Jim Barry relies on maternal lines: “That's where quality begins”

Britain's Jim Barry of Sovereign Equestrian purchased the top-of-the-line foal at the exclusive Prinsjesdag Foal Auction during CSI Houten in August: Coco Chanel van 't Meulenhof (by Cavalier Russe Z), descended from a strong dam line. "We've already purchased many good, healthy, and high-quality foals at Prinsjesdag," says Barry, who also has a long-term vision for Coco Chanel.

Barry has been a regular customer for years Foal Auction PrinsjesdagThe first horses he acquired as foals are now competing in top-level sport, and several stallions have already earned breeding licenses. It's no coincidence that Barry keeps returning. "We now have a very good track record. Over the past six or seven years, we've purchased several good and healthy foals. The committee selects the right foals from strong dam lines."

Motherline is decisive
For Coco Chanel van 't Meulenhof, the damline was also decisive. "Her pedigree is fantastic. It's well known that sires are of good quality, but you also need a strong damline. Coco Chanel's is exemplary. It's a unique opportunity to have a foal from such a damline." Coco Chanel van 't Meulenhof is a granddaughter of the very well-known mare Carthina Z, the dam of, among others, Emerald van 't Ruytershof. Barry often chooses colts, several of which have already successfully completed the process of obtaining approval. This time, however, he chose a filly, also with a view to possible breeding later.

Investing in the long term
The long-term vision is always paramount for Barry. "We don't buy foals to sell them as four- or five-year-olds. We have them for sport and breeding long-term. The foals stay in the Netherlands until they are three years old, and then we bring most of them to England for further training and competition." The Sovereign Equestrian team, which also includes Barry's daughter Nicola and son-in-law Chris, further trains the horses; this is where the hard work and dedication begin. Several top riders from mainland Europe also play a role, all with the goal of developing a program to guide young talent towards elite sport.

Quality may cost something
Barry isn't afraid to invest in quality foals. "Horses must have Grand Prix potential. When I buy a foal at the Prinsjesdag auction, I know it's been thoroughly examined and that it's the right choice in terms of conformation, damline, and quality." Those investments are already starting to pay off. Moreover, Barry has built a strong relationship with selectors Willem van Hoof and Bob Janssens, who advise him on which foals are best suited to his program. Besides the fact that Barry himself has a keen eye for quality, he also has a keen eye for quality.

Last edition of 2025
On Tuesday, September 16th, traditionally on Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day), the final edition of the Prinsjesdag Foal Auction 2025 will take place at the National Equestrian Centre in Ermelo. The collection is entirely dedicated to show jumping horse breeding: 41 carefully selected show jumping foals comprise the auction collection.

Collection