The 3rd Annual Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale was a record-breaking event.  In an extremely successful first year at the B.W. Pickett Equine Center in Fort Collins, the sale set new records for high selling horse, high selling aged horse, high selling young horse and average of the top five horses.

The horse that captured the titles of high selling horse and high selling aged horse was a 9-year-old bay quarter horse gelding named Blazin Blue Bob, consigned by Saunders Ranch.  Blazin Blue Bob was sold for $25,000 by auctioneer Don Green.  This was the first year that Saunders Ranch, managed by Mr. Thomas B. Saunders V, has consigned horses in the Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale.

The high selling young horse, a 2-year old mare, was sent to the CSU Training Class by Burnett Ranches, LLC (6666) of Guthrie, Texas.  Paddys Pretty Lady, a 2006 mare by Paddys Irish Whiskey, sold for $10,800.  Burnett Ranches has been sending high-quality ranch horses to CSU for students to work with in the training class for more than 15 years.

A new record was also set for the average of the top five horses sold, which increased from $12,260 in 2007 to $12,760 in 2008.  An estimated 450 people attended to watch 51 top-quality ranch horses work in the preview and go through the sale ring.

Ultimately, the Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale is about the CSU Equine Sciences Program students and giving them a unique hands-on learning experience while also exposing them to the ins and outs of the equine sales industry. CSU students enrolled in sales management, horse training, and event management classes have experienced a busy two semesters, culminating in the sale on April 26, 2008.  Students utilized their classroom knowledge in a hands-on setting. Working alongside equine professionals, they planned and advertised the sale. Students trained and fitted two- and three-year old fillies and geldings from some of the nation’s top ranches. With the help of industry professionals like Jim Ware (Western Bloodstock), Bill and Carole Smith (Wyo Quarter Horse Ranch Sale), Robin Glenn (Robin Glenn Pedigrees) and Alex Maddox (adsfactory.com), students learned what it takes to make a sale successful.

For more information on the CSU Equine Sciences Program or the Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale, please call 970-491-8373.

Paddys Pretty Lady in the Sale Ring

Blazin Blue Bob Settling Cattle