0:00:03 > 0:00:05Farming is a risky business.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08350, 380...
0:00:08 > 0:00:11And when it's time to make money, the stakes are high.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Thainstone Mart, one of Europe's biggest livestock markets.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Sheep, cattle and machinery,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25auctioned to the highest bidder, day in, day out.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Farmers spend months getting ready for their big sales day.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37With livelihoods on the line, their animals have to look just right.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42This is the thing that puts the food on the table. Of course I'm nervous.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Fortunes can be made and dreams can be dashed...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49..all in the blink of an eye.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's just another day at work.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Welcome to The Mart.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02It's autumn at Thainstone. And in today's programme...
0:01:04 > 0:01:06..Colin visits two rival farmers
0:01:06 > 0:01:08desperate to outdo each other on sales day.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13The only reason I'm in the mule thing is to beat Chris, like.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16The pressure is on trainee auctioneer Rory
0:01:16 > 0:01:18when his brother comes to watch him in the box.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21It could be worse, it could be my gran.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24And on Shetland pony day,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27a seller worries his favourites won't go to a good home.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31This is the last hour I own them. This is sad.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Can Colin come to the rescue?
0:01:40 > 0:01:43First thing in the morning, and the Mart comes to life.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Lambs about to be sold are sorted into pens.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50Senior auctioneer John Angus
0:01:50 > 0:01:54and his trainee Rory Livesey do their homework before a big sale.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58And Colin Slessor is on the road.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00He's been an auctioneer over 20 years
0:02:00 > 0:02:02and knows all about the competition
0:02:02 > 0:02:04between farmers buying and selling at the Mart.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Well, there's certainly rivalries between farmers.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11You know, they're always trying to get
0:02:11 > 0:02:14a better price than their neighbour.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Friendly rivalries in most cases.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18But sometimes it's pretty serious.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Colin's destination is a farm near Inverurie.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28There, 63-year-old Chris Milligan and his neighbour David Cowie
0:02:28 > 0:02:29are comparing notes
0:02:29 > 0:02:33before the upcoming crossbred mule sale at the Mart.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37I'm just looking for a good strong head, a nice bit of colour,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39and a good sized lamb.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42You know, everybody is looking for that.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47David has been Chris's protege since he was just nine
0:02:47 > 0:02:51and has now built up a flock of his own crossbred mules.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54He's looked after me with the sheep and stuff.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56He's been good help and stuff and I help him.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59It works good, we work good as a team kind of thing.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Don't get me wrong, we have bad days.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03But so does every couple.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08David will also be selling his mules at the big sale
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and wants to do better than his mentor Chris.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17The only reason I'm in the mule thing is to beat Chris, like.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Hello, Chris, how are you doing?
0:03:20 > 0:03:22When Chris and David's sheep go under the hammer,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25it'll be down to Colin to get them high bids.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Not easy with lamb prices 10% down on last year.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- What do you think these lambs'll make?- The million-dollar question.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- I know.- What did you get last year, about 130?- 132 last year.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42That quality of lamb is now making about 120 quid.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44You'd hope they'd make that.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- Aye. Yeah.- Hoping, achieving - it's two different things.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49Two very different things.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52And pray the auctioneer does a half decent job.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- That's right, I know. - That's the problem, eh?
0:03:55 > 0:03:57'Best of friends and neighbours,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01'but a bit of competition in there as well. Regardless of'
0:04:01 > 0:04:03who gets the top price between the two of them,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07you know, they'll always just shake each other's hand
0:04:07 > 0:04:09and a bit of banter, but they'll still be there
0:04:09 > 0:04:11and they'll be friends, that's for sure.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Back at the Thainstone,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19trainee auctioneer Rory is studying the weights and ages of the cattle.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22He might be asked to sell some this afternoon.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Could be an easy sale, could be a difficult sale.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27There's a lot of cattle to sell, the pressure is on,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30but I'm going to enjoy it as well.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Just have to start them at the right value and you'll be fine.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37Recently, when he was in the box, Rory had to seriously backtrack
0:04:37 > 0:04:39because he started an auction too high.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42670 bid. At 670 bid. At 670.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45550 bid, then. 550. 550 bid.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47If he does get a chance today,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Rory wants to avoid making mistakes like that
0:04:50 > 0:04:52in front of his mentor John...
