Brecon Auction December 8th 2007...

Over 100 lots passed through Brecon market last Saturday, despite the
dreadful weather.
The entries were made up, mainly by section A colts and fillies although
there were some nice heavy cobs and some section D youngsters. A few aged
mares with foals at foot went through the ring, fetching quite a good
price, hopefully they will be okay.
  Sadly the small colts were not fetching such good money, so were sent
through the ring in batches of up to eight at a time. One batch of eight
went for twenty four guineas, for the lot. At this 'pocket money ' price
their future looks bleak.
  Chris Jones ( auctioneer) stopped the sale several times to remove people
from the exit. Unfortunately the same people kept drifting back in, until a
member of staff was positioned at the exit. This worked well, making it 
clearer for horses's and ponies leaving the ring.
In general, the market was fine.
The problem is the age old, ongoing, indiscriminate breeding 
So many pathetic, worthless little colts left yesterdays sale with a one way
ticket to.... who knows where.
Is it really worth the very costly fuel to bring them to market?
Surely, quality not quantity is the answer and better in the long run for the bred, the sellers,
the buyers and of course the individual ponies themselves.