

Caymen was 40K; another horse went for 30K. Several were 8-12,500. Considering that they disclosed that a number had OCDs, and even some of those brought 5 or 6k, I think the prices were pretty good. In my experience, it is very hard to sell foals at the US auctions, so it is not surprising that some of those brought low prices.

[Zevida]

Is there a listing online showing who bought the horses?

I have no experience judging sport horse prospects but I was pretty surprised at the prices. I thought the Nassau filly who went for $1800 early on was a nicer than some of the ones who went for a lot more. All in all I'm really glad I went - very interesting to watch! I really liked Nassau and was surprised at the price he went for. I could tell he meant a lot to Emilee so great for her to have got him.

[YankeeLawyer]

Is there a listing online showing who bought the horses?

I have no experience judging sport horse prospects but I was pretty surprised at the prices. I thought the Nassau filly who went for $1800 early on was a nicer than some of the ones who went for a lot more. All in all I'm really glad I went - very interesting to watch! I really liked Nassau and was surprised at the price he went for. I could tell he meant a lot to Emilee so great for her to have got him.

But did you read the disclosures? A number of the horses had multiple OCDs. Was the filly one of those? Also, unstarted babies tend not to fare that well at these auctions.

[Kyzteke]

Is Stargate keeping *all* of his frozen or just some frozen for their personal use? I thought the disclosure was a little vague on that point.

It was vague, so your guess is as good as mine.

I read it as SG is keeping all the frozen that has been collected during their ownership of the stallion, but you're the lawyer :yes:!

And I certainly didn't think B. was a "steal," all things considered. If the buyer has 4-6 mares of his own that "fit" him, AND can market those foals for decent prices + sell 4-6 outside breedings per year, then he can pay back his investment in 2 years, assuming they are good years, with no major vet bills, etc.

But I certainly don't think he got a screaming bargain....

I just hope they treat him right...I hate to see the "Grand Old Men" being treated badly.

[3horsemom]

Emilee Reed was a trainer there at one time.

yes. thank you. happy to hear that she was able to buy one of her projects. she is a very nice person and i always enjoyed working with her.

[Zevida]

But did you read the disclosures? A number of the horses had multiple OCDs. Was the filly one of those? Also, unstarted babies tend not to fare that well at these auctions.

Yes, I had the disclosures with me. I was surprised the horse with the neurectomy sold at all, but he went for $1k.

The filly that went for $1800 had no disclosed issues. Just seemed like quite the bargain!

[Sonesta]

Ok, Just woke up after driving straight home after the bidding ended on Nassau.

Bergamon sold to the owner of Saddlebrook Farm, a multi-milllion dollar splace almost next door to Stargate. He was at my table. I bowed out of the bidding after it became clear that he was determined to buy him. And I know he will have the absolute best of care with his new owners! They have known him since the day he was imported and adore him. Great news for Bergamon!

He looked great under saddle last night. They said he'd only been back to work for 30 days. Nice extensions and working well through his hocks. Perhaps we'll see him in the show ring next year. His new young owner seems determined and capable.

Best yet: they (like me) believe this stallion has never really been given a chance to be a good boy. Since he's been in the U.S., he's had handers/riders that have been afraid of him and given him little to no turnout. His new owners intend to give him 6 months of almost fulltime, safe turnout and let him sort of "come down" like you'd do a horse off the track, and then begin the long work of gaining his trust with firm but fair handling. I think we may see a whole new Bergamon in a year.

I was happy to see Nassau go to his old rider, Emilee, who burst into tears when the hammer came down. Applause and clapping all around.

One final piece of news that I have not seen posted anywhere: Stargate's manager told me that they are not shutting down. They are just getting out of the breeding end of things. The owners have sold this property and are looking for new property in Aubrey, TX. They have leased something for the time being but will buy and build a new place soon.

Also met the new owners of Proud Meadows. LOVELY lady.

[Sonesta]

Just read other posts here, so can help add info:

The frozem semen from Bergamon that is being kept is only that already collected. It is to be used ONLY for Stargate's own horses and not sold commercially or privately. And since Stargate is now out of the breeding end, I doubt much of it will be used at all.


With the exception of Bergamon, most of those horses that brought decent prices were consigned by others besides Stargate.

[Kyzteke]

Bergamon sold to the owner of Saddlebrook Farm, a multi-milllion dollar splace almost next door to Stargate. He was at my table. I bowed out of the bidding after it became clear that he was determined to buy him. And I know he will have the absolute best of care with his new owners! They have known him since the day he was imported and adore him. Great news for Bergamon!

He looked great under saddle last night. They said he'd only been back to work for 30 days. Nice extensions and working well through his hocks. Perhaps we'll see him in the show ring next year. His new young owner seems determined and capable.

Best yet: they (like me) believe this stallion has never really been given a chance to be a good boy. Since he's been in the U.S., he's had handers/riders that have been afraid of him and given him little to no turnout. His new owners intend to give him 6 months of almost fulltime, safe turnout and let him sort of "come down" like you'd do a horse off the track, and then begin the long work of gaining his trust with firm but fair handling. I think we may see a whole new Bergamon in a year.


