Fourteen show jumpers seized by the U.S. Treasury Department from Venezuelan show jumper Emanuel Andrade are set to sell via online auction on Feb. 19-26. The horses were seized in conjunction with a Homeland Security investigation, along with other assets owned by Alejandro Andrade, Emanuel’s father and a former treasurer of Venezuela accused of money laundering.

The U.S. Treasury Department has subcontracted CWS Marketing Group to host the auction.

“Participants will be able to place bids from their computer or via the CWS mobile app on their phone or tablet, and the general public will be able to view the bidding online as it takes place,” stated Nancy Robbins, an advertising manager with CWS, in an email.

Prospective buyers can preview horses by appointment starting Jan. 28. To start bidding on horses interested parties will be required to submit a deposit via bank wire or a chasier’s check for $50K.

Bon Jovi is one of the 14 horses available via the auction.  Ann Glavan Photo

Since they were seized on Nov. 17, Emanuel’s horses have been stabled at the Delray Equestrian Center in Delray Beach, Florida, and their care has been under the direction of veterinarians from the Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, Florida.

“The horses have enjoyed turnout in large grassy paddocks, time on the treadmill, full care grooming, daily bathing, air drying, body clipping, daily flat work riding, and now are starting to jump at lower levels,” said Brandon Mills, the general manager of Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Village and Delray Equestrian Center. “As the weeks progress the horses will continue to jump in higher increments getting ready for live preview dates.”

Mills stated professionals from Carriage Hill Farms in Delray Beach, Florida, have been riding the horses, though he declined to name specific riders.

“Since the seizure the horses have been strictly ridden on the flat daily by a single professional rider who specializes in smooth transitions from gait to gait, flying lead changes, ground line distances to keep the horses sharp for preparation to go back to work jumping, as well as keeping the horse soft in the bridle for great response while in the show ring,” Mills said. “As we get closer to the sale we will add additional professional riders from Carriage Hill Farm who specialize in jumping. They will work together with top instructors to insure a safe and successful public preview.”

Seventeen horses were listed in an order for interlocutory sale released by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, but only 14 were actually removed from the farm and will be auctioned off: Anastasia Du Park, Boy IV, Bon Jovi, Clouwni, Cortina 186, Dipssy, Hardrock Z, Jenni’s Chance, Joli Jumper, Leonardo RGS, Quilina VD Laarseheide Z, Reus De La Nutria, Ricore Courcelle and Tupac Van De Vrombautshoeve Z.

More details on how to register as a bidder and veterinarian reports on the horses can be found at CWSMarketing.com.