October 29 "Fall Special Catalog Sale" featuring Performance Horses & Production Offerings 3pm Friday Performance INDOOR PREVIEW HorsePalace Arena Exit 437 on I-90 Consignments open to all classes and will offer arena horses, rope horses, ranch and using horses, prospects, mares, stallions, ponies, and young stock |
December 15-16-17 ALL HORSES ARE LOCATED AT THE CONSIGNORS FACILITY AND WILL BE BID ON FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME HORSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT BILLINGS LIVESTOCK DURING OUR TIMED ONLINE ONLY SALE Consignments open to all classes and will offer arena horses, rope horses, ranch and using horses, prospects, mares, stallions, ponies, and young stock |
November 26 "Holiday Special Catalog Sale" featuring Performance Horses & Production Offerings 3pm Friday Performance INDOOR PREVIEW HorsePalace Arena Exit 437 on I-90 Consignments open to all classes and will offer arena horses, rope horses, ranch and using horses, prospects, mares, stallions, ponies, and young stock Consignments open to all classes and will offer arena horses, rope horses, ranch and using horses, prospects, mares, stallions, ponies, and young stock |
January 19-20-21, 2023 ALL HORSES ARE LOCATED AT THE CONSIGNORS FACILITY AND WILL BE BID ON FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME HORSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT BILLINGS LIVESTOCK DURING OUR TIMED ONLINE ONLY SALE THURSDAY - JANUARY 19, 2023 Consignments open to all classes and will offer arena horses, rope horses, ranch and using horses, prospects, mares, stallions, ponies, and young stock |
SALE REPORT OCTOBER 21 & 22 REALLY, REALLY GOOD All the way around and all the way through - a strong horse market prevailed on a diverse selection of horses, ponies, and mules at Billings Livestock Commission’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” October 28-29. The top five sale horses tell the tale - October’s number one at $30,000 - a gentle, ranch, ride, or rope horse gelding, $25,000 for a registered gypsy vanner, $21,500 for a fancy bay roan draft cross, $21,000 on another top shelf buckskin gelding, and $20,000 for a team of ride or drive fjords - a motivated and energetic buyer base bought ‘em on premise and….online in Billings, Montana and made the top five average a smooth $23,200. A one-day total of 780 head included 515 offered in the loose division, 36 no sales or pass outs, and on premise buyers from California to Maryland and online buyers from coast to coast. Every. Single. Month. Billings offers all sizes, kinds, and colors, all disciplines, ages, and talents, and all price points, quality and caliber - with something for everyone and every pocketbook as 54 head of October catalog horses brought between $5,000 and $7,500. October’s rockstar at $30,000 Hip 97 “A Prairie Pirate” a 2017 AQHA Buckskin Gelding x Apirates Life For Me consigned by Kera Washburn, Altamont, UT was the whole package - gentle, handsome, ranch and trail ridden, as well as made head horse - he sold for $30,000 and moved to Maryland. Drafts and draft crosses rock Billings Livestock month in and month out, with Hip 132 “Sir Noble” a 2016 Gyspy Horse Association registered Black Piebald Gelding consigned by Danyale Bressler, Sioux Falls, SD earning reserve sale honors at $25,000. Cool as cool can be and bonused by the bay roan color, Hip 93 “Rambo” a 2016 grade draft cross gelding offered by Kristin Mulhall, Covina, CA brought $21,500 and sold to Phil Jore, Williston, ND. Unprecedented October sale averages show the strength of the Billings horse market - not just the top end, but the middle as well - the top five averaged $23,200, top ten at $20,100, top 20 at $15,922; top 50 averaged $11,341, and the top 100 brought $8,613. 22 head of horses hit $10,000 or better, including Hip 1658 - a loose horse - which commanded $10,200. Up next - November 26 “Holiday Special Catalog Sale” featuring performance horses with loose horses selling in the morning. An indoor, climate and ground controlled preview is set for Friday, November 25 at 3 p.m. at the HorsePalace Arena. See it all - consign, see what’s coming, and sign up for online bidding at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 23-24-25 GOOD, BETTER, BESSSSST Billings Livestock’s fall presentation of the annual "Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale" and “Fall Rope Horse Special” set new sale records in Billings, Montana September 23-24-25. A whopping 915 head of horses were offered over the three days, with a $43,000 catalog high, 73 horses brought $10,000 plus and - the loose market continues it’s fireworks show with a high of $9,000 and 58 head - as is where is - at $3,000 or better. Two full scale performance previews including a jackpot team roping for sale horses only, a big blue Montana sky, and three days of actual sales offered all colors, kinds, and classes, all disciplines, ages, and talents, all price points, quality and caliber. Loaded with quality, the top five sellers included three upstanding rope horse geldings and two fancy, fashionably bred mares that averaged $36,000. Leader of the pack, Hip 352 “One Ray Fajita” a 2015 AQHA Bay Gelding x Peppys Lil Fajita offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT came cool, calm, and handy. Trails, ranch, or arena, the solid gelding was a true switch ender and was hauled to ropings right up to sale day. Richard Jensen, Rapid City, SD purchased the all-around gelding for $43,000. Call him steady eddie and easy trips to the pay window, Hip 114 “Salty Catman” a 2011 AQHA Gray Gelding x Cat Man Do earned runnerup sale honors as well as winning second and third on heel side in the jackpot besting 153 teams. Offered by Ken Catchot, Stevensville, MT and roped on by Chad Turner, he brought $35,500 and sold to Donnie Benson, Dillon, MT. Hip 231 “One Gun Splash” a handsome 2015 AQHA Palomino Gelding consigned by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA stood sturdy, strong, and came a finished head horse. Hauled to ropings, the hard-to-find kind brought $32,500 and sold to Steve Munz, Oxford, FL. Oh, those mares!! Hip 395 “Metallic Cee Dee” a 2019 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by NCHA Horse of the Year - Metallic Rebel - and out of the good mare Rubys Royal CD a $248,000 money earner, the mare sold bred to One Time Pepto. Offered by Joyce Roberts, the mare with a lot to talk about brought $35,000. Sired by the hottest guy going - Metallic Cat - Hip 330 “Devilwithabluedress’ a 2017 AQHA Sorrel Mare consigned by Ty Smith, Whiteboro, TX sold with a breeding to Woody Be Tuff. The exciting package brought $34,000. Big volume means big selection and Billings offers something for every budget, as 64 head of catalog horses brought between $3,500 and $5,000. Overall catalog sale averages include top five at 436,000; to 10 at $32,850; Top 20 brought $26,185; to 50 at $8,924;, top 100 averaged $14,370. A mighty loose horse trade rolls on at Billings as 479 head were offered in the loose division with two horses bringing $9,000 each for the high, and a top five average of $8,230; Top 20 on loose market at $6,132, top 50 at $4,713; top 100 averaged $3,626. There were 79 head - as is, where is, how is - that sold for $2,500 or better. Up next the “Fall Special Catalog Sale” featuring performance horses, as well as a loose session October 29. An indoor, climate and ground controlled preview for the barrel horses, cutters, saddle and ride horses, calf horses, and team roping horses is set for 3 p.m. on Friday, October 28 at the HorsePalace Arena. SALE REPORT AUGUST 26 & 27 SO SSSSSSSSSMOKIN' HOT And the hot got hotter!! Billings Livestock’s August sale event blazed new August Sale records with 673 head of horses, 38 no sales, a loose horse high of $9,900, and a catalog Number One at $35,000. Two full performance previews as well as a well attended saddle and ride demonstration let the sale horses shine as barrel horses, rope horses, and so many draft crosses and grade horses had their day in Billings, Montana. Friday night’s “BigTime Barrel Race” also complimented the weekend’s agenda with over 60 participants. The leader of the pack - Hip 115 “Smart King Freckles” a 2006 AQHA Bay Gelding sired by My King Hickory came offered by long-time customers, Wowk Ranch, Alberta, Canada. The solid, seasoned, true all-around athlete ran poles, barrels, breakaway, head or heel and had qualified twice for the Canadian College Finals Rodeo. The bay unicorn came in shape and ready to roll. He brought $35,000. The top five catalog horses averaged $24,900 and included the variety Billings is known for - the solid rodeo gelding, a fancy, registered gypsy vanner, an extra nice grade grulla gelding, a black stallion by Profit Increase, and an own daughter of Walk Thru Fire. A special session of running bred broodmares - Wyoming accredited - offered by the Mike Lipp Estate, Greybull, WY were also offered in August with Hip 173 “Walk Thru Fire Favor” a 2013 AQHA Brown Mare x Walk Thru Fire x First Down Dash topping the offering with a $18,500 bid. Kind, gentle, and handsome, the second high seller was Hip 140 “SD Titan Of Golden Oak” a 2017 GVHS (Gypsy Vanner Horse Society) Black Blagdon Gelding presented by Justyn Young, Billings, MT. Imported from England in utero, the one-of-a-kind guy brought $30,000. Quality grade horses made their mark in August as well, and included Hip 84 “Kola” a 2017 Brown Gelding offered by RCR Horses, Inc, Powell, WY with a $21,000 price tag , Hip 8 “Bald Butte” a 2013 Black bald faced gelding at $15,000 from Madison Enos, Lander, WY, and Hip 226 “Whiskey” a 2017 Rose Gray Gelding offered by Tayla Mortensen, St. Anthony ID bringing $13,500. Overall catalog sale averages reflect a strong horse market - top five at $24,900: top 10 brought $20,520; top 20 at $16,640; Top 50 at $12,183; and the top 100 averaged $9,185. On to the fireworks in the loose market where Billings Livestock continues it’s red hot run with 414 head offered in the loose division seeing a $9,900 high, followed by $9,750, $7,500, $7,000, and $6,800 for a top five average of $8,190. One out of four horses offered loose brought $2,000 or better, with 38 bringing $4,000 or better. Loose averages include the top ten at $7,065; top 20 at $6,157; top 50 at $4,929; and the top 100 a $3,739. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for September 23-24-25 and includes an expanded three-day sale format and will include an indoor performance preview as well as a jackpot team roping exclusively for sale horses. Catalog horses will sell all three days with loose horses selling Sunday, September 25 at 9 a.m. To consign, see what’s coming, or to sign up for online bidding, visit www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JULY 22 & 23 SUMMER'S SUPER SALE Billings Livestock’s “Mid-Summer Special Catalog Sale” July 23 offered 450 head of horses with a fancy blue roan daughter of Bet Hesa Cat topping the day’s market. Bred for 2023 to the $53 million dollar sire Metallic Cat, Hip 85 “Ima Little Bitt Cat” a 2018 AQHA blue roan mare offered by Jim Marziale, Ogden, UT brought $30,000. Top selling gelding Hip 58 “Z Wyoming Chrome” a 2015 AQHA Sorrel Gelding offered by Josh Thornburg, Riverton, WY came ranch ridden in big country, gentle, and started roping in the arena. One of the good ones, the special gelding brought $27,500 and sold to S. Proffitt, Kings Mountain, NC. Yellowstone River Performance Horses, Richard Johnson, Laurel, MT offered a nice set of geldings including Hip 144 “Valiente Whiz” a 2018 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Star Spangled Whiz and out of a Gallo Del Cielo daughter that brought $25,000. Rope horses shine - every time - at Billings and Hip 53 “Fancy Silver Stripes” a 2014 AQHA Gray Gelding x Fancy Stripes x Sun Stripes and out of a Roan Bar Dandy bred mare consigned by Chelsey Harding, McHenry, ND was a started head horse as well as a been there, done that ranch horse. The thick made, big boned, handsome man brought $23,200. The top five sellers - four geldings and a mare - averaged $25,840, the top ten at $21,740; top 20 brought $17,120; top 50 at $11,742; and the top 100 averaged $8,478. With volume comes selection and Billings offers a horse for every budget as 44 head of catalog horses brought between $4,500 and $6,000. Again and again, the BLS loose trade sets the pace for the nation as 253 head of horses were offered in the loose division which saw a $6,900 high followed by $6,200, and $6,100. Driven by the prospects and presented to a full arena of buyers, 86 head brought $2,000 or better with 50 over the $3,000 mark, and 28 at $4,000 plus. Loose averages incude the top five at $6,120, top ten at $5,560, top 20 brought $5,050, top 50 at $4,184 and the top 100 averaged $3,194. Next up - both on premise and online - Billings Livestock’s “August Special Catalog Sale” set for August 27 featuring Speed Bred and Performance Horses. All kinds and classes will sell including drafts, draft crosses, ranch, rodeo, and recreational horses in addition to performance horses and prospects. To consign, see what’s coming, or sign up for online bidding, see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JUNE 24 & 25 LEADING. THE WAY. Impressive - from the first horse in to the last horse out - Billings Livestock’s June 25 “Summer Special Catalog Sale” met with strong buyer demand - both on premise and online - in all classes and divisions. The summer sale sparkled as 573 head were offered - 179 in the catalog and 394 in the loose division - with only nine pass outs or no sales, computing to a 95% sale percentage. The quest for a better horse continues as evidenced by the top five average of $24,300. Even at the end of the day horses selling on the supplement saw big prices including a $10,000 grade gelding and a $9,000 mare. Leading the way as June’s “Number One” with a $31,000 sale tag was Hip 103 “Fireproof 66” a 2018 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Inferno Sixty Six and out of a Nu Chex To Cash daughter offered by Ervin Miller, Hulett, WY. The golden boy showed flawlessly in the previews, had been ridden in the mountains, did the reining maneuvers, was used to tarps, dogs, and had been ridden by the young Miller children. Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT offered Hip 96 “Playing Rey” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Jewel Rey x Lenas Jewel Bars that had been ranch and trail ridden. Barn named “Steady”, the fancy gelding brought $29,500. NRHA professional Justin Michels, River Falls, WI offered a nice set of geldings including Hip 123 “CR Two Eyed Midnight” a 2012 AQHA Gray Gelding x CR Smokes Midnight and out of a daughter of Two Eyed Red Buck that came gentle, ridden extensively outside, and took good care of his rider. A handsome gelding with a kind demeanor, he brought $24,000. America’s Number One gelding market delivered good geldings - again - as 19 out of the top 20 selling horses were geldings and averaged a smooth $16,825. The only mare to crack the top 20 came purple pedigreed, started right, and rode around like an old horse. Consigned by Cowan Select Horses, Havre, MT, Hip 56 “Shes Dashin Wright” a 2020 AQHA Chestnut mare by JL Sirocco and out of a daughter of Dash Ta Fame was certainly a standout and sale highlight. The mare with the big future brought $14,000. In true Billings fashion, a “something for everyone” horse sale saw 33 head of catalog horses bring between $6,000 and $7,500. Catalog sale averages include the top five at $24,300, Top ten at $20,290, top 20 brought $16,825, top 50 averaged $12,691 and the top 100 averaged $9,709. A phenomenal loose trade continues at BLS where the top loose of the day brought $7,100 followed by $7,000, $6,900, and $6,800 for a top five average of $6,840. The top ten averaged $6,405, top 20 at $5,827, top 50 at $4,458 and the top 100 averaged $3,424. Billings Livestock’s next sale event will be July 22-23. The annual “Mid-Summer” Catalog Sale features performance and cow bred horses and will include all classes of horses from finished horses and prospects for ranch, roping, arena, cutting, or recreation. Billings Livestock is a federally licensed and bonded facility and offers all classes and kinds of horses. For more information, contact Jann Parker, BLS Sale Manager 406-855-1947. www.billingslivestock.com
