|
Post by Candy2 on Sept 21, 2017 14:13:41 GMT
Planning a trip to Fayre Oaks, but a little confused.
Have ordered a catalogue and downloaded the high flyers one.
Do you have to buy a dinner ticket to get into the high flyer sale or can I just walk in? I don't want a meal, just to potentially bid on a pony if it doesn't get too expensive!
Can you see the ponies before the sale starts? And can you get them run up for you etc?
I've never bid on anything before ever, in fact only ever been to 1 sale before and I think that was for dead Christmas turkeys!
Also if I did happen to make a little purchase are there transport companies there, or how would I get it back to the north. I don't want to take my lorry as its 6 hours in the car to get there as it is, and the chances of buying anything are extremely remote!!!
|
|
sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
|
Post by sarahp on Sept 21, 2017 14:32:13 GMT
No, you don't need a dinner ticket to go to the HF, the meals are eaten in the gallery overlooking the ring, the seating around it is accessible as usual.
Yes, all ponies are in numbered pens or boxes close to the sale ring to be walked round and inspected, hopefully with the owners nearby to show them off including running them up outside for you.
There are transport companies there, or maybe someone from your area would take one home for you - you could always have a ring round to see if anyone you know is going in a lorry?
I love FO and find it very accessible and easy, the ponies are sold in blocks of say all A breeding stock, then geldings and PBs or whatever, so you can have a yomp around pens looking for a bit then go and sit down to watch a block being sold, then walk off again when stuff you aren't interested in gets sold. it's in a compact area, once you've parked up that is, and the auctioneer's chat and bidding is relayed outside over the PA so you can keep up with where they've got to
|
|
|
Post by catkin on Sept 25, 2017 13:37:29 GMT
I would agree with SarahP's information, just a few personal observations. Allow plenty of time. Whilst the stock is near the sale ring and is largely sold in 'blocks' of similar stock, sometimes it can be quite difficult to have seen as much of animals you are interested in as you would like. They arrive at different times and some owners are better at standing by to run up than others. That said, they also tend to wait/parade in the grass ring outside the sale ring a little while before they are sold and that is another chance to have a look. I agree with the advice on transport. Try making contact with either transporters or people living near you before the sale, as it will make things a lot less stressful. This year, I believe the ring is going to be laid out differently and will be larger, which is good as we should be able to see the ponies move more in the actual sale ring. And, apparently the HF dinner will be in tables 'ringside'. Before you go, mark everything in your catalogue that you would like to see and walk around looking for them either discounting or confirming your interest. It helps to be organised! Also, go and get your buyers ticket by registering in the office well before the sale starts. You will see how payment etc works in the catalogue. It is a most enjoyable and educational way to buy ponies. I thoroughly recommend the trip!
|
|
|
Post by CarolineNelson on Sept 25, 2017 15:17:36 GMT
Ensure you have your own (personal) accommodation booked in advance so you arrive refreshed and have a good day to peruse ponies, following a decent (not over-costly!) nights sleep! Might be able to help you on that one.(no, I'm not local, just have experience of adequate accom. in the area).
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Sept 25, 2017 18:43:48 GMT
Even if you are not having a meal you will still be charged an entry fee, the last time I went several years ago and during the day it was £5. And be aware if you are not local, the roads to Builth are dreadful no matter where you are coming from.
|
|
|
Post by catkin on Sept 26, 2017 11:24:38 GMT
Good point on accommodation. Didn't think of that as I take the lorry. A long journey from Herts after work on Friday, but makes life easier! They charge for parking. I think £15 a night or £25 for the two night which is reimbursed if you buy. £5 for pedestrians. I have the catalogue. A lot more ridden lots than usual.
|
|
|
Post by Diadem nsi on Sept 29, 2017 14:57:12 GMT
The sale will be in Glamorgan hall this year, so no balcony, I don't bother with the meal, we have a nice tea in Neuadd Henllan, say 200 m up the main drag from the sale, open to public for tea and breakfast, very good value. Staying in Henllan too, thankfully x
|
|
|
Post by Philippa on Sept 29, 2017 18:43:44 GMT
For those who have never been to the cob sales. You’re in for a shock. It’s a very different ‘set up’ than Fayre Oaks. Just hope it doesn’t ruin it. I personally don’t like the cob sales set up.
|
|
sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
|
Post by sarahp on Sept 30, 2017 7:52:39 GMT
Some of the replies show how out of date I am after missing a couple of FOs! Philippa, I agree about the Cob Sales - I stopped going some years ago now because I couldn't cope with all the walking required if you want to see thing both in the boxes and being sold.
|
|
kareen
Junior Member
Posts: 90
|
Post by kareen on Sept 30, 2017 15:51:32 GMT
I just hope that with the rearrangements they have also improved the riding facilities (before also known as cattle ring) because at the C.S. they are pretty dreadful and not very convincing. The few times I've sat on anything at the C.S. were horrid, gras slippery at the slightest drizzle of rain and nowhere without slope to do a proper canter. Last year I brought my daughter to F.O. for the first time and she was almost ridden over in the cattle ring. Not much better and at times very crowded. Plus having stallions in hand around plus mares and foals who can act quite unruly as well along with ridden entries is quite challenging.
|
|