| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
nn
Gold Member
England
659 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 1:27:31 PM
|
Question
Were have all the foal buyers gone?
We have advertised a premium filly PB foal on here, no calls.
Horse and hound, no calls.
Horse quest,no calls.
Any ideas?
Nicky
|
       |
|
Report to moderator
|
|
|
egzotyka
Gold Member
England
1427 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 1:31:09 PM
|
I am afraid to say i dont think its just foals, i think it is just horses in general, the market is very slow at the mo, we just need to sit tight, things will pick up again.
People do seem to be buying older horses, i guess this saves on the costs of feeding a youngster and the cost of its training - only an idea! I hvae been trying to sell a 2 year old all year with very little almost no reponse.
Things will get better but will just take time. 
|
   
*I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here
*When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with
it. |
Report to Moderator  |
|
|
kathleen
Platinum Member
England
1835 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 1:32:47 PM
|
I know what you mean I have talked to people that normally have no problems re homing foals. But I think just every think at the moment its hard to commit to a new horse when things look so bleak at the moment
I hope you do find the right home for your lovely girl
|
http://www.jollyfryer.com/ Great British Fish & Chips
susan.oliver70@ntlworld.com
    
|
Edited by - kathleen on 15 Nov 2010 1:35:49 PM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 1:50:08 PM
|
I think the market is just bad for selling anything at the moment and no one should feel it's a reflection on their horse.
Although prices are so low at the moment one wonders if it's worth breeding at all? I'm horrified to hear that some studs are still breeding 8 or 10 foals for next year! Heaven help those babies.
Hate to sound so gloomy but I think next year will be even worse as all the cuts start to have an effect on peoples lives:(( |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
weirton
Gold Member
873 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 2:28:42 PM
|
I know several people with foals that are not selling, and not because they aren't good, but I haven't bred anything for three years now and really need another foal to carry on with when my filly reaches riding age as her old companion will probably not be around for much longer. I'm worried I won't have long enough, being capable, myself to see another one through to maturity if I don't hurry up and get on with it.
I don't want to buy one in as I don't get the same pleasure from that although I feel I shouldn't add to the numbers. What a problem it is to always do the right thing!
Jean |
       |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 3:18:38 PM
|
you are right Sue ,people are giving away good horses! , so who is going to buy foals that have to be kept for three years before any work
is expected of them!
I very rarely sell foals , preferring to run them on myself until the right home comes along, but of course not everyone can afford to do this, hence dont breed unless you are prepared to run on or keep.
breeding 10 foals in a year is just downright irresponsible in this climate  |
   
www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
justine
Gold Member
England
641 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 3:37:29 PM
|
For the first time in 12 yrs my mares are empty. I feel really sad about this.
I have a colt advertised on here and not one call. This colt cost far more to breed than his price.
I would normally gift a foal if its not up to my standards but this colt is quality and I will simply run him on.
Horses are expensive, its not just the purchase, its all the never ending costs. In this financial climate people are not prepared to risk anything. A horse is a momthly mortgage payment for some!
Im waiting to see what happens now in the arabian horse world. It has been a millionaires playground for a long time now. Ecaho is going through big changes, hopefully for the best!
My long time friend Mr Ferdinand Huemer (ex ecaho president) predicted this future, he was correct!
|
jbassindale |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Jingo
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3632 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 4:03:35 PM
|
| We have also left our mares empty and we are more than prepared to hang on to our babies until the right caring home comes along. Let's hope those that have had foals this year and expecting them next will have the heart to do the same. |
Jude
www.auchmillanarabians.org.uk
      
photos:Anthony Reynolds,Sweet,Deano,Real Time Imaging |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 4:04:51 PM
|
I think we ALL predicted this future Justine , it is a FINITE market, not an infinite one I also have no foals due next year.
There are very few people in the scheme of things who have the funds to own horses and keep them . and the saying is always so true , fools breed horses for wise men to buy
|
www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Vera
Membership Moderator
United Kingdom
8652 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 4:13:36 PM
|
I read that the Dartmoor Hill Pony foals are fetching £2.50 at the sales. Very sadly speaks for itself.
|
    