ON A DAY IN MAY Billings Livestock's annual "Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale" celebrated the ranch horse - and - oh, what a selection of horses offered in one, big day - May 28. The original spring catalog event for Billings Live hosted a grand total of 727 head of horses, saw 40 pass outs, a catalog high of $36,000, a top five average of $25,940, a loose trade on fire where the top prospect brought $9,200. Friday’s well-attended performance preview plus the Best Of the Remuda Ranch Horse Competition gave sale horses time to shine as well as crowning the 2022 Ranch Horse Champ Hip 114 “Cactus Verdad” a 2013 AQHA Gray Gelding x Stylin Cat offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT and shown by Chad Turner. As good as good gets, the fancy gray gelding showed flawlessly in the competition as well as shown on cattle and Mr. Handsome brought $25,500. May’s number one came sired by the boss, Metallic Cat - the NCHA Horse of the Year and sire of over $50 million in earners - and out of a daughter of Dual Pep, Hip 103 “Hyadualin Kitty” a 2017 AQHA Bay Mare rang the bell at $36,000. Offered by NRCHA Champ Justin Wright, Santa Maria, CA the special mare had three years of cowhorse training to her credit as well as ranch ridden outside. S Ranch, Billings, MT an AQHA Remuda of the Year Award Winner, brought six head of ranch raised, ranch ridden geldings to the May sale event including Hip 95 “Cold Picks” a 2015 AQHA Gray Gelding x Picks Secret x Sixes Pick shown in the ranch horse competition by K.C. Verhelst. The good looking gray gelding brought $18,500. Rock solid sale averages include the top five at $25,940, top 20 brought $17,427, and the top 100 averaged $9,506. Again something for everyone at Billings, affordability lives here, too - 42 head of catalog horses brought from $5,000 to $7,000. It’s still on fire and the talk of the day continues to be the loose horse division as nearly 500 head - 488 exactly - were offered as is, where is, how is to a full sale arena. Pushed by the ride prospects, May’s top loose horse brought $9,200, followed by $8,600 and $7,500 - top 20 averaged $5,690, top 50 at $4,618, with 100 head of horses bringing $2,100 or better. Billings - all kinds, all classes, all the time!! Come see us in Billings for our "Summer Special Catalog Sale" June 25 - it's on premise and....online!! Consign, see what's coming, and sign up for online bidding right here www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT APRIL 22 & 23 THE GOOD STUFF Finished rope horses, take-you-to-the pay window ponies, fancy ranch geldings, and those oh, so popular draft crosses, Billings Livestock’s “April Special Catalog Sale” and Spring Rope Horse Special on April 23 was a one-stop-shop for all kinds and classes. Talk of the day was the loose horse trade as America’s Number One loose market again set another record with a $10,300 high on a loose gelding offered as is, where is, how is, as well as a $12,200 price tag for a matched team also offered loose. Absolutely on fire from the first horse to the last, the loose division continued to be rocked by the ride prospects and saw a $8,600 top five average, $7,440 on the top ten, and a $3,099 average on the top 100. Rope horses showed their stuff in the jackpot team roping held exclusively for sale horses Friday afternoon where 99 teams competed in a two-go around and finals format, allowing each sale horse a minimum of six competitive runs to allow buyers a true view of the rope horses. A full-on performance demonstration of all catalog horses preceded the roping event. Congratulations to the team roping champs Justin Collins aboard Hip 67 heading and Matt Gingrass heeling on Hip 226 for a payoff of $465 each and Gordy Alderson trophy bits. The first catalog horse of the day rocketed straight to the number one spot of the sale with a $29,000 price tag. True blue, the black-headed blue roan ranch gelding caught everyone’s attention and Hip 1 “Jessies Higher Drift” a 2015 model owned and shown by working ranch cowboy J.D. Vukonich, White Sulphur Springs, MT came safe, reliable, and with an extensive ranch resume. Hip 119 “Atomic Hellcat” a 2018 APHA Bay Overo Gelding x Catatomic x High Brow Cat consigned by the West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA earned runnerup sale honors at $24,500. Fancy, broke the best, the gentle gelding came multi-user friendly, too, and was the complete flawless package. Justyne Young, Billings, MT purchased the quality individual. Ponies, ponies, ponies!! This one rode like a big horse and came ready-to-roll in the roping pen and Hip 70 “Paycheck” a 2014 Grade Red and White Paint Pony Gelding offered by Norman Mitchell, Tahlequah, OK had been hauled the past two years to rodeos and ropings. He brought $22,750 and sold to Colby Crago, Belle Fourche, SD. Always a highlight in Billings and always a plentiful selection, the draft crosses rule - month in and month out - and April’s top selling draft cross was consigned by Ervin Miller, Hulett, WY. Hip 132 “Dandy” a 2018 Red Dun Draft Cross came gentle, ranch ridden, layed down on cue, side pass to a fence to get on - and all in a pretty buckskin dun color. He brought $15,500. Good geldings aplenty, as 18 out of the top 20 selling horses were geldings. With 429 head of horses offered, the top five catalog horses averaged $23,090; top ten at $20,465; top 20 at $18,080; top 50 at $14,043; and the top 100 averaged $10,720. Billings Livestock’s May 28 sale event salutes the ranch horse with the “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” featuring the annual judged Ranch Horse Competition. The original spring catalog sale for Billings, all kinds and classes will be offered, and will kick off Friday, May 27 with a full performance preview followed by the ranch horse competition. Horses will be on premise at BLS, with the special ShowCase Sale Session also offered to online buyers. You can consign, see what’s coming, and sign up for online bidding at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT MARCH 25 & 26 UNIQUELY. BILLINGS. Draft crosses by the dozens, mules by the bunches, and the ultimate trail horse central, Billings Livestock's March 26 sale event shined. The annual "Spring Special Catalog Sale" featured Trail, Outfitting, Guide, and Guest Horses and.....mules!! A big, big selection of recreational horses, teams, and mules for a one-day total of 564 head. The 23rd annual event hosted horses, mules, and draft crosses from some of America's premier outfitters including Hell’s A’Roarin Outfitters, Black Mountain Outfitters, and K Lazy 3. Congratulations to March’s number one - Hip 74 “Solstice Of Apollo” a 2017 FHHSI Black Gelding - a registered Friesian Cross - that brought $65,000. Trail ride, ranch work, brandings, sorting, English riding, the beautiful, gentle gelding had done it all in addition to being exposed to kids, dogs, cats, and alpacas. Second high selling horses was also a friesian and Hip 88 “Winston of Griffin Gate” a 2015 FPZV Black Gelding came offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses in Cody, WY . Originally imported from Germany, the fancy black gelding was sweet, kind, came broke to ride and drive - single and double - had been used for grand entries at PRCA rodeos, ridden in parades and had also been ranch ridden. The top five averaged $33,900 and included two friesians, two draft crosses, and an AQHA registered buckskin. Something for everyone, opportunity and value continue to live at Billings, too, as 59 head of catalog horses brought between $5,000 and $7,500 Draft crosses were king and Hip 212 “Shady” a 2018 Grade Gray Draft Cross Stallion offered by Stetson Merrill, Twin Bridges, MT proved the point as the very gentle, nicely broke to ride, ranch ridden, started arena roping stallion brought $19,100. Colored up and fancy broke, Hip 100X “Changa” a 2011 Grade Bay Roan Draft Cross Gelding consigned by Klay Ready, Cody, Wy was the deal. Standing 16.1 and wearing a #2 shoe, the finished pickup horse had seen the crowds, noise and lights many times as well as ridden extensively outside, he came well started on the head side in the arena, too, and he sold for $25,000. Offered by Black Mountain Outfitters, Emigrant, MT Hip 77 “Frosty Dakota Jet” a 2012 AQHA Buckskin Gelding x PC Red Rock Peppy x Sun Frost and out of a On The Money Red mare had seen extensive wilderness experience, ride bareback, lead a pack string, and stays gentle. Both picket and hobble broke, the true mountain horse brought $20,000. Mules, mules, mules - the top selling mules brought $12,800, $10,000, and $9,000 with Hip 219 “Toby” a 2013 Grade Black John consigned by :Loren Loesch, Spillville, IA and shown by Mike Sikveland, earning the number one spot. Ride or pack, the mule had been ridden on many trail rides, used at the stockyards, minded his own business, and stayed broke and gentle. He brought $12,800. Catalog sale averages include - 177 grade horses and mules - 68 registered horses - with a top ten average of $25,210, top 20 at $18,990; Top 50 at $13,379; and top 100 at $10,129. One more time - that loose market set a new high of $9,400 on a loose horse offered as is, where is, how is, followed by $6,500, $5,600 for a top five average of $6,320, top ten at $5,290, top 50 at $3,514, top 100 at $2,784. Loose overview - 34 horses brought $3,000 or better, with 79 over $2,000, and 100 at $1,700 or better. Up next, both on premise and online - April 22-23 for our "April Special Catalog Sale" featuring our Spring Rope Horse Special. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT FEBRUARY 25, 26, 27 RECORD SETTER Rockstar horses, consignors, buyers, and sale crew, Billings Livestock's February 25-26-27 sale event set new records in Billings, Montana as 634 head were offered over the three days with a top sale horse hitting $100,000. Congrats to Hip 310 "Metallic Quake" a 2016 AQHA Red Roan Stallion x Metallic Cat offered by Cooper Smith, Whitesboro, TX that hit the top sale price and tied the record at Billings Livestock. Just call him fancy, he sold to and will stand with Steve Cockerum, Fruitland, ID. Four stallions and a mare lead the top five selling positions with an average sale price of $65,200 and included two stallions by Metallic Cat, one by Shining Spark, one by Docs Sytlish Oak, and a fancy daughter of One Time Pepto. Hip 252 “The Hustle” a 2019 AQHA Bay Stallion x Docs Stylish Oak offered by Dan Swaney, Moorcroft, WY earned reserve sale honors selling to Kyle Thompson, Sisseton, SD for $72,000. Such a pretty girl, Hip 293 “Twistful Time” a 2017 sorrel Mare by One Time Pepto offered by Blake Kruger, Forest Lake MN brought $45,000 and sold to Richard Johnson, Laurel, MT. Gypsy vanners continue their popularity as Hip 319 a four-year-old registered Gypsy Vanner Society gelding consigned by Ervin Miller, Hulett brought $40,000. An incredible offering met with record demand as 117 head brought $10,000 plus, with 37 bumping over $20,000. Something for everyone, opportunity could still be found as 64 head of catalog horses brought between $7,000 and $9,750. America’s Number One loose market set new records all the way through as 272 head were offered as is, where is, how is with a top sale horse at $8,750, followed by $8,000, $7,800, $7,100, and $6,900 for a top five of $7,710. 52 loose horses brought $3,000 or better with 99 horses at $1700 or better. Overall sale averages that hit the record books include - top 5 at $65,200; Top ten at $52,500; Top 20 brought $41,125; Top 50 at $28,670; and the top 100 averaged $20,918. Join us for our next event - March 26 - the Spring Special Catalog Sale. