This unsoundness issue seems to have only been revealed at the same time as the announcement of the sale. CH has gone out of his way in the past to make assurances that the horse isn’t unsound. So what’s the real story? Until there is confirmation from a vet who has treated the horse or even a detailed explanation from CH himself, I’m loathe to believe the horse is unsound. After all he has been out and about competing at the highest levels very recently, yet the claims are that he has had an issue for a number of years so begs the question why he was in work at all? If the claims are that now he is only fit to retire? And also what sort of retirement does CH have in mind for the horse? Will he still be stood at stud which means he is still generating a stream of revenue thus has a value of sorts and isn’t exactly a pasture ornament? I have a feeling that if the ruling was made in favour of the owner and not the bankruptcy administrator, we would hear no mention of injury or unsoundness and the horse would be out competing as before. He is 15, that’s not old for a GP horse, plenty of horses are much older and are out there competing successfully with careful management.
Obviously the situation is very sad for CH – or potentially very sad – but it’s been coming for a while.
I’m a little surprised they went with Wilsons for the auction rather than Christies or Sothebys or Bonhams, but who knows what the terms are (and I honestly don’t know if any of those firms auction horses.) But if Wilsons attracts a good selection of luxury goods, it’s a win for them.
(I’ve been to a high-end car auction, and it is truly another world.)
[QUOTE=belgianWBLuver;8639952]
The page has been set up - However I am checking (for my own purposes) to see if the $$ will really go to that cause!!
https://www.gofundme.com/2p4ga4xu[/QUOTE]
They are soliciting 50,000, and the fund is from somone in Wisconsin.
It’s a nice gesture, but I doubt 50k (if they can raise that) in fan donations will really be the deciding factor in whether Carl can retain possession of the horse.
[QUOTE=Windermere;8641696]
It’s a nice gesture, but I doubt 50k (if they can raise that) in fan donations will really be the deciding factor in whether Carl can retain possession of the horse.[/QUOTE]
I would expect him to start at 100 x that amount, and more
Carl Hester has posted that he will NOT be accepting any funds raised and for people not to donate to any fund set up as it will not be going towards Uthopia.
The exact post for those not on Facebook:
‘Totally overwhelmed by all the support and love for Uthopia. Please don’t set up funds or donate, I’m incredibly grateful but I won’t accept it or endorse it. We are confident of a positive outcome. X’
If Hester thinks the horse will be fine then the horse will be fine. It’s a whole lot of drama over nothing. It sucks that the horse got roped in to the bankruptcy proceedings but he’s not in any danger and if Hester himself thinks the horse will be fine, then the horse will be fine.
I’d be more concerned about someone taking advantage of an internet storm of unjustified horror and milking money out of people.
https://www.facebook.com/www.carlhester.co.uk
I would just like to say how amazing it is that so many people have been in support for helping us keep Uthopia, the enthusiasm of the equestrian community is incredible! We have hopefully arranged enough money through owners to keep Uthopia’s future secure. So at this time, although everyone’s generosity is hugely appreciated, I would like to ask that all Go Fund Me and other fundraising pages are put on hold, please do not donate. I will keep everyone updated on any progress, but your support, kind words and love for Uti have truly amazed me.
Have to say these knee jerk gofundme pages are a bit scary because ANYONE including scammers can set one up for a good cause and no one can be sure where the money goes. I don’t support them unless I am sure of where the money goes (almost never)
Good news about Uthopia.
[QUOTE=Crockpot;8642600]
Have to say these knee jerk gofundme pages are a bit scary because ANYONE including scammers can set one up for a good cause and no one can be sure where the money goes. I don’t support them unless I am sure of where the money goes (almost never)
Good news about Uthopia.
http://www.dressage-international.com/?p=38001[/QUOTE]
And sometimes more than a bit embarrassing for the person that the gofundme page is set up for. Do people really think that CH is a poor person?
I know of a guy in my town whose fishing boat was destroyed in a fire. Someone in town set up a gofundme page for him without consulting him. He was absolutely mortified (it was his livelihood, so I assume there was insurance.)
[QUOTE=Equibrit;8642565]
https://www.facebook.com/www.carlhester.co.uk
I would just like to say how amazing it is that so many people have been in support for helping us keep Uthopia, the enthusiasm of the equestrian community is incredible! We have hopefully arranged enough money through owners to keep Uthopia’s future secure. So at this time, although everyone’s generosity is hugely appreciated, I would like to ask that all Go Fund Me and other fundraising pages are put on hold, please do not donate. I will keep everyone updated on any progress, but your support, kind words and love for Uti have truly amazed me.[/QUOTE]
Such a class act 
Lots of support for keeping Uthopia with Carl, but would it be so bad if someone like Hilltop,DG Bar, or Iron Spring bought him to stand in the US?
isn’t this over> hes staying with Carl?
[QUOTE=Bogey2;8643344]
isn’t this over> hes staying with Carl?[/QUOTE]
“Uthopia will be sold at Wilsons Auctions on May 27.”
He has been withdrawn from the auction?
Is this connected with the same ownership/bankruptcy problem that surrounded Uthopia in 2012, after the Olympics?
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/hester-and-uthopia-take-final-competition-ride-olympia
[QUOTE=Joanne;8643356]
“Uthopia will be sold at Wilsons Auctions on May 27.”
He has been withdrawn from the auction?[/QUOTE]
He will not be withdrawn. It is a legal requirement that the trustees in a bankruptcy have to sell assets at public auction, to the highest bidder. Proceeds are distributed to creditors.
[QUOTE=Equibrit;8643592]
He will not be withdrawn. It is a legal requirement that the trustees in a bankruptcy have to sell assets at public auction, to the highest bidder. Proceeds are distributed to creditors.[/QUOTE]
I know that. I was trying to get Bogey2 to elaborate or think more on the statement of
[QUOTE=Joanne;8643607]
I know that. I was trying to get Bogey2 to elaborate or think more on the statement of[/QUOTE]
Mmmmm - clear as mud !