0:04:52 > 0:04:54That's good heifers.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56..and a special guest.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Yeah, my brother is coming up today,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01so it'll be good to see him, I've not seen him for a while.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04He'll be watching John sell and maybe watching me sell as well
0:05:04 > 0:05:06if I get a shot today.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Are you feeling more relaxed now when you're in the box?
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Yeah, after the first couple of lots, I calm down.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15If you know you've got your...
0:05:15 > 0:05:18The first two lots are always the most difficult lots.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20After that, you relax.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23I've got great confidence in you, Rory, so let's go forth.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Customers travel to Thainstone from far and wide.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39And up in the Shetland Islands, Norwegian farmer Bjorn Larsson
0:05:39 > 0:05:41and his partner Thor
0:05:41 > 0:05:44are preparing 11 of their 100 ponies
0:05:44 > 0:05:47for the Mart's annual Shetland pony show and sale.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50If only they get a good home, that's important.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Yeah, that's what we are most worried for,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56that they will not go to good homes.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Bjorn and Thor moved to the islands from Norway four years ago.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06It's Mammy speaking. This mare we had since she was a foal.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09So, of course...
0:06:09 > 0:06:14I breaked her in myself and trained her myself and all that.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16It's five years a friend, for five years...
0:06:16 > 0:06:19It's leaving us. I hate that.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22But if you are going to breed more ponies, then something has to go.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28For us, this is a very new situation to go to an auction.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30There are no auctions in Norway,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33you are not allowed to sell livestock to just anyone.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35This is a very new situation for us.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38Come on.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47One of Bjorn's competitors in the upcoming Shetland pony show and sale
0:06:47 > 0:06:49is Harry Slee from Aberdeenshire.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53This is my passion, my hobby, it's been my father's hobby,
0:06:53 > 0:06:58his passion, my grandfather, and my great grandfather before him.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59It's what I enjoy doing.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Other people maybe go to football, play golf,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I enjoy showing the Shetland ponies.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09But yesterday, the Slee family suffered a terrible blow.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13One of their best ponies died from grass sickness,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15the disease every horse owner dreads.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Ponies are like children to us, every one...
0:07:20 > 0:07:22when you lose, leaves a scar.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25We're there when they're born, we're there when they're gone,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28you just have to deal with it, and if you get too attached,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31this job will bring you down, this job will kill you.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Grass sickness attacks the digestive system,
0:07:36 > 0:07:41and Harry's asked local vet Hamish Hunter to examine his other ponies.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- Afternoon, Hamish.- Good to see you.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47This is Vetise. If you could maybe have a quick look over
0:07:47 > 0:07:49and check over, see if everything's OK.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53A wee listen to the heart and the bowel movements.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58This is always the worst bit, you're never sure what you'll find.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Good, fine.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Vetise gets the all-clear.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08But one of Harry's other fillies, Wells Fashion,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10is showing worrying signs.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14I think there's still a lot of high activity in these intestines,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17so we just need to watch that the bowel motions are settling down.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Unfortunately, as you probably know
0:08:19 > 0:08:22you can't diagnose grass sickness in a live animal.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25A pony dying also has a financial impact.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31They can be worth over £3,000. All Harry can do is wait and hope.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Back at the Mart, Rory has just found out he will get a chance
0:08:40 > 0:08:44in the auction box today in front of his brother Ian.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Having my brother here can be a bit nerve-racking,
0:08:47 > 0:08:49me selling when he's there as well.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52But it could be worse, it could be my gran!
0:08:57 > 0:08:59You're welcome to it.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03OK, I move on to Brian Buchan...
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Rory is so nervous he forgets to push the button to open the gate.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Cracking black heifers. Put them in.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14That's cracking black heifers, put them in. 900...
0:09:14 > 0:09:16But soon, he hits his stride.
0:09:16 > 0:09:1860, 70, 80, 90.
0:09:18 > 0:09:211,000. 10. 1,010.
0:09:21 > 0:09:231,010.
0:09:23 > 0:09:251,010. At 1,010.