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT NOVEMBER 26 & 27 Best In The West From the first horse through the gate to the last horse out, the “Holiday Special Catalog Sale” November 27 in Billings, Montana was on fire. A one-day total of 422 head of horses, eight roping steers, a sale top of $17,700, a raging market prevailed in all divisions. America’s number one loose market continued to push upward at Billings where the top loose horses brought $8,000, saw 86 bring $1,500 or better, with five over $4,000. Two roping previews gave the rope horses time to shine and November’s Number One at $17,700 was a fancy head and heel horse, Hip 28 “RBAR Iron Cowboy” a 2014 AQHA Gray Gelding x Cowboy Gun x Playgun offered by Get R Done Horse Training, Peers, Alberta. He’d spent a winter in Arizona, been hauled to jackpots, and seen countless ranch miles and sold to Horace Small, Lame Deer, MT. The Number two horse was also an attractive rope horse - head, heel, Hip 27 “Elans Nu Playboy” a 2016 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Elans Chic x Elans Playboy and out of a Nu Chex To Cash daughter came with a performance record, stood 15 hands, and had seen outside miles as well as arena time. Consigned by Kody Potts, the standup gelding brought $15,700 and sold to Jeremy Not Afraid, Lodge Grass, MT. Broke the best and personable too, Hip 65 “CLM Mack Truck” a 2018 AQHA Dun Gelding by Jitter Jet Joe x Smoken Leo Jet was the whole package offered by Donna Smith Bronson, Okotoks, Alberta. Perfectly shown by Larry Bronson, the one-of-a-kind three year old brought $15,000. Drafts and draft crosses consistantly light up the board at Billings, and Hip 66 “Big Dan” a 2011 Grade Dapple Gray Draft Cross Gelding consigned by Ervin Miller, Hulett, WY stood 16 hands, was a big, gentle, giant that had been used on all farm machiner, drove single and double, and would lay down to get on. Another special gelding, he brought $12,200. Sale averages include the top five at $15,180; top ten at $13,630; Top 20 at $10,900, top 50 at $7,733, and the top 100 averaged $5,280. Strong loose division averages include the top five at $5,420; Top ten at $4,460; Top 20 at $3,635; Top 50 at $2,730, and top 100 averaged $1,416. Next up - and exclusively online - Billings Livestock’s SuperSelect Timed Online offering December 17-18. Powered by Northern Livestock Video, the special online sale will offer the consignments in a timed online format. See what’s coming and sign up to bid at www.billingslivestsock.com Billings Livestock’s next on premise sale is set for January 22 and will offer loose horse division in the morning, catalog at 12 noon, including the popular ShowCase Sale session - a set of horses offered on premise as well as online. Read all about it and keep up with what’s coming at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT OCTOBER 22 & 23 Mighty Mighty Shiney A tiptop selection of performance horses, ranch geldings, and production offerings filled Billings Livestock’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” October 30. Billings saw a rippin’ loose horse trade, a $40,000 catalog high, 642 head of horses, and a strong market in all divisions. Good horses sell and people come to get them both on premise and online and the top five averaged $23,000, top ten at $18,190; Top 20 brought 13,972; Top 50 at $9,643, and the top 100 averaged $7,233. Oh those loose horses!! The loose division continued it’s frenzy in front of a full sale crowd as the top loose horse - no rider, no speeches, no guarantees - sold as is, where is, how is - brought $7,200. Quite incredible, 23 head brought $3,000 or better with 11 over $4,000 and four at $5,000 plus, 96 head brought $1,700 and up. Loose averages include the top five at $5,540; top 20 at $4,350, top 50 at $3,340 and the top 100 averaged $2,657. October’s Number One - Hip 175X “PK Smart Peppy Jewel” a 2015 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Smart Little 007 x Genuine 007 and out of a Dry Doc mare offered by Henry Schellenberg, Gronid, Saskatchewan, Canada previewed both heading and heeling, had been trail ridden extensively, used for riding lessons, and was the complete yellow package of handsome, talented and gentle. He brought $40,000 and sold to Nancy Gooding, Cherry Hills, CO. Mimi Tate, Sheridan, WY offered Hip 90 “TS Big Guns” a 2016 AQHA Red Dun Gelding sired by TS Big Shot x Genuine Hombre and out of a Figure Four Chex bred dam that came quiet, gentle, ridden outside, and was the perfect gentleman. The 15.2 hand, 1250 pound gelding brought $14,200. Production Offerings included North Country Quarter Horses, Fort Benton, MT who offered 13 head of 2021 foals in the Showcase Internet Session - allowing both on premise and online bidding - and averaged $3,529. Billings Livestock's next sale event is set for November 26-27 and will be the final on premise sale of 2021 for Billings Livestock. A pre-sale preview of cutters, ride horses, and rope horses on Friday, November 26 at the HorsePalace Arena. “Holiday Special” Catalog Sale headlines Saturday schedule at 12 Noon with loose horses selling at 8 a.m. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sales at 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 24 - 25- 26 ALL KINDS. EVERY TIME Rope horses showcased in a first class, put-it-all out there, sale horse only jackpot produced by the Wrangler Team Roping Championships on Friday afternoon where 138 teams competed in a pick one, draw two format, with two complete go-arounds and a top 12 finals. The top rope horse brought $49,500, top five rope horses averaged $26,640, and the top ten “ropers only” - eight geldings and two mares - cracked $21,970 a head. Top three selling horses wore the bay color and brought $49,500, $30,000, and $23,200 respectively. He earned a fast-time in the second go around on the head side, and the weekend’s Number One was all that and more, more, more!!! He came with NRHA money, a solid show horse who had won buckles and saddles in the reining pen as well as ranch riding and Hip 359 “Revved Up Mercedes” a 2012 AQHA Bay Gelding sired by Cromed Out Mercedes and out of a West Coast Whiz daughter brought $49,500. Offered by J Arrow Livestock, and shown by both Jerry and Megan Cobb, the class gelding stayed gentle and sold to Maggies Camp, LLC, Cody, WY. Reined cowhorse trained and fancy, fancy, Hip 308 “Onebluleopard” a 2017 AQHA Bay Gelding x Once In A Blu Boon and out of EBR Snowcat x High Brow Cat was the complete performance or trail package. Owned and shown by Chad Turner, East Helena, MT, the special gelding brought $30,000. Billings Livestock was proud to offer 21 head from Montana breeders, ranchers, and rodeo family Hollenbeck Ranch Horses, Molt, MT, including Hip 42 “Little Dyno Drift” a 2016 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding x Driftwoodl N Drift and out of a Doc O Dynamite bred dam. The rock solid gelding brought $8,000. With volume comes selection and affordability, too, as 56 head of catalog horses brought between $3,500 and $5,000. All-inclusive, the catalog sale averages set new records for the September event as the top five averaged $29,040; top ten at $24,420; Top 20 at $20,585; Top 50 at $15,735; and the top 100 averaged $11,845. And, oh, that loose market - sky high and rockin’ as 413 head were offered as is, where is, how is, with the top loose horse commanding $6,200. Offered to a full sale arena, loose horses sold Sunday morning where 30 head brought $3,000 plus, 64 over the $2,000 mark, and 100 head brought $1,500 or better. Loose averages include top five at $5,580; Top 10 at $4,830; Top 20 brought $4,212; top 50 at $3,344. And the top 100 averaged $2,577. Up next at Billings - Saturday, October 30 - and the “Fall Special Catalog Sale” showcasing performance horses and production offerings. A full, indoor, performance preview including a full session of team roping is set for Friday, October 29 at the HorsePalace Arena. Loose horses will sell Saturday, October 30 at 8 a.m. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT AUGUST 27 & 28 SUMMERS HORSE SHOW Headlined by performance and speed bred horses, Billings Livestock’s “August Special Catalog Sale” August 27-28 welcomed 746 head of horses and kicked off Friday afternoon with a UBRC “Pistols and Crystals” tour stop barrel race and full performance preview. All horses were sold on premise at Billings Livestock with the ShowCase Sale Session entries offered to online buyers as well. The top five horses averaged $19,600. Gentle ruled the day and gentle he was, Hip 185 “Ima Two Eyed Invader” a 2009 AQHA Bay Gelding x Kis Battle Song x Ki Two Eyed offered by Paul Beckstead, Fairview, UT achieved top sale position with a $25,000 sale price. The Beckstead’s had owned him since he was a foal and the kind, willing, all-around gelding was a finished head, heel, breakaway horse as well as having been used on barrels, poles, trails, and on the ranch. So very special, Hip 103 “CGQH Slick Black Fame” a 2019 AQHA Black Mare sired by the $2 million dollar barrel racing sire - Slick By Design - and out of a money-earning daughter of Dash Ta Fame - was the whole barrel racing package. Consigned by Ross and Casey Wagner, Park City, MT and started under saddle by Travis Young, Absarokee, MT, the girl with the big future brought $19,000 and sold to Kathy Getten, Billings, MT. Quite the cross of cowhorse on speed horse, Hip 149 “Sonny Bono” a 2020 Sorrel Stud Colt sired by NCHA Horse of the Year and one of the hottest tickets going - Metallic Cat - and out of daughter of the famous Fulton Ranch barrel horse sire A Streak Of Fling - the fancy colt was offered by Cooper Smith, Whitesboro, TX and sold to Reno and Sons, Gillette, WY for $16,000. You can always find them at Billings and drafts and draft crosses continue their roar as the top two selling draft crosses brought $12,500 and $12,000. Megan Wells, Buffalo, WY earned the fast time for a BLS Sale Horse at the UBRC Barrel Race aboard her consignment Hip 106 “Doc Triple” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by Docs Paradise and out of a Triple Chick bred dam. Affordability lives at Billings, too, where 69 head of catalog horses brought between $3,500 and $7,500. America’s number one loose market was on full fire as 486 head were offered as is, where is, how is to a full sale arena where three horses brought over $6,000, 27 over $3,000; 77 horses over $2,000 a head, and 175 horses over the $1,000 mark. Loose averages include the top five at $6,100; top ten at $5,510; top 20 at $4,810; top 50 at $3,640; and the top 100 averaged $2,824. Complete catalog averages show the top ten at $16,290; top 20 at $13,177; top 50 at $9,476; and the top 100 averaged $7,134. Next up Billings Livestock’s annual Cow Country Classic catalog sale and Fall Rope horse event September 24-25-26 and will include a full performance preview as well as a team roping jackpot exclusively for sale horses. Join us! ONLINE or ON PREMISE!! See what's coming and sign up to bid at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT JULY 23 & 24 Billings Livestock’s July 24 “Mid Summer Special Catalog Sale: saw a one-day total of 768 head of horses, a rockin’ loose horse trade, a fab catalog selection – and a - $27,000 catalog high. July’s number one belongs to a fancy four year old gelding offered by Luke Palmer, Satanta, KS and Hip 153 “Real Gun Joe” a 2017 AQHA Black Gelding x Peppys Real Gun x Real Gun that had doctored a lot of cattle, was as gentle as they come, been ranched and roped off by their nine-year old son Ridden in the feedlot, too, the quiet, handy gelding brought $27,000 and sold to E. Twining III, Ehrhardt, SC. In the second spot was Hip 87 “Way To Smooth” a 2016 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Cats Rocket x Smooth As A Cat and out of a granddaughter of Poco Tivio owned and shown by Cody Pool, Henderson, TX. A perfect combo of looks and ability, the 15.1 hand, 1200 pound real deal ranch gelding was used outside his whole life and done it all on the ranch, too, he brought $24,000. Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA offered four nice geldings including Hip 115 “Soxanic” a 2016 AQHA Bay Gelding x Great Inspiration x Smart Little Lena came talented, well broke, and started on the roping machine. Cute and stylish, he brought $20,000. Pretty, buckskin, and a hard worker, too, Hip 127 “Sleven” a 2013 Grade Buckskin Gelding offered by Ashleys Saddle Horses, Billings, MT had been trail ridden, ranch used, and came safe and gentle. Robert Hardesty, Cody, WY purchased the gelding for $19,000. He’d owned him since a yearling, and Hip 117 “SCR Buffalo Dancer” a 2016 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding by Timber Cat 101 x Doc’s Hickory was offered by Zeph Schultz, Greenough, MT and had been used on the ranch, had cutting and reined cowhorse training, as well as ridden on the trails. The top-of-the-line, all around guy sold for $20,000. An extremely strong gelding market ruled Billings as 18 out of the top 20 selling horses were geldings, with a top 20 average of $15,927. Just flat out good, in every division, the sale averages prove that the horse market continues it’s roll, as the top five averaged $22,100; top ten at $19,110; top 20 at $15,927; Top 50 at $11,620, and the top 100 averaged $8,633. Billings Livestock is proud to be America’s number one loose horse market, month in and month out, as four out of the six past months the top selling loose horse has brought $8,000, as is, where is, how is. July’s loose division met with a big run of horses – 518 in all - where the top horse fetched $7,700, with 11 bringing $5,000 or better, 35 over $3,000 plus, and a top five average of $5,460, top ten at $4,890, top 20 brought $4,285; top 50 at $3,480, and a top 100 average of $2,828. Billings Livestock’s next sale event includes the annual “August Catalog Sale” and will kick off on Friday with a full indoor performance preview and UBRC Barrel Race all at the HorsePalace Arena. For a complete schedule, to consign and to see what’s coming, go to www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JUNE 25 & 26 JUST. SO. BILLINGS!! Rope horses, draft crosses, ponies, and prospects, it was one, big day of the business June 26 in Billings, Montana for the “Summer Special Catalog Sale” at Billings Livestock Rope horses shined, real deal ranch and rodeo horses lit up the board, and oh, those drafts and draft crosses had quite a day under that Big Sky. With 842 head of horses offered - one day, one place - all sizes, kinds, and colors, all disciplines, ages, and talents, all price points, quality and caliber - horses sold both on premise and online - to over 400 registered buyers. June’s number one to Hip 180 “Thirdstrikeyourout” a 2013 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by Third Cutting and out of a Dual Rey daughter owned and shown by Slick Robison, Weatherford, TX. Solid made and gentle, the standout gelding brought $32,000. Reserve sale position at $25,000 to Hip 134 “Dual Purrfection” a 2010 AQHA Bay gelding x Cats