Recreational Holidays

The Equestrian Industry Is Alive And Kicking

Sales in the equestrian industry have been picking up of late despite the recession. On a recent trip to the Tattersalls Ireland August National Hunt sale things seem to be a little busier than usual. On further investigation it appeared that trade had picked up and was matching the levels of 2 years ago. The Hunt sale started sluggishly on Tuesday but picked up significantly in the afternoon. The best individuals were being traded in the afternoon so people were probably holding on for them. The afternoon managed to bring in the first 6 figure sale recorded at the Hunt sale for many years.

The catalogue was slightly larger than normal with turnover doubling to 1.5 million from 2009 figure. Another promising sign was the average price paid which was up by almost two thirds to 6000. However with prices been considerably lower than previous years, the market was still tough for many vendors, but the signs are there that there may be confidence returning to the market.

At the end of the sale 2 sales figures in excess 100,000 were recorded. This was exceptional. One of the horses was sold for the sum of 120,000. This was a 4 year hold, Old Vic gelding.The second 6 figure sum handed over was for 110,000 and was paid for the son of a top class sire called ‘Presenting’. That horse was origianlly purchased as a foal for 50,000. Plenty of sales were made for 5 figure sums and this is probably the clearest indication of a return of confidence to the equestrian industry.

As per usual, it was the best looking and most athletic looking horses that stole the show and were sold for large money. The market was not very interested in the lower end of the horse market and many less desirable horses were left unsold. The Hunt Sale was blessed with many of the top trainers from Ireland and the UK. No doubt that it was the 100,000 Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper that played a part in attracting them here.

All in all I was surprisingly encouraged with what I say and I would imagine I was not the only one, we all know that the industry has been on its knees now since 2008 with 2009 been one of the hardest years in the industry’s history. So going forward, I hope, as all do involved in the industry that figures at sales like this can continue and even improve in the near future and that Ireland can still continue to be the leader in the bloodstock industry.

If you want to buy or sell horses then visit equineworld.ie and place an advert. We sell a wide range of equestrian equipment including horse trailers