Though cattle prices are down and the economy is sluggish, “REAL” Ranch horses steam on. April 16th, a large crowd gathered to witness the 10th Annual “REAL” Ranch Horse Invitational Sale. They were treated to a preview of horses being saddled fresh in front of the crowd and put through the paces of an everyday ranch horse. Held at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Billings, MT., they were offered by the people who make their living on them.
High Selling Horse was Lot #36, Hio Boston Rebel, a 2005 AQHA Sorrel gelding offered by Scott and Josie Rieger, of Ismay, MT.
He was purchased by Bert Hauge of Newtown, ND, for $17,000.
Photo credit: “REAL” Ranch Horse Invitational Sale catalog
Second High Selling Horse was Lot #16, JLG Chaparrito Okie, a 2008 AQHA Gray gelding offered by Brendon Lemmon, of Moccasin, MT.He was purchased by Jim Jordan of Big Timber, MT., for $16,000.
Third High Selling Horse was Lot #9, Peppy RR, a 2008 AQHA Chestnut gelding offered by Don Selle, of Baker, MT.
He was purchased by Double E Cattle Co. of Ekalaka, MT., for $14,250.
Fourth High Selling Horse was Lot #45, ISO, a 2007 GRADE Sorrel gelding offered by Chancey Watson, of Moccasin, MT.
He was purchased by Corey Griswold of Haylee, ID., for $13,250.
Fifth High Selling Horse (tie) was Lot #43, Damascus, a 2011 APHA Solid Bay gelding offered by Lazy J3 Quarter Horses, of Melstone, MT. He was purchased by Conrad Cox of Havre, MT., for $13,000.
Fifth High Selling Horse (tie) was Lot # 50, Reds Poquito Dynamit, a 2008 AQHA Bay gelding offered by Toby and Amy Vineyard, of Arvada, WY. He was purchased by the John Small Ranch of Busby, MT., for $13,000.
The top 5 Ranch Horses averaged $14,700, top 10; $13,475, top 20; $11,450, top 30; $9,775, and all the horses averaged $8,900.
Ten Young Ranch Horses were offered. They were just like their elders, only with less experience.
High Selling Young Ranch Horse was Lot # 17, Freckles Peppy Parr, a 2013 AQHA Bay gelding offered by Lyle Mitchell, of Arvada, WY
He was purchased by Gina Stevens of Hardin, MT., for $9,000.
Photo credit: “REAL” Ranch Horse Invitational Sale catalog
Second High Selling Young Horse was Lot # 20, JP Docs Boon Parr, a 2012 AQHA Gray mare offered by JP Ranch, of Edgemont, SD.
She was purchased by Jennifer Weeding of Jordan, Mt., for $7,500.
The top 5 Young Ranch Horses averaged $6,400, and all of the Young Ranch Horses averaged $5,050.
To help benefit the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, six unstarted two year olds were offered. The High Seller was Lot #65, Freckle Parr Te, a 2014 Buckskin gelding offered by Ashley Quarter Horses, of Belt and Forsyth, MT. He was purchased by Logan Eayrs of Weston, Wy., for $4,800.
Horses found homes in Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.
Next year's sale is slated for April 14 and 15, 2017. The catalog is already full and the horses are hard at work, being “REAL” Ranch Horses. For more information, call 406-670-3400 or go to www.realranchhorses.com
Source: Jack Blankenship, Real Ranch Horses