Alec Swan
Well-Known Member
This is following on from previous threads. I would say from the outset and to date, that I have no vested interests in such an event.
There will be lessons to be learned from the 2010 Expo. That cannot be in question. There are those who have suggested that there is a future offering, standing in the wings.
Many years ago I learned how to view any intended plan with the basic tenet that if it fails, then can I live with failure?
From a business viewpoint, and I can't see a better approach, those concerned should consider the likely market, and the likely costs.
At the 2010 Expo and so I'm told, there were 423 tickets sold. If we consider that these tickets were sold to an audience which collectively owned, perhaps 300 mares, then that simply isn't enough potential mares to warrant such a show. There will be those owners who wouldn't, or didn't turn up, on principle. That I accept.
We are all accepting of the fact that there is a definite need for such a show, but there are many factors to consider.
A/ The venue, and the costs. As an example, I 'phoned a County show ground to enquire as to the likely costs of an equine event, which with 2 days of set up, 2 days of the show itself, and then a day to clear up, and what would be the likely costs. Are you ready for this? It was £20k! If those who are to produce such an event, were to set their sights a little lower, and there were enough loose boxes for 100 stallions, then where would such a venue be found?
B/ Assuming that there were 1000 mare owners who attended, then there would be the need for a venue which would have adequate facilities to cope with such numbers.
C/ That the bodies, within the UK, who regulate our sport seem to be either unwilling, or unable to promote such an event, and accepting without question, their stand point, then does it make you wonder if there is a real appetite, within the UK, for such an event?
D/ The vaulted and in my view valuable, Breeders Guide raised many valid points, regarding British Breeding. If we ignore those points, then we will continue as we are, and we will retain what we have. Assuming that we aren't prepared to continue with the status quo, then it is up to us to change it.
It would be my dearest, and current wish, that this post will receive a strong response, and one, whereby those who are planning to produce the 2011 National Stallion Show, will listen to your thoughts. I accept that my thoughts have been of a negative nature, and though this is genuinely not my intention, the question has to be asked, "That without National support, will it actually happen?"
I would hope that those who feel inclined to respond will do so in such a way that we can deal with the future, rather than the past.
If this thread receives 1000 hits, without any response, then we'll know the answer, wont we?!!
I would be particularly interested to hear of your collective thoughts.
Alec.
There will be lessons to be learned from the 2010 Expo. That cannot be in question. There are those who have suggested that there is a future offering, standing in the wings.
Many years ago I learned how to view any intended plan with the basic tenet that if it fails, then can I live with failure?
From a business viewpoint, and I can't see a better approach, those concerned should consider the likely market, and the likely costs.
At the 2010 Expo and so I'm told, there were 423 tickets sold. If we consider that these tickets were sold to an audience which collectively owned, perhaps 300 mares, then that simply isn't enough potential mares to warrant such a show. There will be those owners who wouldn't, or didn't turn up, on principle. That I accept.
We are all accepting of the fact that there is a definite need for such a show, but there are many factors to consider.
A/ The venue, and the costs. As an example, I 'phoned a County show ground to enquire as to the likely costs of an equine event, which with 2 days of set up, 2 days of the show itself, and then a day to clear up, and what would be the likely costs. Are you ready for this? It was £20k! If those who are to produce such an event, were to set their sights a little lower, and there were enough loose boxes for 100 stallions, then where would such a venue be found?
B/ Assuming that there were 1000 mare owners who attended, then there would be the need for a venue which would have adequate facilities to cope with such numbers.
C/ That the bodies, within the UK, who regulate our sport seem to be either unwilling, or unable to promote such an event, and accepting without question, their stand point, then does it make you wonder if there is a real appetite, within the UK, for such an event?
D/ The vaulted and in my view valuable, Breeders Guide raised many valid points, regarding British Breeding. If we ignore those points, then we will continue as we are, and we will retain what we have. Assuming that we aren't prepared to continue with the status quo, then it is up to us to change it.
It would be my dearest, and current wish, that this post will receive a strong response, and one, whereby those who are planning to produce the 2011 National Stallion Show, will listen to your thoughts. I accept that my thoughts have been of a negative nature, and though this is genuinely not my intention, the question has to be asked, "That without National support, will it actually happen?"
I would hope that those who feel inclined to respond will do so in such a way that we can deal with the future, rather than the past.
If this thread receives 1000 hits, without any response, then we'll know the answer, wont we?!!
I would be particularly interested to hear of your collective thoughts.
Alec.