That is wonderful news!! Obviously the people who bought him can certainly afford him and (apparently) know horses, so what a wonderful combination! Mr B finally gets a chance to be a horse.

BTW, I may be wrong, but wasn't the owner of Stargate the wife of some TV star? Or am I confused? What is their name?

[Kyzteke]

J

The frozem semen from Bergamon that is being kept is only that already collected. It is to be used ONLY for Stargate's own horses and not sold commercially or privately. And since Stargate is now out of the breeding end, I doubt much of it will be used at all.


Well, that's just stupid.:confused:

[Sonesta]

No, the owner of Stargate is from the family that owns the Michaels Hobby Craft Stores.

[paintjumper]

But why all the lameness issues with very young stock? Management issues? I have been in the breeding business for many years so I know every now and then you have a "scratch your head moment" with a horse and where a lameness came from but not like those numbers. Kinda weird???? Any ideas?

[Sonesta]

Just my own personal opinion, but I think they just didn't make very good breeding or stock management decisions. And I think they have realized it and are now out of the breeding end.

Breeding of warmbloods is much more than just putting a well-bred stallion to a mare (well-bred or otherwise). You have to develop some knowledge about how bloodlines work with each other. And then you must manage your foals, beginning prenatally, VERY well to prevent developmental issues.

Some people gain their knowledge beforehand, some after many years of breeding and some never learn.

[KBEquine]

Always relieved to hear when a nice older stallion finds a soft place to land from an uncertain situation!

[Tamara in TN]

How long since he had been imported ??

[S A McKee]

He was foaled in 1994, so will be 16 in 2010 for his next breeding year.

And the "rumor" was already on this thread if you'd read it all...

Also the disclosure about his lameness and the fact SG is keeping all his frozen.

Glad to see that you edited your original post.

The point is why repeat a rumor? Just because you want to parrot what another poster said? [edit]

[Touchstone Farm]

Sonesta wrote: "Great news for Bergamon! He looked great under saddle last night. They said he'd only been back to work for 30 days. Nice extensions and working well through his hocks. Perhaps we'll see him in the show ring next year. His new young owner seems determined and capable. Best yet: they (like me) believe this stallion has never really been given a chance to be a good boy. Since he's been in the U.S., he's had handers/riders that have been afraid of him and given him little to no turnout."

I so agree. When I saw him at the USDF convention a few years ago, I could see a spectacular stallion but it looked to me like all the rider did was "show off" his extensions in his riding, and didn't appear to be really comfortable or confident riding him properly or correctly (IMO). Seems as if that has happened to a couple of outstanding stallions who were imported. I don't mean to sound judgmental, although I'm probably coming off that way. It's great that Bergamon (and some other stallions I'm thinking of) were brought for U.S. breeders to have access to, but perhaps getting into this caliber of stallion ownership, the owners just didn't quite know how to manage them. I'm not saying that I would, although I'd sure have given it the ole college try (had I had the pocketbook)! :-)

It sounds like the people who bought Bergamon really will do right by him. So glad. He's an outstanding stallion and deserves the best.

[DownYonder]

I believe that during most of Stargate's history, it was managed by people that came from a QH background. The Blackmons (former managers/trainers) started in QHs before getting into sport horses, and I am pretty sure the lady that was Stargate's manager after the Blackmons left was also a QH person. I imagine if they fed and kept those WB babies the way QH halter babies are fed and kept, it is no wonder they have OCD issues.

And I agree that Bergamon has probably never been able to truly get settled into an environment he can be happy in. IIRC, he was stuck in quarantine for close to nine months when he was imported. I do not remember the reason, but have heard all sorts of things from CEM infection to a broken jaw (although I do not know why the latter would prevent him from being able to leave quarantine). Then he went to hot Texas and the limited turn-out at Stargate, and the - ah - different stallion management and handling practices of the Blackmons. It is no wonder the horse got a bit sour.

I agree that he was underutilized, underappreciated, and underpromoted, and I hope he finds contentment in his new home. I - like Sonesta - feared he would end up like Feiner Stern. That was a sad ending for a grand old man and it would have been really depressing if Bergamon suffered the same fate.

[Kyzteke]

Glad to see that you edited your original post.

The point is why repeat a rumor? Just because you want to parrot what another poster said? [edit]

[edit]

No, I did NOT edit my post except to make sure I had the correct foaling date.

[edit]

[Equino]

Just saw this thread while researching information on the stallion Bergamon...

1st off-from what I heard, the managers/owners of Stargate were cutting horse people, NOT halter, vastly different management practices there.

2nd of all...I hear Bergaman has passed away last night due to complications following colic surgery. Very sorry to hear this and condolences to all involved.

http://www.saddlebrookcenter.com/page/Bergamon.aspx

[Joanne]

Equino: That is very sad news.

You should post this over in the sport horse breeding forum also.

[Velvet]

I see the words "Stargate Auction" and my first thought is someone is talking about something non-horse related. Like the Stargate TV show auctions that are happening each week on eBay.

My bad! Well, maybe it's good. Being a bit geeky can help balance out the horse obsession. ;)

[Equino]

Equino: That is very sad news.

You should post this over in the sport horse breeding forum also.

Will do.