Merada consigned by Jake Ream, Spanish Fork, UT. Truly a sale highlight, the fancy gelding had been ridden on the hit television series “Yellowstone” for the past four seasons, and the broke-the-best, all around gelding brought $25,000. The day’s top selling draft cross brought $19,000 and Hip 152 “Lucky” a 2013 Grade Chocolate Palomino Gelding offered by Colter Morris, Cody, WY stood 16.1 hands and came broke to ride or drive single or double, was traffic broke, and had been everywhere in the mountains. He’d had “western exposure” working on a guest ranch and being ridden next to buffalo, bear, and elk. The gentle gelding sold to Isabella Jacobsen, Eastvale, CA. All kinds and a run on quantity means all price points, too, as 77 head of catalog horses brought between $4,000 and $7,500. A really good set of horses pushed the catalog sale averages where the top five averaged $25,500; top 10 at $22,750; top 20 at $19,612; top 50 at $14,083; and the top 100 at $10,289. The loose horse trade continues to rock at Billings as 551 head were offered in the loose division with a high of $8,000, and the top five all over the $6,000 mark, 22 at $4,000 plus and 240 at $1,000 or better. The loose averages include the top five at $6,820; Top ten at $6,000 even; top 20 brought $5,150; top 50 at $3,956; and the top 100 averaged $3,106. Billings Livestock’s next sale event will be July 23-24. Already loaded with a solid line-up of first-class horses, the annual “Mid-Summer” Catalog Sale – featuring cutting and cowbred horses – includes two previews and one full day of horse sale. Designed to allow the sellers an opportunity to showcase their consignments and at the same time, giving the buyer an honest, professional opportunity to assess the horses, Friday’s special performance preview will begin at 3 p.m. in the HorsePalace Arena. Billings Livestock is a federally licensed and bonded facility and offers all classes and kinds of horses. For more information, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947. www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT MAY 21 & 22 DESTINATION: BILLINGS Solid broke, user friendly, and ready to ride - the overall demand for a better horse - in all divisions and disciplines, drove the market at Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” May 22. Ranch horses had their time to shine in the “Best of the Remuda” Ranch horse competition Friday afternoon where the using horses showcased their skills in a judged competition. A one-day total of 631 head of horses went through the gates at Billings with 24 pass outs or no sales. May’s Number One with a $75,000 sale price - was the complete package offered by Turner Performance Horses LLC, East Helena, MT and purchased by Hercules Haseotes, Sudbury, MA This guy checked ALL the boxes - handsome, gentle, trained - ridden outside in the pasture, on trails, trained to lie down, good with gunfire, came with his American Ranch Horse Certificate, too , and Hip 118 “Who Gotta Gun” a 2016 AQHA Bay Gelding x Spooks Gotta Gun and out of a daughter of Who Whiz It really was a show stopper. So very pretty and bred the best, Hip 115 “Hot N Catty” a 2016 AQHA Red Roan Mare by Catty Hawk and out of a Peptoboonsmal daughter earned reserve sale honors with a $48,000 bid. Offered by Blake Kruger, Forest Lake, MN, the trained reined cowhorse had been used to sort and work cattle and trail ridden on weekends, and sold to Mike Kalberg, Steamboat Springs, CO. Billings has historically been home to the popular drafts and draft crosses, as six head occupied a spot in the top 20 sellers listing, including Hip 113 “DCG Historys Summer Solstice” a 2015 Gypsy Vanner Horse Society Piebald Gelding offered by Northeast Acres Ranch, Bismarck, ND and purchased by a Florida buyer. Gentle, broke, and kind - the good looking gelding brought $22,500. With volume comes a wide selection and Billings offers a horse for every budget, every time. This month 90 head of catalog horses brought between $3,500 and $7,500. In the loose division 360 head were offered as is, where is, with the top loose horse at $8,000., 15 over $4,000, 42 head bumped over $3,000 and 80 head hit $2,000 or better. Catalog sale averages reflect the strong demand as the top five averaged $44,300, top ten at $31,670; Top 20 at $22,865; Top 50 at $15,001; and the top 100 averaged $10,591. Join us - on premise or online - June 26 for Billings Livestock’s “Summer Special Catalog Sale” complete with a full performance preview on Friday, June 25. See what’s coming, consign, and sign up for online bidding at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT APRIL 23 & 24 ROPE RIDE & RODEO Rodeo ready, jackpot winners, and plenty of prospects, a first-class collection of rope horses head-lined Billings Livestock’s 23rd annual “Rope Horse Special and April Catalog Sale” April 24. SALE REPORT MARCH 26 & 27, 2021 There's only one. Place. Like it. Billings Billings Livestock's March 27 "Spring Special Catalog Sale" showcased Outfitters, Guide, Guest, and Trail Horses and......mules!! Drafts and draft crosses by the dozens, mules by the bunches – the 23rd annual March recreational showcase draws nationwide interest. Held each and every March, the sale with the recreational twist offered drafts and draft crosses by the dozens, mules by the bunches, and solid trail mounts as well as prospects throughout the catalog offering. A one-day total of 487 head of horses, mules, and one yak – were offered with only four no-sales or pass outs. March’s Number One – Hip 86 “Mick” a 2014 Grade Black and White Draft Cross Gelding offered by Duane Gilbert, Encampment, WY was a combo of rodeo and recreation - he'd been used as a pickup horse from rodeos like Cheyenne Frontier Days to the College National Finals, been on the ranch, ridden in the mountains, hauled on the heeling side to jackpots, too - and earned top sale honors at $30,000. A stout top five average of $20,400 included two drafts, a team, a fancy mare, and a standout leopard app gelding. Runnerup sale honors to Hips 198 and 198X “Pete and Pet” a team of Grade Paint Draft Crosses – a mare and a gelding – consigned by Orva Yoder, Hulett, WY. Ride, drive, or pack, the seasoned team had worked all farm machinery, had been used this winter to move and feed round bales, were shown in the previews both riding and driving, and brought $19,000. Record setting March averages include top five at $20,400, top ten at $16,670; top 20 at $13,620; top 50 at $10,133; Top 100 at $8,003. Affordability lives here, too - 50 head of catalog horses and mules brought between $6,750 and $5,200. The Billings loose horse market – those horses sold as is, where is, how is, with no rider, no speech - continues to be at an all time high, lead off by the potential ride prospects with a top of $6,700 followed by $6,600 and $5,900, pushing the top five ave to $5,640; Top ten at $4,800; top 20 at $4,115; top 50 aty $3,084; top 100 at $2,413. There were 258 head sold in the loose session. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for April 24 and will feature the 23th annual “Rope Horse Special” catalog sale and regular monthly horse sale. Lots of cattle, lots of opportunities to watch the rope horses, including a jackpot team roping open only to sale horses set for Friday, April 23 at the HorsePalace Arena. Consign and see what’s coming at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT FEBRUARY 26, 27, & 28, 2021 Aaaaaamazing. Horse. Sale. Billings Livestock’s annual “February Special Catalog Sale” February 26-27-28 saw new records set - again - in both the catalog session and in the loose horse session. With 573 head of horses offered over the three-days, the big horse sale weekend included the annual “Sons and Daughters” sale sessions featuring top-end quality and pedigreed individuals that drove the market to new highs as the top five averaged $45,800. Adding additional energy to the quality presented, the “ShowCase Sale Sessions” both Friday and Saturday allowed for on-premise as well as on-line bidding and buying options for approved buyers. A record shattering $67,000 sale price took the top spot with Hip 383 “Beg Borrow Steal” a 2017 AQHA sorrel Stallion by the boss - Metallic Cat - and out of the million dollar producing daughter of Freckles Play boy, Playgiarism, had a lot to talk about, and showed it in the previews. Consigned by Cooper Smith, Whitesboro, TX, selling to an Idaho Internet buyer, and shown by the NRCHA Ltd Open SB Futurity Reserve Champion, Clayton Anderson, Marietta, OK, the stunning stallion was a finished cutter as well as seen some outside ranch use, as well. He wore it well - stunningly buckskin - on Hip 416 “I Do If Voo Doo” a 2019 colt sired by Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Whiz N Chexy Chic x Topsail Whiz consigned by Alan Chappell, Collinsville, TX. NRHA and NRBC nominated, 5 panel N/N, and had all the charisma, bone, and build you could pack on one, he sold to Hutchings Quarter Horses, Vale, OR for $47,000. She’s bought her at Billings Livestock as a four-year-old, and Hip 288 “Uno” was one very special 12 year old grade palomino paint pony mare offered by Abby Sigvalson, Epping, ND. Many saddles, awards, and championships the duo had earned in their eight years and she showed so well at the previews, too, and the fancy little mare brought $37,000 selling to Anton Helfrich, Dunn Center, ND. Barrel horses also had their time to shine as Hip 394 “Famous Red Ruby” a 2019 Sorrel Mare x Dash Ta Fame and out of Red Torres x On The Money Red was offered by Brooke Pethke, River Falls, WI. Lighty started, the filly brought $32,000. Good geldings were on fire as the top gelding brought $40,000, and Hip 328 “Time Too Tango” a 2015 AQHA Red Roan sired by One Time Pepto and out of a Smart Chic Olena bred mare offered by Cooper Smith and shown by Clayton Anderson came complete with NRCHA earnings of $3,559. The kind, gentle, flashy gelding had already earned two Reined Cowhorse Derby Championships in 2020. Mares made headlines, too, including Hip 353 “Shes A Classy Bet” a 2017 AQHA Blue Roan shown and owned by Cierra Erickson, Helena, MT. Sired by NCHA Open World Champion Bet Hesa Cat and of Quejanapep - the $207,000 money earning daughter of Dual Pep - the beautiful mare had a great start as a breakaway and heel horse and brought $26,000. 98 catalog horses brought $10,000 or better, with 33 over the $20,000 mark. New records on the sale averages as the top five averaged $45,800; top ten at $38,575; Top 20 brought $31,895; Top 50 at $24,201; Top 100 averaged $18,420. Loose horses hit new record highs where the top loose horse of the day brought $8,000 to a standing room only crowd on Sunday morning. With 258 head offered loose, over 100 horses brought $1,800 or better, with 78 hitting $2,000 plus, 36 at $3,000 or more, and 20 head $4,000 or better. Record setting averages in the loose horse trade as the top five averaged $6,140; top ten at $5,530; top 20 brought $4,885; Top 50 at $3,808; and the top 100 averaged $2,948. Billings Livestock was proud to welcome the American Quarter Horse Association and their OnSite Services to the February event allowing customers a one-on-one experience with an AQHA representative. Coming up next at Billings Livestock is the annual “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 27 featuring Trail, Outfitting, Guide, and Guest Horses. Loaded with recreational horses, the sale will also prospects and finished ranch and arena horses. A full indoor preview will be held Friday, March 26. Consign and see what’s coming at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT NOVERMBER 27 & 28, 2020 Absolutely. On Fire Good horses aplenty, Billings Livestock’s November 28 “Holiday Special Catalog Sale” saw increased demand for a better horse - in all classes and in all divisions. A one-day total of 508 head of horses - with a mere 12 no sales - were offered at Billings Livestock‘s final sale of 2020. Earning top sale position for November with a $17,500 sale price was Hip 42 “Tobiano Trails Gunsmoke” a 2016 GHRA Black Gelding x ES Rus offered by Willy Pesanti, Buxton, MT. The registered Gypsy Vanner had been used in hunting camps and on the ranch, carried flags, been roped on in the corral, came willing, smooth, and took time off well. November’s runnerup honors to Hip 118 “JS Blues Full A Pep” a 2016 AQHA Brown Gelding x Blue Lighting Ike x White Lighting Ike that came big, solid made, and home raised by the consignor - Swenson Martin Horse and Cattle Co., Beulah, ND. Gentle everyday, the Ranching Heritage Eligible gelding brought $13,500. Roan was the color of the day as seven out of the top 20 selling horses wore the sought after color and included three that sold grade. Fancy, fancy, Hip 84 “Docs Jewel Dancer” a yearling Red Roan stud colt x Docs Boonlite Dancer raised and offered by Brian Kruger, Maynard, MN brought $6,800. Solid as a rock and a rope horse, too, Hip 73 “Chesters Shiney Beau” a 2009 AQHA Palomino Gelding by Chesters Bar Jack and out of a Shining Spark bred dam was offered by Nick and Ashley Coulter, Flandreau, SD. The saddle and buckle winner brought $7,000 and sold to Chuck Duncan, Thatcher, OK. Call it a frenzy, the November BLS loose horse trade is one for the record books - Hip 1064 brought $5,500 and made the top 20 sellers listing, while the next four brought $4,600, $3,900, and two at $3,500. Overall, 98 head selling loose brought $1,000 or better, with 64 over the $1,500 mark, and 41 over $2,000 a head. Nine horses brought over $3,000. Complete sale averages include Top five at $12,780; Top ten at $10,740; Top 20 at $8,458; Top 50 at $6,077; and the top 100 averaged $4,704. Billings Livestock’s next on premise sale event is set for February 26-27-28 and will include the “February Special Catalog Sale” featuring the famous Sons and Daughter’s Sale Session. You can see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT OCTOBER 23 & 24, 2020 Drafts & Draft Crosses Rule The great northern horses hit the big time at Billings Livestock's “Fall Special Catalog Sale” October 24. A grand total of 556 head of horses included a mega-selection of drafts and draft crosses that brought from $1,500 to a top of $30,000. Leading the way, Hips 175 and 175X “Bo and Luke” a team of full brothers, 2008 and 2009 model chocolate palomino Belgian Cross geldings that came broke to ride and drive