Where to sell youngstock - are they selling?? Help! (also in Breeding)

[zoeshiloh]

Due to a change in circumstances (for the better - we are purchasing some more land and custom building the yard around my horses) I need to downsize whilst the changes are going on. I have decided that I need to cut down my numbers to the bare minimum. I am not putting any of my girls in foal this year, and am aiming to just hold onto my three girls and two boys, but sell (or try to sell) everything else.

So, I have to sell my beautiful foal and yearling ASAP, but despite advertising in H&H, tack shops, local press etc, I haven't had a single call! Last year I was inundated with offers for my foals, but this year there is just nothing. I have cut the prices right down, I will be making a loss selling them, but I just want to find them the right home, where they will continue to flourish, and where I can stay in touch.

So, my questions are these;

a) Where is the best place to advertise youngstock?
b) How much should I be asking in your opinion (descriptions below)
c) Is anyone managing to sell youngstock at the moment, and how are they doing it?

My yearling is by H-Tobago, out of Ayemkay Evin Star. H-Tobago needs no intro on here I am sure. My mare "Evy" has won numerous accolades at county shows, and before that she evented (on a ticket) before injuring herself in the field and having to be retired. She was tipped for big things by an olympic rider

and was going to a big name to be competed, but of course that all fell through after the injury

The yearling has won numerous times at county level - sporthorse and hunter classes, and won a PBA class at the national foal show. She will mature about 15.2 and make a super hack type. She is already entered for suffolk and SoE in the PBA classes this year. Fully vaccinated, trimmed, leads and loads like a star. I was thinking in the region of £2500 - what do you think?

The foal is by Cameo's Reflection (owned and bred by Sue and John Rawding) and out of Evy again. Cameo's Reflection is by Dallas, and has a lot of horses out competing, doing very well in the showring, and qualifying for RIHS and HOYS year after year. This foal is a lot stockier, and more of a hunter type - very correct, and beautiful movement. The foal has already won a hunter foal class this year, and they are entered for suffolk and kent already, and maybe some more later in the year when I work out how much time I have! I was thinking of about £2000 for this foal.

Any input would be welcome - I am desperate to find these two youngsters good homes by the end of the summer, as I just can't imagine where I will find the time to give them the attention they need over winter, what with all the building work etc! I have tried H&H, but wondered whether Horsequest was any good? Anyone tried that?

 

[Bowen4Horses]

i think they are very fair prices... and beautiful little babies!

 

[MrsElle]

I would suggest that if they are not selling they are overpriced. Beautiful foalies though

 

[zoeshiloh]

[ QUOTE ]
I would suggest that if they are not selling they are overpriced. Beautiful foalies though

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmm, I have wondered this. The yearling I was offered £5000 for last year (why oh why didn't I take it!) but we decided to keep hold of her as we think she is something quite special. Sadly now she has to be sold, so I have halved the price.

Part of me thinks they are overpriced, but when you look at other things out there, some real rubbish that has never left the yard and is virtually unhandled sells for £1500 - £2000 so I just don't know where to pitch these two

I would be quite happy to keep the yearling and show all season for new owners for no keep costs. The foal will be shown all season (deposit will secure until weaning) and the "owners" given tickets to come and watch her.

 

[welshied]

I think they are very fair prices, is the person that offered you the £5000 last year not interested this year when it half the amount?

 

[Rainbowrider]

I have 4 foals for sale too, and not had any interest. Mine are PB Welsh coloured colts, so lower value.

I have seen Cameo's Reflection at shows and he is stunning. It would be a shame to sell the foal for any less, as I am sure it will be super. I would love to use Cameo's Reflection, but he is too closely related to my mare so I can't.

Good luck with the yard, it is the same reason I am cutting down. I have finished the stable yard, but still got loads to do. To be honest I wish I had cut down on horses before starting as it has been such hard work. Hopefully I will be down to 3 for this winter...... so that's 4 to sell.....

ETA: I wonder if the Rawdings might know anyone that would be interested in the foal? They might know people who are looking? Would be worth an ask x

 

[arwenplusone]

I think they are fair prices, but you may have to put 'offers welcome' (but nothing silly) and be prepared to come down in price a bit in negotiations.

I sold a beautiful yearling with a good show record last year for just under £2k and that was coming into winter & the recession.

Have you tried horsemart? I know it doesn't always attract the specialist youngstock buyers but I actually had a good response from there.

 

[competitiondiva]

Unfortunately the foal market is suffering probably more than the adult horse market during this credit crunch. I remember your post re the second foal in breeding, was it a filly or colt? Where in the country are you?

 

[zoeshiloh]

[ QUOTE ]
I think they are very fair prices, is the person that offered you the £5000 last year not interested this year when it half the amount?

[/ QUOTE ]

I did give them a call, but sadly they are now sorted

They are putting the feelers out though, so fingers crossed.

I might try horsemart - I haven't had a response from there in the past for youngstock, but I have had a good response for ridden horses, I guess it is worth a go

 

[zoeshiloh]

They are both fillies, and we are in Suffolk (East Anglia)

 

[ridebumble]

I'd try Horse Deals, friend sold a colt and filly quickly on there recently, horsemart could well work but a bit hit and miss sometimes

 

[connie1288]

Blimey, I am very encouraged by this post, i have a 3yo by Cameo's Reflection, who unfortunately wont grow big enough for me to event, he currently stands just over 14.2h as out of my 14h whp and her 1st foal.
I was only going to advertise him at £2000, does this mean i am way out in my pricing??

 

[zoeshiloh]

Marymoo - depends on what he has done I guess - has he been shown in hand at all? Also the breeding and show record of his dam. If he is destined to stay small I doubt he will fetch as much as a bigger horse.

I know for a fact that CR foals last year out of locally shown 16hh TB mares were making around £3500 (and actually selling).