0:09:25 > 0:09:271,010. 1,010.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Simpkin Craig.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Ian works on the family farm in the Borders.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34He's certainly picked up the accent.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38You can hear the north-east Doric twang coming through now and again,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41which is unsurprising when you live in this part of the world.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43He seems clear enough,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45and he's getting faster compared to the last time I heard him
0:09:45 > 0:09:48on the rostrum, so I should probably give him some credit.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Yeah, he seems to be doing all right.
0:09:50 > 0:09:531,060. 1,060.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54Same buyer.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59Rory has successfully pulled in the bids, getting higher prices
0:09:59 > 0:10:03than more experienced auctioneers achieved at the previous sale.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06It's actually stronger trade than last week. Well done.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09I would say it's a stronger trade than last week. Very good.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Very good.- Cheers. I enjoyed that today.- You enjoyed it?
0:10:13 > 0:10:16It's even better if you enjoyed it, that's what it is,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18you have to enjoy it. OK, thank you.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21'In my view, the cattle's sharper today.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23'Rory didn't sell last week, so maybe'
0:10:23 > 0:10:27it was Rory's skills that kept the trade a wee bit sharper this week.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29I've just been here a year and a half,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32but I'm feeling like I'm getting to know people a bit better
0:10:32 > 0:10:35and being able to have a bit of a laugh with some of the farmers
0:10:35 > 0:10:37and get on with them, I think that's important.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39We've to look after our young guys, cos we need them
0:10:39 > 0:10:42because we'll have to have a future of auctioneers coming up.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Good auctioneers are hard to find.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Well done.- A good day, I'm happy with the trade today.- Not bad.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- There were a lot of good cattle in today.- That's right, aye, yeah.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Well done, anyway.- What are you up to now?- Go and get a beer.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Aye, let's go and get a beer.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08A new day, and it's an important one for friendly rivals David and Chris.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13The Thainstone ewe lamb show and sale starts in two hours.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Two for your first pen, Dave.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20And David is worried his mules don't look their best.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25The lambs are looking wet, it's been two days of wet weather,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29so hopefully everybody else's will be wet and looking small as well.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Hoo! Hoo-hoo! Hoo-hoo!
0:11:31 > 0:11:34'I never slept much last night.'
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Nervous time of year, trying to get money in,
0:11:37 > 0:11:38keep the banker happy and so on.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44Each lamb's ear tag needs to be recorded and reported to the Mart.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Before the sale, there'll be a show with a prize for the best lambs.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54And the apprentice is determined to beat his master.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Aye, it'll be close, like, close.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Chris has got a good pen as well.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03It'll be fine if I beat him.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Yeah, could have an edge, David could just have an edge,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08but we'll see. You never know. See what the judge thinks.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13With the lambs loaded, the scene is set for a sheep shoot-out.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23But David and Chris aren't the only rivals in town.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Tomorrow, it's the Shetland pony show,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30and Bjorn hopes his ponies will beat the opposition.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33They are about to be unloaded at Aberdeen harbour
0:12:33 > 0:12:35after a 12-hour journey from Lerwick.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40It'll be good to get them out of there and get them to the Mart
0:12:40 > 0:12:42and groom them and wash them.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Bjorn's favourite stallion Pom-Pom is one of the smallest ponies.
0:12:48 > 0:12:5011 ponies thrown in together.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53It's like in the schoolyard,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56you might be bullied in a schoolyard,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00and I'm afraid Pom-Pom is one of the bullied ones
0:13:00 > 0:13:04because he's the smallest and he's shy, he's sad.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07And...I hate that.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13This is Pom-Pom. Hi, Pom-Pom.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18They're like... They're like sheep, you know.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21They've no idea what's happening to them.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Pom-Pom doesn't seem to have any injuries from the journey.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- They're looking well. - Yeah, they're looking good.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- And they are not scared or unhappy. - No, they've travelled well.- Yeah.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Next stop, the Mart.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42I can't wait to see who buys them.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45I'll probably have a chat with the owner
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and I will tell them how to treat them good.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Bye, see you at Thainstone!