earned top sale position with a $30,000 bid. Worked on an Amish farm under harness as well as ridden in the arena and outside on the ranch, the boys wore a size 5 shoe, weigh 1,400 lbs and came willing and ready to do a day’s work, the team was offered by Jordan Hanson, Preston, MN. Big and blue and already seasoned, Hip 288 “Reno” a 2017 Grade Blue Roan Draft Cross Gelding offered by Jeff Tift, Banner, WY was the whole package! Ridden on a grazing permit this summer in the Big Horn Mountains, ridden to halter break the weanlings, driven single and double, came gentle, soft, and willing, and brought $25,000. The number three position belonged to - a draft cross! Hip 160 "King" a 2015 Grade Black Drum Cross Gelding consigned by Battle Axe Ranch, Cowley, WY came extra flashy, kind, ready to go back to work - he'd been used at camp in the Big Horns this summer, started on the heelomatic, and happily did what is asked of him. The good guy brought $20,000. Barrel bred mares claimed two out of the top five spots including Hip 151 “An UnexpectedSurprise” A 2015 AQHA Gray mare by Guys Keepin the Fame x Frenchmans Guy consigned by Alise Holst, Buffalo, WY. Paid into the Future Fortunes, the gentle, talented mare was started roping ,been ridden outside on the trail and ranch and brought $17,500. Hip 131 “SBC Eddie Set Go” a 2019 AQHA Sorrel Mare x Eddie Stinson x Dash Ta Fame offered by Hoka Hey, Solen, ND came gentle and good minded. Eligible for many incentives including Pink Buckle and Ruby Buckle, the quality prospect brought $15,000. Handsome, big, and gentle, Hjp 115 "Zan Parr Petey" a 2012 AQHA Gray Gelding x Tequila Hickory owned and shown by Mimi Tate, Sheridan, WY was an all-around good horse. The dappled fellow brought $12,750. The October sale set records as quality lead the market – the top five averaged $21,500; Top ten at $17,225; top 20 brought $13,912; Top 50 at $10,184; and top 100 averaged $7,349. Loose horses ran wild – again – where the top horse on the loose brought $6,000. With 303 head offered as is, where is, how is, 78 brought $1,000 or better, with 49 over the $1,500 mark, and 24 head at $2,000 plus. Loose averages include the top five at $3,980; top ten at $3,420; top 20 at $2,935; top 50 at $2,211; and the top 100 averaged $1,629. Billings Livestock’s next event is the Holiday Special Catalog Sale November 28. The one day sale will include loose horses at 8 a.m. with the catalog sale at 12 noon. A full indoor performance preview is set for Friday, November 27 at the HorsePalace Arena starting at 3 p.m. You can see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 25, 26, & 27, 2020 Team Roper Land Straight-up and honest, hauled and won on, rodeo and rope horses with worthy resumes swelled the “Top Twenty Sellers” listing as buyers continue their quest for honest and ready-to-roll livestock at Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” and Fall Rope Horse Special September 25-26-27. Expanded to three days of sales, the weekend saw 908 head of horses – the largest run of horses at Billings since September 2013. The top ten rope horses averaged $18,200 and occupied 50% of the top 20 sellers listing for September. The action-packed rope horse jackpot- designed to give the buyer and seller and honest opportunity to show and see the horses in action – was held at the HorsePalace Arena and hosted 141 teams with Paul Griemsman, Piedmont, SD heading on Hip 349 “CS Smooth N Flashy” a 2013 AQHA Gray Gelding by CS Flashlight offered by Marty McMillan and J.W. Borrego, Pueblo, CO heeling aboard Hip 39 “Miss Fancy Texas” a 2005 AQHA Buckskin Mare x Yellow Roan Of Texas owned by Pam Adams clocking the fastest time on three head – 23.74 - and taking home the championship Gordy Alderson bits. The solid rope horses brought $27,000 and $7,000 respectively. September’s Number One to Hip 346 “Jerry Sippin Whizkey” a 2015 AQHA Buckskin Gelding by Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Jerrys Sippin Soda x Jerry Lees Surprise consigned by Amelia Hermann, Port Angeles, WA Fancy broke, the finished heel and breakaway horse brought $30,000 and sold to GoTo Ranch, Bismarck, ND. And the number two spot to Hip 345 “Pinky Pie Fame” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by the Nation’s All-Time Leading Barrel Horse Sire, Dash Ta Fame, and out of a Streakin Six bred mother consigned by Desirae Peters and shown by Janet (Bignell) Erickson selling for $29,500. Shown on barrels and poles in the performance preview, the mare had Equi-State Earnings of $6,353 and sold to Joey Edge, Castle Rock, CO. Just so very nice, Hip 301 “Slidin Fer Juice” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by Smart Like Juice and out of Elans Annie Okie x Elans Playboy offered by Pat Mitchell, Columbus, MT. Show pen or roping arena, the finished reiner also excelled in the team roping - both heading and heeling - , in addition to being used to give lessons, and start two-year-olds. Ramblin Ranch, Rapid City, SD purchased the special mare for $23,500. Billings Livestock was proud to welcome a set of horses represented by 33X AQHA Champion Bobby Lewis, Gainesville, TX, including Hip 3241 “RHR Two Eyed Elile” a 2016 AQHA Sorrel Mare x Mbar Ote x Two Eyed JJ consigned by owner Pamela MdcINtyre, Strathclaire, Manitoba, Canada. The ready-to-haul head horse brought $16,000 and sold to Greg Roshay, San Tan Valley, AZ. Mares claimed five out of 20 spots in the top twenty, including two in the top five. Kid’s horses and ponies continue the rage, with ponies bringing $600 on up to $4,000. Solid, solid, solid, the catalog sale averages include top five overall at $26,500; top ten at $21,450; Top 20 brought $17,585; Top 50 averaged $12,752; and the top 100 at $9,540. The red hot loose horse trade continues at America’s Number One Loose Horse market where the top horse hit $4,500, 175 head brought $1,000 plus and 56 head at $2,000 plus. Averages in the loose division include the top five at $3,990, top ten at $3,655; top 20 at $3,222. Top 50 at $2,657; and the top 100 averaged $2,221. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is the “Fall Special Catalog Sale” set for one big day, October 24. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT AUGUST 22, 2020 One.Big.Weekend. Friday's UBRC barrel race, Saturday's roaring loose horse trade followed by a one-of-a-kind catalog offering, Billings Livestock's “August Special Catalog Sale” August 22 had it ALL going on. A one day total of 541 horses headlined by 32 head of draft crosses from the famous "Hell's A'Roarin Outfitters" located at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park - Gardiner, MT, the sale saw records set in the loose trade with a $7,700 high, and in the catalog session the top sale horse brought $30,000. August's #1 to Hip 181 "Frenchice" a 2015 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by the $11 million dollar sire Frenchman's Guy and out of Moonlit Sow x This Snow Is Royal offered by Ingram Quarter Horses, Bozeman, MT. Purchased by Ross and Casey Wagner, Park City, MT, the fancy mare had been hauled to exhibitions and futurities, came paid in full to Future Fortunes and PESI and was ready to go on to the next level . Reserve sale honors to Hip 114 “Charming Whiz” a 2014 AQHA Chestnut Gelding sired by Walla Walla Whiz and out of Lil Gun Charm x Colonels Lil Gun consigned by Kyle Schmitt, Holland, IA. The trained reiner had also been used on the ranch as well as started on the hot heels and sold to Robert and Joan Lunder, Billings, MT for $18,700. Grade horses made their presence known as seven out of the top 20 sold grade – selling on their performance, disposition, and eye appeal and included Hip 7 “Dodge” a 2014 Grade sorrel Gelding offered by Jesse Burleigh, Lewistown, MT that had seen substantial ranch duties and sold for $13,500. Nice geldings by the bunches, including HIp 112 "Jimmy Hardcore" a 2013 AQHA Gelding by Catty Hawk offered by Clay Paige, Amarillo, TX. Solid, honest, and an all-around ranch horse, he brought $12,500. Drafts, draft crosses, and mules raised and used by one of America's premier outfitters, "Hell's A'Roarin Outfitters" Gardiner, MT had been used daily in the mountains and wilderness of Montana bordering Yellowstone National Park, and the tremendous set of stock brought between $2,000 and $8000 and scattered as far as Italy and Croatia. A rippin set of horses pushed the sale averages up and over as the top five averaged $17,540; top ten at $14,770; top 20 at $12,092; Top 50 at $9,174 and top 100 at $7,300. Loose horses were on fire as records were smashed - again – as the top loose horse of the day brought $7,700. With 291 head offered with no speech – as is, where is, how is – the loose market is pushed by the ride prospects, where 87 head brought $1,500 or better – with eight head landing at $4,000 or better, and 48 head over the $2,000 mark. Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale is next on the BLS Sale agenda September 25-26-27. The big, fall sale event will headline “Rope Horses” with a team roping jackpot for sale horses will follow the indoor performance preview on Friday, September 25 Billings Livestock will host a special 86h anniversary celebration and customer appreciation dinner Friday following the sale horse showcase roping at the HorsePalace Arena.
SALE REPORT JULY 25, 2020 Sparkle and Shine A superior market prevailed in all divisions as Billings Livestock hosted a full sale schedule – offering horses both on site and on line – July 25. A one day total of 553 head of horses came to Billings headlined by the “Mid-Summer Special Catalog ” which showcased 285 head. First and second on the top sellers listing for July were both sired by the Nation’s All-Time Leading Barrel sire – Dash Ta Fame – and bred, raised, and consigned by Jeff and Eva Hepper, Keene, ND. The number one spot at $18,000 to Hip 152 “Oh Dash Ta Fame” a 2019 AQHA Sorrel Gelding that was out of a Dash For Perks daughter and sold to Bianca Dos Santos, Abilene, TX. Reserve to Hip 112 “Dash Ta The Disco” a 2019 AQHA Bay filly out of I am A Candy Lady by PYC Paint Your Wagon that brought $16,000 and sold to Billy Shipley, Madera, CA. Oh, those ponies! Top pony honors to Hip 178 a fancy palomino gelding named “Gecco” offered by Kelly Thorson, Fergus Falls, MN. The 2015 gentle gelding stood 14 hands and had been used on cattle as well as trail ridden. He sold to Melissa Kepler, Berthoud, CO for $15,000. He certainly caused a facebook buzz - pushing a post to over 1.2 Million views - and Hip 128 "Pudge" a 2014 Grade Gray Pony Gelding came consigned by Heart and Soul Horse Co. Salisaw, OK and was the whole package – he brought $11,000 and sold to Dane Noyce, Hereford, TX. Three out of the top ten were rope horses and included Hip 43 “Little Spiced Rum:” a 2009 AQHA Bay Mare x Sly Little Lena x Smart Little Lena offered by Maddee Doerr, Creighton, NE. The snappy breakaway mount brought $11,000. Drafts crosses continue to shine in Billings as Hip 95 “Gordo” a 2011 Grade Gypsy Cross Gelding consigned by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA and shown by Shane Vaughn sold to Tami Henderson, Corning, CA for $10,000. A horse for every pocketbook, 50 head of catalog horses brought from $3,600 to $5,250. Complete sale averages reflect the strong market where the top five averaged $14,540; Top ten at $12,595; Top 20 brought $10,875; Top 50 at $8,228; and top 100 averaged $6,295. An absolutely over the top loose trade again set new records in Billings. 268 head averaged $1,180 across the board and the top loose horse commanded $5,500. Never before attained averages had the top 100 head of loose horses hit $1,975, with six head over $4,000 a piece, 39 at $2,000 plus. Join us next time - in person or on line - in Billings, Montana August 22 for the “August Special Catalog Sale” and UBRC Barrel Race. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT JUNE 27, 2020 One Big Smoke Show Heavy demand in all divisions welcomed back Billings Livestock’s regular sale format for the June 27 “Summer Special Catalog Sale” and loose offering. After a three month delay and with new buying options implemented, the one day sale hosted 725 head of horses and included a $25,500 high, a top five average of $21,100, a record setting loose trade, and 214 individuals purchasing.. Billings Livestock was pleased to introduce the special ShowCase Sale Session - a set of horses offered both to on site buyers at Billings and broadcast to online buyers through www.billingslivestock.com and www.northernlivestockvideo.com 18 out of the top 20 selling horses were part of the ShowCase Sale Session. Leader of the pack -Hip 95 "Speak Lotta Sioux" a 2012 AQHA Palomino Gelding x A Shiner Named Sioux and out of Lottatimecash x Nu Cash offered by Arden Morrow, Sedalia, CO. Quiet, gentle, ranched on and headed on, the pretty gelding brought $25,500 and sold to X Bar C, Star Valley, WY. The barrel racing business, the flashy gelding had also been ranched on, hauled to Arizona for three winters, exhibitioned at barrel races, came with a solid foundation, and sold to Selle Livestock, Billings, MT. Just so stunning - Hip 96 “Metallic Sue” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Metallic Cat and out of one of the most famous mares in the business - Meradas Little Sue - an NCHA Horse of the Year and 3X NCHA World Champion mare - truly exhibited his royal genetics. Offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA and purchased by Shannon Hemstreeet, Alberton, MT the thick made, handsome guy had NCHA earnings himself, had been ridden by all levels, came gentle and honest, and brought $21,500. Cowan Select Horses, LLC, Havre, MT offered two head of solid ranch geldings including Hip 80 “Seven S Cactus Jack” a 2011 AQH Sorrel Gelding x Cats Quixote Jack that stood 15.1 hands, weighted in at 1,200 and stayed gentle. The big country covering gelding brought $17,000 and sold to John Keena, Ismay, MT. As always at Billings, drafts and draft crosses continue their popularity with top sale honors in this category to Hip 64 “Hercules” a 2015 Grade Bay Paint Draft Cross Gelding offered by Winston Way, Pavo, GA and selling for $15,100. Big, fancy, and blue, too - Hip 121 “BlueDocBabe” a 2006 AQHA Blue Roan Gelding x Blue Hancock Moon offered by Wade Grover/Marla Resch, Hanna, Alberta was a finished head, heel, and pickup horse. Ranch ridden, too, Ryan Hartman, Malin, OR purchased the steady gelding for $16,500. With all kinds and classes offered, value could be found, as well, as 51 head of catalog horses brought between $4,800 and $7,000. Overall sale averages include the top five at $21,200; top ten at $17,860; Top 20 brought $15,255; top 50 at $11,174; and the top 100 averaged $8,470. Driven by the ride prospects, a never before attained price threshold on the loose offering was attained where 114 head brought $1,000 or better, and 37 hit $2,000 plus. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for July 25 and will include catalog, loose, and ShowCase Sessions. Keep up with what’s coming at www.billingslivesock.com