Hampshire |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
sab2
Platinum Member
8467 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 5:23:21 PM
|
| Nicky its not just horses my oh sells cars and they are very slow at the min, it seems everything is quite at present. I have had a really good response to the ad i placed for a swap, the home for my mare is the most important thing and i will only let her go if i think she will be happy. My yearling is a Trakehner and has been on HorseDeals and so far only people asking how much i will take, not the right home for my girl at all, i am prepared to keep her as for as long as it takes to find the right home for her, even if that takes years.Hopefully things will eventually pick up. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
templars
Platinum Member
England
1852 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 5:41:51 PM
|
I'm probably going to make myself very unpopular with this response so I'll duck before I say it
We're one of the teams who are happy to buy foals/youngsters and invest the time and effort and bring them on for our own use. Like some others, we're lucky we have the space to keep all ours, and we have foals due next year that are definitely not for sale - they're planned pedigree crosses for Evie to event.
The crunch for us comes to the fact that older horses are selling for rock bottom prices at the moment and when we look at the price of a foal and it's as much, if not more, than a made horse, we have to be sensible. We've been offered top (and I mean TOP) performance horses for less than the price of some of the foals that I would love to consider.
As a breeder, I've never sold a foal (in fact I've never sold a horse) - that's because like many on here, I just know I'd never settle and be permanently worried. And I'd want a decent price for any foal I sold (I know how much it costs to get a foal to weaning). I believe I breed quality horses and I'd want a price to reflect that. But some producers and breeders are off loading their well bred horses and foals for a fraction of the price. I know of one stunning foal that is being sold for less than 20% of the stud fee, and that doesn't take into account the cost of raising it to weaning.
Sadly with the current economic climate, it just doesn't make sense to pay a lot for a well bred foal when equally well bred foals are selling for literally hundreds of pounds and a proven performance horse can be bought for a couple of thousand pounds.
There are some magnificent foals around at the moment (and I'd put Nicky's at the top of the list  ) but there is a massive price differential and sadly it's a buyer's market.
|
   www.eviepeel.com    |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
BeckyBoodle
Gold Member
Australia
795 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 5:54:02 PM
|
I am not in the market to buy any horses, although I would dearly love to if I had the money or time, and if I could win round the OH. It took me 17 years to get him to say yes to Eba. She was a yearling when I got her, but would I do the same again? I don't know. Every year is a year older - for me that is.
My observation to an extent echoes the above post in that, I typically assumed that foals would be chearper, a made youngish horse would have a premium to reflect the effort that had gone into it and often the wardrobe that they might come with as well as your ability to bring it on, and then that prices would tail off the older they get.
At the moment there is no differential in price, and as such, unless I really wanted a foal to bring on, why would I buy a foal when I could buy a horse that I could ride. There is a huge gamble with a foal. Will it ride in the way I want? will it do the activities I would like it to do? Will it grow big enough? Will it injure itself on the way? Am I good enough as an average rider to take on a foal? Can I find the right environment for it to grow up in?
I wish all the lovely foals on the sales pages great homes - I can only dream.
B
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
sab2
Platinum Member
8467 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 6:01:47 PM
|
| Templars you are right in what you are saying, are these expensive foals selling though i doubt it. I can understand the breeders wanting the high price but sadly at the moment things are not selling and they will either have to keep them or drop the price. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
rosie
Platinum Member
England
3662 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 7:57:33 PM
|
I've seen a foal I'd love to buy, but I don't want more than 3 horses so can't get another until we've sold our part-bred :(
Rosie had been with me since she was 6 months old, shes now rising 21, and any future foal we buy, I plan it to be my next 'forever' horse for when (if) Rosie goes into retirement.
Rosie and Bertie are with us forever.
I prefer to buy youngsters, as you can then bring them on how you want and not having to correct someone elses 'problems'. |
     