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Watch your backs, watch your backs.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01In the Mart sheep pens, the ewe lamb show is about to start.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06David, Chris and eight other entrants are all hoping the judge,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09experienced sheep farmer Graham Smith,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11gives their lambs first prize.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14They'll be looking for length, skin and colour.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Good strong mothering types, like.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20I hope he finds a few in that pen and I hope a ticket comes,
0:14:20 > 0:14:21that's what I hope.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25We'll soon find out in the next ten minutes.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30There's some good sheep, David's are standing up well.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Ah, the rivalry's building now.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Graham has made his decision.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50We'll do it in reverse order, as they say.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Third went to Messers Barclay from Harestone.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57APPLAUSE
0:14:57 > 0:15:02Second went to Messers Cowie. David, where are you?
0:15:07 > 0:15:08The first prize award goes to
0:15:08 > 0:15:13Mr Chris Millican from Newton of Haslewells. Chris Millican!
0:15:13 > 0:15:16There's a champion ticket there as well. Well done, Chris.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- Thanks, Billy.- Well done to you.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22You can shake hands, you can do what you like. Smile for the camera!
0:15:22 > 0:15:23It's good to see him do well.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26He's put a lot of time into the sheep and a lot of effort.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30For a man his age, he's powering on. No, it's fine. It's fine.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33First blood to the veteran. But the most important contest,
0:15:33 > 0:15:38who gets the higher bids in the sale, is still to come.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42We'll see what they make now in the ring, that's the main thing.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46We'll try and beat him on the price today, we'll see! We'll see...
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Bjorn's ponies have arrived and are settling in.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Morning, how you doing? - I'm fine, thank you.- I'm Colin.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Colin's children, Rachel and Robbie, have come to see them.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Dad, I really like this one. - This one here?- Yeah.- It's a beauty.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Could we please get her?- Well, we'll wait and see! We'll wait and see.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08It always depends what they make. I don't know.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- You can ride Grand National on her. - Grand National? - RACHEL LAUGHS
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- They'll have to make the fences a bit lower, I think!- She's teeny.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19She's a bit like me. She's got short legs and quite a nice belly.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Say, "Please, Dad!" Cry a little bit.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Say, "I'll never be happy again if I don't get that pony." - SHE LAUGHS
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Ah, it doesn't work in Scotland, though.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- That punchline... - Tears work everywhere!
0:16:29 > 0:16:31That punchline doesn't work on Scottish fathers!
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Bjorn's rival, Harry, has brought three ponies to the Mart.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Wells Fashion has shown no more signs of grass sickness.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44But she still needs watching closely in the pens.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46PONIES WHINNY
0:16:46 > 0:16:50This is where you hope World War Three doesn't break out with the pen next door!
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Harry's son, Stewie, is on guard duty.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55They're just fighting, just deciding who's boss.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58PONIES WHINNY
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Despite being a relative newcomer to the Thainstone Shetland pony show...
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Oops!- ..last year, Bjorn beat Harry.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Hello. How are you doing?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- How are you, sir? You've had a long journey.- Yeah! I have, yeah.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Your ponies are looking well. - Thank you. She's looking great too.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Well, I had to put in a good one. Get my trophy back!- Yeah, I know.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I have it in my bag. So, you can get it from me now.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27So you can hold it for a few seconds.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I would like to wish you plenty luck, to finish second. Not first.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- Yeah? I would be very happy for that! - THEY LAUGH
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Over in the sheep ring,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- Colin has donned his white coat for the ewe lamb sale.- On we go.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Ladies and gentlemen, take a look at this now.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50David's lambs are in the ring.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54First, he wants to exceed £120 each. He needs to cover his costs...
0:17:54 > 0:17:58180... 180 bid, 180? 120...
0:17:58 > 0:18:01..and then reach a price Chris's sheep won't be able to match.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05122 bidding. 125. 125. 125.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08At 125... 128, 128...
0:18:08 > 0:18:11130.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14At 130, David, I'll sell them for you. 130, they're away.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18At 130 they go. Thank you very much.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22£130 each is the highest price so far today.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24But Chris's lambs won the show.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28If any can beat David's total, it'll be his prize-winners.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Take a look at that. That is some pen of sheep! 140, 130...
0:18:32 > 0:18:35120 then... 110...
0:18:35 > 0:18:39110. I bid 110, 110, I bid 112.
0:18:39 > 0:18:4315...18...20...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46120 bet. 120, minimum, 120... 122.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51122, 125. 125, I'm bidding with 125, I'm going to go, then...