SALE REPORT FEBRUARY 21, 22, & 23, 2020 Shine, Baby, Shine Stuffed with quality – and loaded with energy - Billings Livestock’s “February Special Catalog Sale” February 21-22-23 truly offered good horses by the bunches. New top sale horse record set as well as record breaking sale averages where the top five averaged $40,600, 59 head brought $10,000 or better, and 143 horses sold for $5,000 or better. The first horse in on Friday brought $5,000 and the last horse out on Sunday – in the loose offering – brought $2,200. The three day sale format welcomed 534 head of horses and included Billings Livestock’s annual “Sons and Daughters” Sale Sessions featuring top-end quality and pedigrees that drove the February market to new highs. Leading the pack with a $54,000 bid, Hip 311 "Dale Smooth Guy" a 2017 AQHA Buckskin Stallion by A Smooth Guy came gentle, extremely broke, and started on barrels. Offered by Justin Michels, River Falls, WI the stunning stallion was paid to date in the Pink Buckle, Ruby Buckle, and Future Fortunes and sold to Sierra Robins, Tucson, AZ. Reserve sale honors for February to Hip 303 "Wine Metallic Shine" a 2017 AQHA Red Roan Stallion by the boss - Metallic Cat - and out of a $100,000 producing daughter of Shining Spark offered by Smith Show Horses, Whitesboro, TX. The serious show horse and stallion prospect, he came talented, red roan, good sized, and sold to Ronald Volk, Sherwood, ND for $47,000. So many deluxe geldings with numero uno in the gelding department to Hip 225 "Hez Got A Fan C Style" a 2011 APHA Dun Solid Gelding x Mr Golden Bonanza x Mr. Fancy Bonanza offered by Blake Kruger, Long Lake, MN. The guy with the perfect name was fancy, stylish, and gentle - had been used to work cattle on the ranch, ridden in mounted shooting competitions, trail ridden and came traffic safe, too. He brought $45,000 and sold to Louisa Baker, Washoe Valley, NV. Stunning and wearing Matt Dillon buckskin, Hip 308 “MRD Bons Best” a 2016 AQHA gelding x Trip King Wins was offered and shown by Clayton Knox, Sedalia, MO. So very well trained, respectful, and nick-named “Showtime”, the gelding had been ridden in the mountains, arena, and started on the hot heels. Purchased by B Bitteroot, LLC, Hamilton, MT the perfect gelding brought $31,000. Rodeo and jackpot ready rides were in strong demand, including Hip 334 “Snorts Pepto” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Boonlight Dancer offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch. Riley Schmitt’s personal gelding, the 1D/2D competitor had also been trained as a cutter, reiner, trail ridden, and brought $26,000. Same trip everytime, head side or heel, Hip 367 “Bartenders Peppy Doc” a 2011 Bay Roan Gelding x Bartenders Red Buck was the business. Shown on both ends in the previews, the solid, solid gelding had been hauled, won on and came consigned by Kera Washburn, Cedar City, UT. He brought $25,500. For the record books, sale averages include the top five at $40,600; top ten at $32,750; Top 20 brought $26,110; Top 50 at $18,797;with the top 100 averaging $13,510. Billings Livestock was proud to welcome representatives from the American Quarter Horse Association to this year’s event including AQHA President Stan Weaver of Big Sandy, MT who addressed Saturday’s crowd. Loose horses were on fire as a full sale arena attended the Sunday sale session where 175 head were offered as is, where is, how is. Two horses brought over $4,000, with eight at $3,000 or better, 24 over $2,000, and the top five averaging $3,900, top ten at $3,620; Top 20 at $3,050;, top 50 brought $2,214; and top 100 at $1,560. Billings Livestock’s next event is set for March 28 with the annual “Spring Special Catalog Sale” featuring Trail, Outfitting, Guide, and Guest Horses. Loaded with recreational horses, the sale will also offer prospects and finished arena horses. A full indoor performance preview will be held on Friday, March 27. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JANUARY 24 & 25, 2020 Variety Show From kid friendly riders to finished arena rope horses, Billings Livestock’s one day “Winter Special Catalog Sale” January 25 had it all. The sale day saw a rippin’ good market from start to finish as 264 horses were offered with a slim five no sales or pass outs. Better geldings remained bulletproof as four out of the top five sellers were geldings - three of which sold grade - including the day’s number one and two rides. January’s number one spot to Hip 51 “Montana” a 2003 Grade Sorrel Gelding that came gentle, kind, no-nonsense, stayed broke, and brought $11,000. Capably shown in both previews by five-year-old Ian McNabb, the special gelding brought $11,000. Number two on the high sellers list to Hip 88 “Poncho” a 2014 Grade Bay gelding offered by Jarret Nelson and Megan Snyder, Nezperce, ID. Shown heeling in the Friday preview, the snappy, attractive gelding had seen solid ranch use as well as started in the breakaway. He brought $10,500 and sold to Quint Whitman, Meridian, ID. Hip 47 “Amigo” a 2012 Grade Buttermilk Buckskin Gelding had been working for a living, both his and his consignor’s, Joe Fox, Hysham, MT. Patient, gentle, ridden miles and miles in big country, “Amigo” had been Joe’s main mount for the past two years, stood 15.1 hands, weighed 1150, and sold to Deb Monroe, Helena, MT for $8,500. Affordability at Billings, too, where 32 head of catalog horses brought between $2,500 and $4,000. Overall sale averages include the top five at $9,690; To ten at $8,575; Top 20 brought $7,195; top 50 at $4,941; and top 100 averaged $3,424. The big news of the weekend was the blazing loose horse trade - again - Billings sets the market as the prospects rocked it with four head bringing over $3,000 and 35 head at $1,000 or better. Horse for horse, the loose horse sale averaged $684 on 155 head. Top five loose averaged $3,220; to ten at $2,645; top 20 brought $1,992; top 50 at $1,359; and the top 100 averaged $925. Three big days of horse sales headline Billings Livestock's next event the “February Special Catalog Sale” February 21-22-23 featuring the special session of “Sons and Daughters” of AQHA Champions and money earners. Bonused with a complete performance preview, this sale offers top end prospects, finished horses in all disciplines, as well as complimented by those good geldings. You can see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT NOVEMBER 22 & 23, 2019 Western Wonderland Good horses continue to ring the bell at Billings Livestock as demand continues for a better horse. Billings Livestock's "Holiday Special Catalog Sale" November 23 welcomed a one-day total of 390 head of horses with the top sale horse at $11,700, followed by $9,500, and $9,000. November’s top 20 club reflects an interesting mix as mares owned the top two sale positions – and - a total of eight mares lit up this month’s top 20, plus six grade horses, each one a gelding, with a top 20 averaged of $6,780. HorsePalace Arena hosted a bang-up indoor preview - roping, barrels, cutting, and saddle and ride horses - on Friday with horses previewing in the BLS arena again Saturday morning. Overall sale averages include the top five at $9,340, top 10 brought $8,370, top 50 at $4,477 and the top 100 averaged $3,135. So very pretty, Hip 99 “Wreycking Ball” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by the $44 million dollar sire, Dual Rey, and out of a $92,000 money earning daughter of High Brow Cat, Cats Live Oak, was November’s Number One. Kind, gentle, and with NCHA earnings of her own, the special mare was in foal to NCHA Horse of the Year, Smooth Talkin Style, and sold to Hutchings Quarter Horses, Gooding, ID for $11,700. Fancy and willing, Hip 96 “Sinful Starlight” a 2017 AQHA Sorrel filly by Light N Lena and out of Sinful Playgirl by Freckles Playboy earned the Reserve Sale position with a $9,500 price tag.l Offered and shown by Brandon Kruger, Kruger Performance Horses, Lake Lillian, MN, the mare with the big future sold to Suzanne Harwood, Geyser, MT. Certainly one-of-a-kind, Hip 94 “Bam Bam” a 2010 Grade Leopard Pony Gelding offered by Laura Johnson, New London, MN had been ridden in parades and many trail riding adventures by her grandson. The special pony brought $5,500 and sold to Daniel Yates, Red Lodge, MT Hip 80 “Teddy” a 2008 Grade Bay Roan Gelding consigned by Colter Soll, Bighorn, MT was a finished ranch horse who had seen use on some of the largest ranches in Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana. Big and gentle, the solid gelding stood 16 hands, weighed 1,300, wore a size one shoe, and had roped thousands of cattle both in and out of the arena. He sold to Greg Noe, Wilder, ID for $6,900. Loose horses were again led by the ride prospects as 21 head brought $1,000 or better, 12 over the $1,500 mark, and five at $2,000 or better. Top loose horse brought $2,850. Averages in the loose session include the top five at $2,480; top ten at 2,105; top 20 averaged $1,712; top 50 at $1,147; and top 100 at $854. November’s sale was a wrap for 2019 at Billings Livestock Horse Sales with a year that included eleven sales selling 5,406 head of horses – all kinds, all classes, all the time. Get set for one big day of horses, tack, and more horses on Saturday, January 25 as Billings Livestock kicks of 2020 with the “Winter Special Catalog Horse Sale” and annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” offering used and collectible tack. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT OCTOBER 25 & 26, 2019 Falls Best Rides With 538 head of horses offered in a one-day sale format, the market continued to be driven by quality - the top-end horses held their own and sparked demand, while plainer, less experienced type horses met with a softer market. Overall, the top 20 averaged $7,045. A well attended, indoor, pre-sale preview for the cutters, ropers, and ride horses allowed the sale horses to show their stuff on Friday afternoon. Sired by EquiStat’s Number One leading barrel sire, all ages, all divisions, and the sire of EquiStat earners of $23 million plus, Dash Ta Fame, Hip 103 “Famous N Stylin” a 2014 AQHA Gray Stallion earned top sale honors. Offered by Chris Sayers, Delmas, Saskatchewan, the handsome stallion was out of a daughter of Ocean Runaway, and sold to Cooper Smith, Whitesboro, TX for $15,000. Reserve sale honors to Hip 128 “Peppers Nic” a 2008 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Docs Peppernic and out of a Son O Sugar bred dam. Home raised and shown by Ken Mintling, Pompeys Pillar, MT, the extremely fancy gelding came gentle, had been used for all aspects of ranch work, and had seen big country at the Grapevine, PV, and Sunlight Ranches, and sold to Merritt Bradshaw, Huntley, MT for $8,900. A rock solid, top-end gelding market, October’s top ten geldings - including two grade - averaged $7,230. Sale highlights included production offerings from North Country Quarter Horses, Fred and Linda Finke, Big Sandy, MT; Archie Gronvold, Rafter A Quarter Horses, Barton, ND; Robert Lee, Dix, NE; Nagel Quarter Horses, Robert and Kimberly Nagel, Baldwin, ND; and Theresa Lee, Roberts, MT. The weanlings and yearlings brought from $450 on up to $2,400. Complete sale averages include the top five at $9,460; top ten averaged $8,260; top twenty came in at $7,045; followed by the top 50 at $5,096; and the top 100 head of horses sold - averaged $3,695. Continuing the trend, value remains in the younger, less experienced horses looking for a job, while buyers scramble to purchase the finished, honest and proven type horses. Ride prospects rule in the loose horse division where 263 head were offered with the top horse fetching $3,600, followed by $3,500, and $3,000. Loose averages include the top five at $3,080; top ten at $2,600; top 20 averaged $2,090; top 50 at $1,429 and the top 100 averaged $1009. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for November 23 and will feature the “Holiday Special Catalog Sale” and will include an indoor performance preview Friday, November 22. