Speaking specifically about the S.I...as well as the above-mentioned Taplin, Tyler, Dennis...we have Jo Gordon and Jo Dalton, capable and hard-working women, but doing most if not all the riding themselves. Along with Sally McKay, who has already had more accidents than she needs, they are only a decent head-knock from being unable to carry on, as staff is, apparently, next to impossible to find in those regions.
Tommy Beckett another, Steve Blair-Edie no riding staff either, Lee Callaway has been commuting from Waikouaiti to help him, but that can't continue indefinitely.
The possibility of Terry Kennedy moving on has to be considered, given the rapid housing development in and around his region, and he has a large team. Would be a huge loss.
Timaru, on the other hand, hosts good-size and successful operations with both Len Stewart and Bruce Tapper lining up plenty.
The thought of eliminating Timaru [ apart from the loss of a good facility ] removes both those teams from the district, the brains trust hasn't thought of the implications there either, because neither is likely to relocate to ChCh.
Further north - Coulbeck winding down and the Parsons partnership, both getting on and not in good health, takes another very big chunk of horseflesh out of the mix.
Kenny Moore, downsized already, Steven Woodsford, another who gets excellent results with a team not large and based at Rangiora which is also gone-burger; the only ones who are both young and have their own property in that region are Ashley Frye [ along with father Danny ] and Centaine Spittles.
But, hey, Te Akau , Pike, Marsh, and Forsman are going well and plenty in work in the Waikato.
Bright prospects for Mr Greenshoots to enthuse about.