0:18:51 > 0:18:55At 125, at 125... 128, 128.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00128, 128, 128, at 128 they go, sir.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02At 128, come on, help the man here!
0:19:02 > 0:19:07At 128, 130. 130 bid. 130.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12At 130, 130, there's only one champion pen. 130.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Thank you and they go to the judge. Mr Smith, well done, sir.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- The judge has put his money where his mouth is.- Oh, what a relief!
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Thank God.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27And David and Chris have tied for the best prices of the day.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32I'm very delighted. That will help pay for the bunker, I suppose.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34They're always chasing you.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Couldn't have had a better day, really. Thrilled.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39Absolutely fantastic.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Hopefully, this gives him the drive to keep going with farming
0:19:42 > 0:19:45because he can still do it, as he can show today.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I'll try and come to the show and sale for a few more years anyway
0:19:49 > 0:19:54and see what we can do. The rivalry will continue! But friendly.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57Cheerio.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- Harry and Bjorn's Shetland pony showdown is minutes away.- 6:20...
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Oh, sooner it's started, the better!
0:20:10 > 0:20:13This is the worst bit, waiting. Waiting, waiting for the show.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18It's a serious business.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Prizes in the show boost the reputation of a stud
0:20:21 > 0:20:24and can lead to higher bids in tomorrow's sale.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27HE CHUCKLES
0:20:27 > 0:20:31The nerves have started kicking in, now it's very close.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33HE SIGHS
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Harry has prepped Wells Fashion perfectly.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Now, it's down to the judge.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54This is the hardest bit, you know, the heart rate's going.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00TENSE MUSIC PLAYS
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Now... No. Second.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09That's, you know, it's all gone. Second.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Harry expected Wells Fashion to do better in her class.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16It's a blow to his pride and possibly her value.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Nearly but not quite.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21But soon, better news for Harry.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- One of his stallions, Discovery, wins his class.- The boy did good.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Really chuffed. You know, because if you don't win,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31it maybe puts an element of doubt in somebody's mind.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34And once they start bidding, you don't want that little
0:21:34 > 0:21:37voice in the back of the head, saying, "Oh, it was only fourth..."
0:21:37 > 0:21:42Bjorn's miniature pony, Paola, also wins her class... Woohoo!
0:21:42 > 0:21:46..and enters the prestigious Champion of Champions contest.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Oh, wow, thank you. Thank you so much.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Bjorn's pony is the star of the show. Woohoo!
0:21:55 > 0:21:58HE LAUGHS
0:21:58 > 0:22:03I hoped for it but...it actually happened, all this ten hours
0:22:03 > 0:22:06a day, all that stress, it's now over and it was worth it.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- We can celebrate now. Mm! - HE MAKES KISSING SOUND
0:22:16 > 0:22:20A new day - and the Mart's autumn sale season is drawing to a close.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23After 18 months' training,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27today's auction is an opportunity for Rory to show what he can do.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Bid 990, 990... Cracking calves there. At 990, 990...
0:22:33 > 0:22:36The ring is full of keen young farmers bidding for calves
0:22:36 > 0:22:39they'll feed up over the winter and then sell in the spring.
0:22:39 > 0:22:431,000, 40, 50. 1,050. 1,050!
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Rory hopes the youthful competition will help him
0:22:45 > 0:22:51- beat his personal best sale of £1,600.- First in its class.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54And a top calf has just entered the ring.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Look at that, look at that, then. That's a cracker.
0:22:57 > 0:23:0112, 11, 10, 20, 30,
0:23:01 > 0:23:0440, 50, 60, 70...
0:23:04 > 0:23:05The bidding is strong.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08So Rory starts going up in 50s.
0:23:08 > 0:23:1212, 50, 13, 50, 14, 50,
0:23:12 > 0:23:1515, 50, 16, 50...
0:23:15 > 0:23:231,650. Can I get a small bid now? 1,650. OK, anyone else in?
0:23:23 > 0:23:28A tremendous calf, at 1,650.
0:23:28 > 0:23:311,650, to Ashley Smith.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33It's the best price Rory's ever achieved
0:23:33 > 0:23:36and a big moment in his career.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41It's a real buzz and I don't think it'll be a while before I get more money than that again!