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 27, 28, & 29, 2019 Credibility, reliability, and accountability - it's important to us at Billings Livestock. At Billings Livestock we're proud to be federally licensed and bonded. We are also governed by the Montana Department of Livestock. The figures reported in our monthly sale reports are correct and accurate and subject to both state and federal audits. Text the word Billings to 313131 to receive our latest text notifications A game-ready set of rope horses fit for the Friday night jackpot or next weekend’s rodeo cranked it up at Billings Livestock Commission’s 21st annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale and “Fall Rope Horse Special” September 27-28-29. An expanded three day sale format featuring rope horses welcomed 727 head of horses They showed it to you, too, and Friday afternoon’s “sale horse only” team roping competition flat out rocked with 171 teams showcased in a pick one-draw-two format, with two complete go-arounds and a top-ten finals. The professional, put it-all-out-there, let you shop ’em jackpot Championship titles went to Jace Crabb heading aboard Hip 325 “Star Bert Feature” consigned by Alan Chappel and Hip 315 “Pocos Shawnee” piloted by Paul Griemsman and offered by Layne Billadeau who roped three in 21.32. The top rope horse brought $35,000, top five rope horses averaged $28,400, and the top ten “ropers only” - every one a gelding- cracked $23,530. September’s number one to Hip 309 “Play Like A Red Oak” a 2013 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by Sugs Red Oak and out of a Doc’s Hickory granddaughter owned and shown by Brett Heggie, Big Horn, MT. “Duke” came hauled and won on at PRCA rodeos, World Series Ropings, Ranch Rodeos and had roped thousands of cattle outside, and was suitable for any level roper. Fancy, gentle, and athletic, the built to last gelding sold to Bernard McGuire, Wheatland, WY. Taylor made and covered in buckskin, Hip 301 “Hunka Copper” a 2015 AQHA Buckskin Gelding sired by Hunka Dual Pep earned co-reserve sale honors with a $28,000 sale price. Consignor Clayton Knox, Sedalia, MO had owned the special gelding since a weanling and he came broke, broke, broke, gentle, and sold to Kelly Krammerer, Kendallville, IN. He’d earned Reserve Champion Rope Horse honors and Hip 377 “Smart Moon Doc” a 2011 Palomino Gelding sired by Boonlights Mel x Boonlight Dancer was the all-around horse business consigned by Ross and Casey Wagner, Park City, MT. All you needed was a one horse trailer and the gelding - he came a six event money earner including heading, heeling, breakaway, barrels, poles, and goat tying. Gentle, friendly, good about it all, he brought $28,000 and sold to Ingram Quarter Horses, Gallatin Gateway, MT. An incredible overall offering, the three day event was the fourth largest sale on record at Billings Livestock in the past 21 years, with over 500 buyers registered and horses selling from California to Florida. Performance, pedigree, and disposition push the market in all disciplines with sale averages reflecting the trend for a better type ride. 13 out of the top 20 selling horses were rope horses, all but three were geldings, with the mares being daughters of Smart Little Lena, High Brow Cat, and Colonels Smokin Gun. Overall sale averages include the top five at $28,800, top ten at $24,680; Top 20 at $19,615; Top 50 at $13,982; and the top 100 averaged $10,136. Loose horses continue their hot streak at BLS as the top loose horse commanded $3,900 and the top five averaged $3,400. Prospects drive the loose market as the top ten averaged $3,115; top 20 at $2,647; Top 50 at $18,78; and to 100 averaged $1,340. There were 52 head that brought $1,000 or more, 32 head over the $1,500 mark, 19 over $2,000, and eight at $3,000 plus. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is the “Fall Special Catalog Sale” set for one day, October 26 and will offer a complete indoor, climate and ground controlled preview of performance horses on Friday, October 25. Saturday’s sale day will begin with loose horses at 8 a.m. followed by the catalog sale at 12 noon. You can see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT AUGUST 23 & 24, 2019 All Kinds Of Stars Performance horses - with a push on barrel and speed bred horses - filled Billings Livestock’s “August Special Catalog Sale” held August 24. A full sale day saw 537 head of horses come and go selling to 19 states and Canada. The top five selling horses averaged $14,400. A big selection of better-end, reliable geldings all with “gentle” as the common denominator - continue to drive the market - true-blue geldings are the hottest-ticket-in-town. Rope, ride, or ranch, Hip 113 “Palos Si Olena” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Palo Duro Cat came fancy, kind, and willing, and earned August’s Top Sale Honors with a $17,000 bid. Offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT, the good-to-go gelding sold to Vintage Valley Ranch, Philipsburg, MT. A first class pedigree and a first class prospect, Hip 61 “RV Slick Satin” a 2017 AQHA Brown Mare sired by Slick By Design and out of a money-earning and producing daughter of Dash Ta Fame offered by Scott Hulme, Downey, ID claimed runner-up sale honors. The beautiful mare was bred to be a winner and sold to Brian Okelberry, Goshen, UT for $16,500. Bonnie Hamlin, Hermiston, OR offered Hp 23 “Bandit” a 2010 Grade Brown Gelding that was the go-to-guy - no nonsense and ridden by all levels of riders. Ridden in parades, on the ranch, in the stockyards, the kind gelding brought $13,000 and sold to Nancy Gooding, Englewood, CO. The buzz was on Hip 121 “Strawberry” a 2012 Grade Red Roan Pony Gelding consigned by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody, WY and shown by four-year-old Ian McNabb. The pony who looked like a big horse, came kind, ranch ridden, as well as hauled to town. He brought $13,000 and sold to Ron Goodman, Dos Palos, CA. Value could also be found in the catalog as 52 head of horses brought between $2,500 and $3,900. Averages include the top five at $14,400; Top ten at $12,055; Top 20 brought $9,667; Top 50 at $6,655; and top 100 averaged $4,892. An absolute craze in the loose horse trade as records continue to be broken - this time on a high seller on the loose bringing $5,200, as is, where is, how is. Prospects continue to reach new highs as the top five averaged $3,740; Top ten at $3030; Top 20 at $2,350; Top 50 at $1,692; top 100 averaged $1,251. A total of 295 were offered loose with 53 head bringing $1,000 or better, 27 head at $1,500 plus, and six head $3,000 or better. Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale is next on the BLS Sale agenda September 27-28-29. The big, fall sale event will headline “Rope Horses” with a team roping jackpot for sale horses will follow the indoor performance preview on Friday, September 27. Billings Livestock will host a special 85th anniversary celebration and customer appreciation dinner Friday following the sale horse showcase roping at the HorsePalace Arena. SALE REPORT JULY 26 & 27, 2019 Super Summer Rides A mighty market prevailed in all classes and all divisions at Billings Livestock Commission “Mid-Summer Special Catalog Sale” and regular monthly horse sale July 27. With 537 head of horses offered, the one day sale event welcomed buyers from California to New Jersey and set a new top five sale average of $18,140 on catalog horses, in addition to a new top five average of $3,810 in the loose division. Raised and offered by breeders Jeff and Eva Hepper, Keene, ND Hip 161 “Fugitive On The Run” a 2018 Stallion son of Dash Ta Fame topped the sale with a $19,500 sale price. Out of Oh Honey Rose SI98 by Dash For Perks, the fancy stud colt sold to Ed Boucher, Livingston, MT. A Cadillac ranch horse and five-star head horse offered by Brett Heggie, Bighorn, MT earned reserve sale honors at $18,500. Solid, fancy, and a real-deal ranch and rope horse, Hip 112 “Spooky Jay” a 2010 AQHA Red Roan Gelding by Boonlight Dancer and out of Spooks Janie by Grays Starlight, came gentle and ready to ride. Hayes Ranch, LLC, Wilsall, MT purchased the quality gelding. Hip 74 “Five Hundred An Acre” a 2010 AQHA Bay Gelding by Autumn Acre and out of a $40,000 money earning daughter of Shorty Lena, was all-around special. Ranch, rope, or take back to the cutting pen, the NCHA money earner was offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT and sold to Michael Fletcher, Gravette, AR for $18,000. Rope horses continue to command a presence as three hit the top 20 including Hip 10 “Mr Dynamite CHex” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Colone Doc Bar Chex and out of a Powder River Playboy daughter. Pretty, good sized, head or heel, he was offered and shown by Cody Ford, Hermiston, OR and purchased by Kip and Brandi Hunter, Pingree, ID for $12,000. Top-end mares also graced the top 20 including daughters of A Sparkling Vintage, Boon Too Suen, Judge Cash, Dual R Smokin, and Metallic Cat. The top 20 averaged $12,517. Draft crosses continue to shine at Billings as Hip 142 “Stetson” a 2011 Grade Paint draft cross offered by Grant Scheer, Riverton, WY brought $9,000. Kelly Horses, Midway, UT offered hips 93/93X “Chip and Chuck” a matched pair of paint geldings broke to ride and drive. The full brothers had pulled sleighs and wagons, brought $8,000 and sold to Craig Tysse, Powell, WY. Complete sale averages – top five at $18,140; top ten at $15,740; Top 20 brought $12,517; top 50 at $8,304; and top 100 averaged $5,830. As good as good gets loose horse trade saw 298 offered where the top loose brought $4,500, with 70 head over $1,000, 39 at $1,500 plus, 17 head over $2,000, and three horses over $4,000. Loose averages for July – top five at $3,810; top ten $3,240; top 20 at $2,655; top 50 brought $1,954; and top 100 averaged $1,449. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for August 24 and will include the “August Special Catalog Sale” and UBRC Barrel Race. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JUNE 21 & 22, 2019 The Finished Business An extensive selection of polished rides accented Billings Livestock’s “Summer Special Catalog Sale” June 22. Whatever your discipline, performance, trail or ranch - Billings’ June event had it all - in bunches. With 576 head of horses offered, the June sale saw the largest volume run to date for 2019, in addition to setting new June sales records. June buyers hailed from California to New Jersey, Canada to Alabama, with 362 registered and 67 buying two or more head. Wearing Wagonhound Land and Livestock’s brand, Hip 145 “Sand Jo Tari” a 2005 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by San Jo Tari earned top sale honors with a $19,500 sale price. Owned by Arden Morrow, Sedalia, CO, and purchased by Jimmy Sealy, Uniontown, AL, the experienced gelding had NRCHA earnings, had seen extensive ranch use, came quiet and gentle, and was built big, strong, and attractive. Selling right behind him and earning runnerup sale honors with a $19,000 price tag, was Hip 146 “Smoothtalkn Stranger” a 2014 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by NCHA Horse of the Year, Smooth As A Cat. Offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT, the all-around fancy gelding came with NCHA earnings, a solid ranch resume, and a big start in the arena both heading, heeling, and barrels. Just so nice, Hip 75 “Smart Little PG” a 2011 AQHA Gray Gelding sired by PG Dry Fire and out of a daughter of Smart Little Lena consigned by Elizabeth and Roger Dikoff, Hermosa, SD had been shown in cowhorse derbies and was started in the ranch riding. The prime age, ready-to-go any direction gelding brought $15,500. Hip 138 "ICloud" a 2011 APHA Black Tobiano Gelding offered by Lee Wirthlin, Kalispell, MT was a fancy, one-of-a-kind package that saddles up the same everytime came gentle and had been ridden on the ranch and trails. The handsome ride brought $15,500. He had a lot to talk about and Hip 137 “His Majestys The Kings Heir” a 2004 registered Gypsy Vanner Stallion was showy, unique, and double broke. Ride him or drive him, the gentleman stallion was offered by Sasha Squires, Livingston, MT and sold to Doug and Bonnie Percival, Oxford, NE for $13,000. Call him Mr. Tolerant, Hip 106 “Rusty” a ten year old grade Halflinger Gelding was kind, gentle, and kid friendly. Ridden on the trails, he’d also drive single or double, had been used to gather cattle, and came consigned by Houck Horse CO., North Branch, MN and shown by Lana and her brother, Clayton. He sold for $8,600. The top five averaged $17,100, top ten at $14,350, to 20 at $11,537; top 50 at $8,483;, and top 100 averaged $6,128. A horse for every price point, 51 head of catalog horses brought between $3,000 and $5,000. It just keeps on climbing! Loose horses again set sales records as the top loose horse of the day brought $4,000. A grand total of 285 head sold in the loose session where 65 head brought $1,000 or better, 40 at $1,500 plus, and 17 head pushed $2,000 or better. Loose averages include the top five at $3,160; top ten at $2,760; Top 20 at $2,397; top 50 at $1,915; and the top 100 averaged $1,407. Billings Livestock’s next sale event will be July 27. Billings Livestock is a federally licensed and bonded facility and offers all classes and kinds of horses. For more information, contact Jann Parker, BLS Sale Manager at 406-855-1947. www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT MAY 21 & 22, 2019 Really Western Ranch horses shined at Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” and annual “Best of the Remuda” Ranch Horse Competition May 24-25. The one-day sale offered 442 head of horses, 94 roping cattle, and a top five average of $14,240. Friday’s performance preview preceded the judged Ranch Horse Competition where 48 horses demonstrated their abilities. The top four ranch horses included geldings by Mr Playinstylish, Halreycious, TR Dual Rey, and a mare by A Smooth Guy. He won the Ranch Horse title and earned May’s top sale honors, and Hip 105 “Mr Playin Paddy” a 2013 AQHA Buckskin Gelding sired by Mr Playinstylish and out of a Paddys Irish Whiskey daughter was truly the whole package. Offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT and capably shown by Chad Turner, the standup gelding brought $27,000. Reserve Ranch Horse honors to Hip 101 “Halreycious Style” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Halreycious and out of Meradas Style by Docs Stylish Oak owned and shown by Delon Parker, Worden, MT. Ridden in big country, the gentle, user friendly gelding brought $10,000 and sold to Tad Edwards, Visalia, CA. Jace Crabb, Mangum, OK had both the third place ranch horse as well as runnerup sale position with a $12,200 sales price on Hip 111 “Reys Smart Play” a 2007 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by TR Dual Rey and out of Play Smart N Rio by Smart Mate. The top of the line ranch horse had also been hauled to the jackpots and rodeos on the heel side, came gentle, and sold to Jeff Brown, Riverton, WY. Four draft cross geldings made the top 20 sellers list including Hip 51 “Ringo” a 2013 Grade Red and White Crossbred offered by Carly Persani, Sheridan, Wy. Big, handsome, ride or drive, he brought $12,000 and sold to Patrick Blount, Tolar, TX. Hip 133 “Big John” a 2010 Grade Dun Draft Cross offered by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA was a solid mount fit for most levels of riders, stood 15.2 hands and weighed 1,450; He brought $9,500. The top four selling crossbreds averaged $9,450. The loose horse division at Billings continues to be the hottest thing in town with record high averages set again at the May event. With 203 head offered loose – as is, where is, how is - 61 head brought $1,000 or better, 37 head at $1,500 or better, 19 head at or over $2,000, and three at $3,000 plus. Well attended, rapid action, the loose market saw unprecedented sale averages where the top five averaged $3,060; Top ten at $2,740; top 20 at $2,415; top 50 at $1,890, and top 100 – that’s right at 50% - averaging $1,372. Demand continues strong on horses with an occupation, eye appeal, and pedigree, with sale averages reflecting the push on a better type of horse. Overall sale averages include the top five at $1,4240; top ten at $11,600; Top 20 at $9,527; Top 50 averaged $7,037; and the top 100 brought $5,122. Billings Livestock’s next event is set for June 22 and features the “Summer Special Catalog Sale” highlighting performance horses. Loose horses will sell at 8 a.m. with catalog horses at 12 noon. You can see it all at www.billingslivstock.com
