zoeshiloh
Well-Known Member
A very close friend has approached me about helping to organise a showcase of foals and youngstock at her yard in Suffolk (between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury).
She has several foals, yearlings and two-year olds, and I have spoken to various other friends that would also like to participate, so entries wont be so much of a problem. The thing is, would anyone want to go and watch such a thing? My friend did suggest perhaps inviting an auctioneer along as well, so that after the show, anyone wishing to sell their foals etc could put them into an auction, similar to how they operate the foal sales in the Newforest (show followed by auction). Those that do not wish to sell their foals, can just leave after the show.
My friend has top notch facilities - indoor and outdoor schools, and a newly built cafe/toilet block. Because of her connections, we could most likely secure top county judges for the showing side of things.
Now, what I need to know, is would this appeal to owners/breeders/buyers - would people looking to purchase a foal come? Would it be worth organising a vet to be on site, or stipulate that any foals forward for the auction must have a 2 stage vetting certificate? We want this to be done properly, we certainly do not want it to be an amateur affair.
What sort of time frame are we looking at organising this? Would it be better to do it in November time when most foals will be weaned? Where should we advertise? All the little details etc... Any ideas or suggestions would be very welcome.
She has several foals, yearlings and two-year olds, and I have spoken to various other friends that would also like to participate, so entries wont be so much of a problem. The thing is, would anyone want to go and watch such a thing? My friend did suggest perhaps inviting an auctioneer along as well, so that after the show, anyone wishing to sell their foals etc could put them into an auction, similar to how they operate the foal sales in the Newforest (show followed by auction). Those that do not wish to sell their foals, can just leave after the show.
My friend has top notch facilities - indoor and outdoor schools, and a newly built cafe/toilet block. Because of her connections, we could most likely secure top county judges for the showing side of things.
Now, what I need to know, is would this appeal to owners/breeders/buyers - would people looking to purchase a foal come? Would it be worth organising a vet to be on site, or stipulate that any foals forward for the auction must have a 2 stage vetting certificate? We want this to be done properly, we certainly do not want it to be an amateur affair.
What sort of time frame are we looking at organising this? Would it be better to do it in November time when most foals will be weaned? Where should we advertise? All the little details etc... Any ideas or suggestions would be very welcome.