27/08/2021
π¦ Should horse prices remain the same post Covid? π¦
Horses are an investment. A huge investment regardless of the outlay at the beginning. Whether you paid Β£500 or Β£500,000 for your horse, the upkeep and maintenance, training, vet care, insurance and so much more is where the financial pressure comes from and costs are increasing each year.
Straw used to be Β£1 a bale, it is now Β£3/4
Hay used to be Β£3 a bale, now it is Β£6/7
Farriers used to be Β£40/Β£50 now they are Β£80/Β£90
Saddles used to be Β£700 now they are Β£2500
Lessons used to be Β£15 now they are Β£40
There have been massive shifts in the industry about the standard of care expected, the standard of service required, the level of training expected, the expectations of the horses potential and temperament. All of this comes at a cost to someone.
We cannot in my opinion continue to expect the increase in quality, increase in demand, increase in standard and not expect a huge increase in costs. We as an industry should support cost increase, support the breeders, producers keeping these quality horses arriving and expect to have to make an investment if we want to remain in the industry and keep this industry alive π€
Do we believe prices will come down? Yes a little but not as much as people would expect. Do we think they should come down? For the quality and fit for purpose types no. For those trying to take advantage of the market yes.
Do we believe the market will survive? Yes, but people have to continue to support it and support the industry as a whole!
We would love to hear your thoughts!