0:23:42 > 0:23:46The main thing is, you've got to enjoy it and be enthusiastic.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53In the Shetland pony pens,
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Bjorn and Harry are bidding farewell to their much-loved animals.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Having Fashion leave, I think that will be tough.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03I think that will be one I'm not looking forward to.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06It'll be, like, once she's out the ring, I don't want to go and see her.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09It'll be, that's it and...
0:24:10 > 0:24:14This is the last hour I own them.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16This is sad!
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Aw, look at him...
0:24:19 > 0:24:25He says, "Dad..." Somebody will buy you, darling. You'll be fine.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Would you be able to give her something to eat?
0:24:27 > 0:24:31That someone might be Colin. If the price is right.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34You want to keep your kids happy, but at the end of the day,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37they've got to learn about life as well.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40So, hopefully we'll be able to get one of these wee ponies
0:24:40 > 0:24:41but only at a budget.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45I'm not going to go and spend, you know, hundreds and hundreds.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50The ponies are sold in guineas. One guinea is a pound and fivepence.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Sophie, the pony Rachel liked most,
0:24:53 > 0:24:57is next to be auctioned. Colin's limit is 320 guineas.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00100 guineas.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03100, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,
0:25:03 > 0:25:0990 bid. 100. 100 guinea bid, 100 bid...
0:25:09 > 0:25:12120, 140, 160,
0:25:12 > 0:25:17180, 200, 220, 250, 280.
0:25:17 > 0:25:23300, have you got 300 guinea? I have 300 bid, 300 bid, higher?
0:25:23 > 0:25:26We have 300 guineas bid. All done at 300?
0:25:26 > 0:25:29320, 320, 350...
0:25:29 > 0:25:32350, 350, 350! All done at 350!
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Too high for Colin.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39Next up, the other pony Rachel wanted, show winner Paola.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Almost certain to go above 320 guineas too,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43he may be going home empty-handed.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46100 guinea bid. 100 guinea bid. 100 bid.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51100 guineas for the champion. 100 bid. 100 guineas. 100 bid.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53150. 200.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58200 guineas bid. 200 guineas bid for the champion!
0:25:58 > 0:26:02I have 220 guineas bid! 220 guineas, I'm at 220. 220 bid...
0:26:02 > 0:26:06250, 250, 280? Last chance, 280, then, at 280. 280!
0:26:06 > 0:26:09And won by Miss Slessor!
0:26:09 > 0:26:14Colin's got a bargain, a champion Shetland pony for just over £290.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17And despite coming second in the show,
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Harry's Wells Fashion goes for 1,200 guineas
0:26:20 > 0:26:22to a stud farmer from England.
0:26:22 > 0:26:261,200, all done at 1,200. Thank you, madam. 1,200. Buy number?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29That's good. Good home, good price. So...
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Happy days.- Happy days.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Bjorn's also had a successful sale. His ponies went for £1,900,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39all to owners he was happy with.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44I don't think she could find a better home than Colin and his kids.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47PONIES WHINNY
0:26:47 > 0:26:50You'll have a lucky life, as well. I know that.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54I'm sure they'll all have good homes now.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58You can call it a happy ending.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Yeah...
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Over at Colin's house, Rachel is about to meet her new pony.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Are you happy?- Yeah.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22- Are you sure?- What's its name? - Paola.- Pow-what?
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Pow-oo-la.- Pa-oo-la.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- You happy with that?- Yes. I love you, Dad.- OK, I love you too. OK?
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- As long as you're happy.- I am.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- My pocket's not so happy but anyway... - HE CHUCKLES
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Back at Thainstone, Rory's on his way to the Mart office
0:27:44 > 0:27:48to hang up his white coat after another busy week.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50But he has a surprise in store.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52Well done, sir.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56The dearest beast you've sold up to date, so congratulations!
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- 1,650, was it?- Well done, Rory.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Today, Rory has sold the dearest animal yet in his career.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:28:08 > 0:28:10THEY LAUGH
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- Well done, Rory.- Well done, Rory.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19One day, he'll be as good as John Angus!
0:28:19 > 0:28:21CATTLE LOW
0:28:21 > 0:28:23The Mart's autumn sales have gone well.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26But the team can't rest on their laurels for long.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Soon, it will be spring and that's when things REALLY get busy.