2009 WESTERN HORSE SALE
— Contributed
The 14th annual Western Horse Sale saw 67 quality horses presented on October 2 in Red Deer, Alberta. Under the gavel of Dan Skeels of Rimbey, Alberta, 51 cutting and performance horses sold for a top ten average of $6285. There were some good buys on quality prospects and breeding stock. The overall average of horses sold was $3770.50, compared to last year’s average of $4854.
Top selling horse of the sale was in the four-years-and-over category, a very talented six year old champion cutting mare, Smart Chic Merada (Master Merada x Cruell Dville x Smart Chic Olena). This outstanding mare was consigned by Greg and Lois Gartner of Sherwood Park, Alberta, and purchased for $17,500 by Tica Horse and Stables of Midale, Saskatchewan. The 14 horses in this category had a top five average of $9100, compared to 11 in 2008 with a top five average of $18,040.
The second high seller was in the yearling category, a handsome 2008 chestnut stallion, Hot Smokin Pep (Hot Smokin Chex x Dual Remedys Pep x Reminic), consigned by John Hubbard of Rivers, Manitoba and purchased by Leah Luprypa of Armstrong BC for $9500.
Top selling two-year-old was a handsome chestnut gelding, Nu Talking Cash (Lena Talks Cash x Zans Two Eyed Girl x Two Eyed Skeeter) consigned by Darrin and Tina Brooks of Bezanson, Alberta, and purchased by Jack Zeggelaar of Ellerhouse, Nova Scotia for $6000. In all, 11 two-year-olds sold with a top five average of $4440, compared to 21 two-year-olds in 2008 with a top five average of $9530.
High selling three-year-old was a handsome palomino gelding, Cherry Oh Ohs (China Sun x Miss Rollin Jackie x My Lucky Stars), consigned by Kelly King of Arrowwood, Alberta, and purchased by Rolly and Angie Thomson of Big Valley, Alberta for $5000. A total of five three-year-olds averaged $3340, compared to three in 2008 averaging $4766.
Of the seven broodmares sold, a 1999 chestnut mare Chex The Time (Prime Time Chex x Woodys Wish x Wood Chex) and bred to Code Six Cat (the NCHA Western National sChampion this year in Ogden Utah, ridden by Guy Heinz) brought $4500 for consignor RWB Ranch (Ron Bird) of Claresholm, Alberta. Her new owner is Garry Potrebenko of Spirit River, Alberta.
The Western Horse Sale sincerely thanks all the consignors, buyers, and helpers who participated in the sale. Special thanks to bulk consignors Seafield Farms of Broadview, Montana for their eight fine consignments, and Ken and Jeanette Torrens of Mornville, Alberta for their six quality consignments, and to the Canadian Supreme for hosting the Western Horse Sale at the show.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Speight