The yard has been very busy over the last month. All the Natinal Hunt store hores have been loose schooled and are now in work. We hope to run a couple of them early on but our policy is to run them when they tell us they are ready. I don't like to force young horses.
Doncaster yearling sales start on Tuesday and I hope to get asked to break a few in. I am sure vendors will be going there to sell and will be very realistic about reserves etc.I feel that everyone is still very nervous. I enjoy the yearling sales as its a great chance to catch up with friends and see some stars of the future.
My main concern presently is the sprialling cost of raw materials. Straw has gone up to between £21.00 & £25.00 / bale, at the end of last season I had to pay £30.00 / bale for 12 bales. I am told that a local dealer is selling haylage currently at £55.00 / bale. If we have another hard winter it will be frightening what these dealers will be charging. However, I recall a local garage charging ridiculous prices when we experienced the petrol shortage. That garage has now gone bust!!!!! People don't like being robbed! Due to wheat prices feed has gone up £20.00 a tonne. I have been very nervous about passing these price increases on but sadly I have to. and have increased my prices for pre-training and breaking. Its the last thing I wanted to do but the business just can't carry them.
My leg is now in good order and I am riding out at least 4 quiet lots each morning.
