In this special episode of Showjumping 101, host Sam Forrest is joined by Joanne Sloan-Allen and Sameh El Dahan from Sycamore Stables to talk about the very first Breeders United Auction, taking place 21–23 November at www.sycamore.auction.

We’re joined by some of the breeders and producers behind this exciting collection — LFS Stables, Attaché Stables, and Elamo Stables — to hear their stories, breeding philosophies, and what makes their young horses stand out. From confident, kind-natured mares to talented 4- and 5-year-olds with international potential, this episode offers a genuine insight into the people, bloodlines and values shaping the next generation of showjumpers.

🎧 Listen now and explore the full collection at www.sycamore.auction
📅 Auction runs 21–23 November 2025
📲 Follow @SycamoreStables

Summary

In this episode, Sam Forrest interviews Joanne and Sameh about the upcoming Sycamore Breeders United auction, highlighting the unique features of the auction, the diverse offerings of horses, and the importance of bloodlines and production methods. They discuss the personal touch and transparency in the sales process, as well as their future plans for the auction.

• The Sycamore Breeders United auction will run from November 21st to 23rd.
• The auction offers a unique opportunity to buy horses directly from breeders.
• There will be a mix of horses available, catering to different levels of riders.
• The auction includes an embryo for the first time, adding a unique element.
• Horses are produced with care, ensuring they are not overexposed or overworked.
• The bloodlines of the horses are carefully selected for quality and performance.
• Transparency is key, with full vetting and background information provided for each horse.
• The auction aims to connect buyers with horses that have been raised with personal attention.
• The platform will be live a few weeks before the auction, allowing for previews.
• The auction is designed to be a personal experience, with detailed histories of the horses.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Sycamore Breeders United Auction
• 02:44 Unique Features of the Auction
• 05:25 Diverse Horse Offerings and Breeding Insights
• 07:51 Highlighting Special Horses in the Auction
• 10:29 The Importance of Bloodlines and Production Methods
• 13:08 Personal Touch and Transparency in Sales
• 15:54 Future Plans and Auction Logistics

In this episode of Show Jumping 101, hosts Joanne Sloane Allen and Sameh El Dahan engage with Marcus Swail, a leading veterinarian in the equine industry, to demystify the complexities surrounding pre-purchase vettings. The conversation covers the nature of vettings as risk assessments rather than pass/fail evaluations, the importance of interpreting clinical findings and imaging, and the evolving trends in equine health assessments. The discussion emphasizes the need for buyers and sellers to manage their expectations and understand the context of veterinary findings, particularly in relation to a horse's competition history and suitability for intended use.