Hello everyone, Gary here from www.equineworld.ie , we have closely followed the sales results during 2010, having been to many of the sales promoting our site and getting the results for the ones we missed, we are going to give you a review of the sale season in 2010 and find some positives.
As expected, 2010 proved to be another roller coaster year for sport horse vendors, but looking back over the sales as a whole, there was also cause for optimism. In the wake of two very difficult years, the returns were very much improved and, discounting last years record breaking price of €150,000 for the showjumper Touchable, the top price exceeded 2009 figures across the board. Importantly, the numbers sold was remarkably more, clearly illustrating a healthy demand for the Irish competition horse.
The introduction of specialist event horse sales was a notable feature of the season, and one that contributed to a marked growth at the top end of the market. However, overall these buoyant returns were accompanied by some truly dismal figures, as prices constantly reflected the huge chasm in the trade. Despite the recession, there has been no shortage of buyers to our shores, but significantly they have been very cautious and looking for real value.
Among the stock that has given the worst returns over the last couple of years, is the youngstock, foals/yearlings, prices for these remained in line with 2009, but the continuing decline for the thourghbred and sport horse stallions was illustrated. Thoroughbreds fared worst with only a handful making in excess of €1,000, leaving breeders with a loss. Three and four year old horses, usually a reliable banker at some of the fixtures, was not much better, however, there were the few animals making in excess of €10,000, with the top price been €33,000 for the RDS future event horse winner. Older horses, proved to be the more popular throughout the year, with schoolmasters, hunters and showjumpers giving good returns, many of the top price horses were bought from Canadian buyers, while many went to our neighbors in the Uk and Europe.
All in all a tough year, but there are signs that the market may have bottomed and starting to turn a corner, for one, there are many more buyers than in 2009 and clearly more from overseas, so hopefully 2011 will bring more good results and the market can continue to grow.