Last picture courtesy of Sweet Photography |
Edited by - rosie on 15 Nov 2010 7:59:42 PM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Zenitha
Gold Member
England
1078 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 8:26:53 PM
|
I think as someone has already pointed out on here, EVERYTHING is slow at the moment 
I have a foal advertised on here - I won't drop his price (because he's worth every penny) and I won't part with him unless its to a wonderful home. If he doesn't sell, I'm looking forward to having fun showing him next year, and he will find a new home when the right one comes along Until then, I'm happy to enjoy him myself
This year I bred 4 foals, 2 I'm keeping. I'm in no rush to part with the other two, would only let them go to the right homes,and am fully prepared to keep them if those homes don't come along - I brought them into the world, so I am responsible for them for their whole lives ! Next year we are only expecting two foals, purely because we wanted to make sure we COULD keep everybody if we needed to.
I think perhaps the real issue is indiscriminate breeding, where people breed just because they can, without caring too much about quality  |
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
nn
Gold Member
England
659 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 8:55:19 PM
|
Amy as most of you know does dressage.The price that some parents are prepared to pay for ponies and horses is ridiculous.
We have friends who wont entertain a British bred horse but will go out to Germany and pay top whack.
As a British breeder i find that really hard to believe.
Ten years ago we could sell a foal for "topwack" at weaning.
I am lucky that the one foal i bred this year was sold before it was born. But "Lady Arabella" is empty for next year. In some ways i am very disappointed, in others i think i am grateful for the fact that i don't have to worry will or wont it be sold. |
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
honey
Platinum Member
N. Ireland
2634 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 10:19:48 PM
|
| have to agree its def a buyers market. I think anyone breeding just for the sake is being sensless. Yes we need foals in to replace the older horses, cause if no foals are born there will be a gap in the future market. But people aren't willing, or able to pay top whack for foals no more. I have been advertising my friends 2 yo all year to no avail, just people asking if shes broke to ride and suitable for novices. Luckily hes in a position he can keep her til she finds a good home. anyone breeding should really not be expecting to find the rehoming easy cause its really not a good time for breeders or anyone selling anything at the min, and things are just gonna get worse before it gets better. |
    
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
debs
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 10:38:35 PM
|
Sad there are so many lovely horses for sale. Hope they all find lovely homes or at least they can stay put indefinitely.
Seen your boy Jane.....oooh he is lovely!Keep taking a peek!!!
Originally posted by ZenithaI think as someone has already pointed out on here, EVERYTHING is slow at the moment I have a foal advertised on here - I won't drop his price (because he's worth every penny) and I won't part with him unless its to a wonderful home. If he doesn't sell, I'm looking forward to having fun showing him next year, and he will find a new home when the right one comes along Until then, I'm happy to enjoy him myself This year I bred 4 foals, 2 I'm keeping. I'm in no rush to part with the other two, would only let them go to the right homes,and am fully prepared to keep them if those homes don't come along - I brought them into the world, so I am responsible for them for their whole lives ! Next year we are only expecting two foals, purely because we wanted to make sure we COULD keep everybody if we needed to. I think perhaps the real issue is indiscriminate breeding, where people breed just because they can, without caring too much about quality |
    |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
doug ault
Platinum Member
Wales
1688 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2010 : 07:21:51 AM
|
| Wait until winter realy kicks in and last years poor harvest starts to tell on feed prices and hay,already our local merchant is charging : rolled oats £251 per ton,rolled barley £249 per ton. flaked maize £358 per ton. flaked peas £442 per ton. sugar beet pellets ( a waste product) £194 per ton. a large round bale of hay £90 down south.small £12. to keep any horse this winter you will need deep pockets , so taking on extra mouths to feed needs a lot of cash. Before winter is out people will be trying to give foals away, have seen several horses offered on Freecycle already.. |
   DOUG.
http://www.silversun-enterprises.webs.com |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2010 : 10:12:32 AM
|
Indiscriminate breeders do still exist sadly, they just breed as many foals as they can to get that one special one to show just so they can say 'look what we bred'
What happens to the others who don't come up to scratch? A £1,000 each or worse sold in a local market.
A real breeder to me is one who breeds maybe one or two foals and both are good enough to go on and do well in any sphere.
I think the high price for foals has always been so maybe due to the potential still not realised. A lot of people like a foal as they can imprint their ways onto it, have the glory if it wins and almost feel like the breeder.
Someone once said to me you don't buy an adult dog, you all want to buy the puppy.
I feel very sad to say this but being the breeder has in a way lost it's kudos, it's all about the owner nowadays.
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
templars
Platinum Member
England
1852 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2010 : 12:59:22 PM
|
Doug - I think you're right, things are only going to get worse. We know of someone who has their eye on a particular foal whose price has already dropped by over £1,000 - this person is openly saying that by February they should get the foal for a give away price because by then it's a yearling, won't have sold and will already be labelled as a non seller and so will be worth less. It's a gamble, but one this person is prepared to take. When I asked why they didn't just buy the foal and make sure they had it, their answer was that if they miss out on this one, there'll always be an idiot breeding more next year.
It's so sad.
And Nicky, I agree with you about British bred horses. You and others are breeding superb horses but some people just think foreign = better. How wrong. Sadly, the trend amongst performance horses is for riders who are dealing in horses to go to the continent, bring in a group of youngsters and put massive price tags on them. We know of one rider who is buying 2 or 3 at a time for less than a £1,000 having someone else back them when they arrive, putting a couple of weeks schooling in and then selling on for £20,000. This person has a high turn over but I don't know if they actually sell for the asking price. Not an approach I like or one I'd join in. I know of another rider who buys unwanted British bred youngsters at auction markets very cheaply (hundreds), brings them on, gets a season under their belt and then sells for £7,000-£10,000. She has a queue of people waiting to buy.
I think it's like SueB says, it's about image and ownership these days and the true breeder who blends and mixes with the art, skill and knowledge of years of experience is all too sadly undervalued. |
www.eviepeel.com |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Kristi Belle
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2010 : 2:42:14 PM
|
we also have had two colt foals advertised on here, and everywhere else, both beautiful friendly boys, and a couple of years back we would have easily sold them for £2500-3000 as it is now they are advertised for £900! and all i have had is two utter time wasters, phoning i think because they had an empty half hour and fancied a chat! Its definatly a buyers market, someone will be getting a real bargain, maybe thier own little rosette machine like nabil lol! 
we also have nothing in foal for next year and wont be breeding for the forseable future.
Have to say in credit to paula and this site i am normally flooded with genuine 'buyers' and have never needed to advertise anywhere else, this is the first year i have really struggled. |
www.freewebs.com/etherealstud
     |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
sasha
Gold Member
United Kingdom
518 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2010 : 4:39:20 PM
|
If you think arab foals are for sale very cheap, I have just seen on another site.. Welsh section D colts foals.. fully registered for £150...( details of pedigree on the website).. needless to say in Wales!!
This is absolutely hearbraking!!!! |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
arabesque
Silver Member
339 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2010 : 11:08:52 PM
|
Sasha,
"Welsh section D colts foals.. fully registered for £150...( details of pedigree on the website).. needless to say in Wales!!"
I have to ask why you say this? There are problems with overbreeding in all breeds, and throughout the UK and beyond! There are also many responsible breeders and owners in Wales who are concerned about the situation. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
sasha
Gold Member
United Kingdom
518 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2010 : 1:03:49 PM
|
No I don't mean that because they are in Wales they are not responsible,I only meant that the Welsh Cob breed is more commonly found in Wales, but I guess it didn't come out like that and I am not slagging any breeders off, they must be finding it extremely hard to sell foals, if they are advertising them at that price fully registered. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Topic |
|
is no one buying foals?