SALE REPORT APRIL 26 & 27, 2019 Rope Horse Magic Headlined by all levels of rope horses from honest prospects to the rodeo-ready kind, Billings Livestock’s “April Special Catalog Sale” and 21st annual “Rope Horse Special” offered 456 head of horses all in one day, all in one place, April 27. The Friday afternoon preview combined with the rope horse jackpot, allowed the sale horses to shine in a competition set up where 114 teams competed in a two-go-around roping. Roping three steers in 21.36, the 2019 Spring Rope Horse Championship went to Hip 213 “Flying Blue Magic” offered by Dylan Johnson, Cedar City, UT on the head side and Paul Griemsman on the heel side aboard Hip 128 “Poker Chip Mercedes”. The top 20 - with ten being ropers - averaged $11,560. And rope he did, Hip 78 “LT Lectric Jo” a 2011 AQHA Bay Gelding x Lectric High offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT earned April’s Top Sale Honors with a $27,000 sale price. Hauled and won on, the solid, stylish, and all-business kind of guy had also been heeled and breakawayed on. LG Land and Cattle, Casper, WY purchased the finished gelding. Certainly a sale highlight, Hip 113 “Amasneakin Rose” a 2006 AQHA Red Roan Mare bred by South Dakota’s Strain Ranch and sired by a Sneakin Lena and out of a daughter of Poppin Peponita, sold bred for 2019 to “A Steak Of Fling”. Offered by Lisa Fulton, Valentine, NE and home to Fulton Family Performance Horses and “A Streak Of Fling” the beautiful mare sold to Steve Chockerum, Fruitland, ID for $15,500. Double fancy and a switch-end rope horse, Hip 192 “Rios Little Streaker” a 2009 AQHA Bay Mare by Rio Starlight had been hauled to rodeos, came strong and solid, had seen the sights, and stood 15.1 and weighted 1,100 lbs.Truly an outstanding athlete, the pretty mare was owned and shown by Kera Washburn, Cedar City, UT and purchased by Rett Nelson, Pine Bluff, WY for $15,500. So very nice, Hip 26 “Docs Roja Jack” a 2011 AQHA Red Dun Gelding consigned by Gerald Grant, Las Vegas, NV and shown by Chelsy Grant, the solid, honest gelding won fourth place in the roping, brought $8,400 and sold to Victor Small, JR. Lame Deer, MT. Billings also allowed for affordability as 51 head of horses brought between $3,600 and $5,100. Sale averages reflect the strength of the market where the top five averaged $17,440, top ten at $14,170; top 20 at $11,560; top 50 at $8,739; and top 100 averaged $6,590. The strongest loose horse sale on record at BLS where 182 head were offered in the sale session, selling with no guarantees, no speeches, and no riders. 56 head brought $1,000 or better, 11 head sold for $2,000 or better, and four head were over $3,000 with the top horse at $3,700. Loose averages include the top five at $3,140; top ten at $2,820; top 20 at $2,325; Top 50 at $1,731; and the top 100 loose averaged $1,295. The market continues to be driven bytop 50 working geldings offered over the weekend ranged from a low of $1,800 to a high of $8,500, depending on experience, condition, pedigree, and disposition. Demand for gentle, finished geldings with experience, condition, pedigree and disposition, continues to be strong, while true value was again found in the younger, less experienced horses. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for May 24 - 25 and will feature the annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale in addition to the “Best of the Remuda” Ranch Horse competition. Featured in May will be Ranch geldings. For more information contact Jann Parker 406.855.1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT MARCH 22 & 23, 2019 Mix and Match A broad selection of recreational mules, teams, draft crosses, and trail horses headlined Billings Livestock’s “Spring Special Catalog Sale” featuring “Outfitters, Guides, Trail, and Guest horses” March 23. Two days of performance and ride previews paved the way for one big sale day as 436 head of horse and mules were offered, with only 24 no saled or passed out by the seller. Ten out of the top 20 selling horses were draft or draft crosses, with the top 20 averaging $13,912. Horses and mules for every budget, 51 head of cataloged stock brought between $2,800 and $4,700. The stars of the show with a $100,000 sale price, were Hips 138 and 139 a pair of registered Gypsy Vanner Geldings, three and five years old, offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody, WY. The fancy duo were broke to drive single or double, had been driven in parades, used as a feed team on the ranch, came traffic safe, ridden by novices on trails and on the ranch, and came gentle, kind, and willing. The one-of-a-kind team sold to Wells Ranch; Gill, CO. His barn name is Happy, and runnerup sale honors with a $19,000 final bid to Hip 49 “Hancocks Hand” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Sasabes Apache offered by Schmitt horse Ranch, Holland, IA. Gentle and kind, the family horse had been ridden on the trails, used to move cattle in the pasture, and was a “been there, done that” kind of guy that sold to Denise Edmonson; Phoenix, AZ. Pete and Jill Houck, North Branch, MN offered Hip 115 “Big Sky” a 2006 Grade Bay Roan Crossbred Gelding that had been Jill’s personal riding gelding. Good-as-gold, “Big Sky” came ridden everywhere, from trail rides to hunting trips, was tolerant and forgiving and sold to David and Vickie Lyon; La Grande, OR for $17,000. The day’s top selling mules with a $7,600 sale price were Hips 70 and 70X “Ricky and Lucy” the fancy team sold to Rueben Miller, Moore, MT. Hips 193 and 193X “Dutch and Dutchess” a six year old paint draft cross gelding and mare consigned by Colton Thorson, Fergus Falls, MN were both broke to ride and drive. Used in parades, sleigh rides, hooked to all farm machinery, they stood 16.2 hands and weighed 1400 lbs. The well matched team brought $11,000. Black Mountain Outfitters, Emigrant, MT offered 11 head from their outfitting business including Hip 60 “Hudson” a Grullo Paint John Mule that was broke to ride or drive. The flashy, well built mule brought $4,300. Overall catalog sale averages include the top five at $31,650; top ten at $20,325; Top 20 at $13,912; Top 50 at $8,833; and the top 100 averaged $6,223. Loose horses remain strong on a light run as 138 head were offered with 92 head prospected out in that division. Top loose horse hit $2,900 with a top five average of $2,620; top ten at $2,275; Top 20 brought $1,867; Top 50 at $1,277; Top 100 averaged $895. Twenty head on the loose brought $1,000 or better, with 14 head bumping $1500 plus. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for April 26-27 and includes the Spring Rope Horse Sale. You can see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT FEBRUARY 22, 23, & 24, 2019 Nearly Perfect Quality was king in Billings, Montana at Billings Livestock’s “February Special Catalog Sale” February 22-23-24. A three-day total of 489 head of horses were consigned including 150 head of “Black Type” horses offered in the popular “Sons and Daughters” sale session featuring horses with bonafide earnings or offspring of money earners or breed champions. As a result – the sale showcased a mega-selection of finished performance horses and a super-sized set of prospects – that sold to an ambitious market as nearly 600 individuals registered to buy over the weekend. The top five horses averaged $31,200. The leader of the pack with a $44,000 sale ticket was Hip 344 “ItsThe WhizkeyTalkin” a 2014 AQHA Buckskin Gelding sired by AQHA World Champion Reiner “Whizkeyndiamonds” and out of a daughter of Smart Chic Olena. Fancy, fancy, the gentle show stopper had been ridden in parades, packed flags at the Cody Nite Rodeo, used on the ranch, was a finished reiner, came started roping, and was offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody, WY and purchased by Rebecca Knight, Basalt, CO. The buzz was on high for Hip 428 “Okie Gun” a 2016 AQHA Gray Stallion by Catty Hawk and out of Playgun Frost by Playgun who had all the right parts and pieces and earned runner up sale honors with a $34,000 sale price. Impeccable conformation, the stallion had been in cutting/cow horse training, wore that pretty gray color, and exhibited that “special” that set him apart. Consigned by Cooper Smith, Whitesboro, TX he sold to Roger Sorenson, Ross, ND. With $16,612 in the bank and 95.5 AQHA points in working cowhorse, boxing, reining, and ranch riding, Hip 328 “Mister Chicadual” a 2009 AQHA Chestnut Gelding by Mister Nicadual and out of a daughter of Smart Chic Olena, truly was a decorated show horse offered by his rider and owner, Kelsey Flesner, Whitesboro, TX. The special gelding sold to Alan Chamberlain, Saint Jo, TX for $28,000. Ross and Casey Wagner, Park City, MT consigned Hip 364 “Harems Queen” a 2011 AQHA Brown Mare sired by A Crack Shot and out of a daughter of First Down Dash that was a hauled and won on barrel horse. With Equi-Stat Earnings of $4,696, Reserve Champion honors at Montana NBHA State Finals, and WPRA rodeo placings, the take you to the pay window mare brought $25,000 and sold to Annie Alexander, Florence, MT. Call him the horse business, Hip 366 “Peptos Shooting Star” a 2013 AQHA Red Roan Gelding by Peptos Boon Shadow x Peptoboonsmal and out of a daughter of Playgun was a standup head horse and had also been hauled on the heeling side. This gelding played hard and came owned and shown in the roping preview by Paul Griemsman, Piedmont, SD the gentle, good sized guy brought $25,000 and sold to Lance and Stacie West, Cheyenne, WY. Catalog sale averages reflect the quality offered and include the top 10 at $25,170; Top 20 averaged $19,862; Top 50 brought $14,182, and the top 100 averaged $10,557. Loose horses ran absolutely wild on a short run as 92 head averaged $906 across the board, ride prospects reflect nearly 70% of the offering with the top loose horse at $3,000 and 20 head sold over the $1,500 mark. Loose averages include top five at $2,800; top ten at $2,400; Top 20 brought $2,005; Top 50 at $1,289, and the top 75 averaged $1,031. Billings Livestock’s next sale event will be the “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 23 and will feature the annual “Outfitters, Guest, Dude Ranch and Trail Horse” offering. All classes of horses will sell, in addition to a big selection of mules. An indoor preview performance horse preview is set for Friday, March 22 at 3 p.m. at the HorsePalace Arena. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT JANUARY 26, 2019 Tested, Tried, and True A supermarket selection of good-as-gold, user friendly horses headlined Billings Livestock’s “Winter Special Catalog Sale” and annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” January 26. Gentle was the common denominator, and crossed all classes from teams, to draft crosses, and using geldings. The top 20 averaged $6,607 and included three draft crosses and two teams. A well attended, ready-to-do business crowd saw 214 head of horses offered, six no-sales, and a day’s top sale ticket of $11,000. Hips 84 & 84X “Jake and Jim” a team of fjord geldings offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody, WY earned top sale honors for January. Ride or drive, the pair of geldings had been used on the ranch, trail ridden, used as the feed team, and came sure-footed and quiet. The fancy team sold to BAR NI Ranch, Weston, CO. Wowk Ranch, Ltd, Beauvallon, Alberta brought Hips 32 & 32X “Renn and Ralph” a team of Black and White Draft Cross geldings that also were broke to ride and drive. Used for choring, sleigh rides, and trail ridden, the big, solid geldings brought $9,000 and sold to Michael Fleer, Haskins, NE. The only mare to crack the top 20 was offered by Westfork Ranch, Holland, IA and came well broke, black-typed, and a daughter of NRHA Open Champion - Whiskey N Diamonds - and out of a mare that also had a record. Hip 61 “Cee Guns Duchess” a 2015 Bay mare that came with over a year and a half of reining training, she brought $8,000 and sold to Heath Wakefield, Rogue River, OR. Joe Fox, Hysham, MT offered Hip 69 “High Pockets” a 2014 Grade Buckskin Gelding that had been his personal using horse on the Froze To Death Grazing District for the past two years. Handsome and gentle, the gelding had roped most everything and drug hundreds of calves, sold to Bitter Creek Livestock for $7,500. Hip 70 “Gunner” a 2013 Grade Sorrel Quarter Pony Gelding offered by McNabb Livestock was a youth horse deluxe. Gentle everyday, every time, the solid, steady ride brought $9,000. Overall sale averages include the top five at $9,260; top ten at $8,060; Top 20 brought $6,507. Top 50 at $4,424, and the top 100 at $3,038. The loose horse market was very strong on a light run. Lots of loose horses sold to prospect buyers from 900.00 to 2500.00 with 19 horses bringing $1,000 or better. Actual processing horses hit 55.00 to 60.00 on the #'1s, 40.00 to 45.00 on the #2's, and 30.00 to 35.00 on the lighter horses. Three big days of horse sales headline Billings Livestock’s next horse sale “February Catalog Sale” featuring the well received, special session of “Sons and Daughters” of AQHA Champions and money earners. Bonused by a complete performance preview, this sale offers top end prospects, finished horses in all disciplines, as well as complimented by those good geldings. You can see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT NOVEMBER 23 & 24, 2018 Rope horses, prospects, and gentle geldings made the market at Billings Livestock’s “Holiday Special Catalog Sale” November 24. Billings Livestock’s final sale of 2018 hosted 405 head of horses. Two horses earned November’s top sale honors with a $12,000 sale price including Hip 17 “Chick A Nick” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by Pepinics Master and out of a granddaughter of Dry Doc offered by Cody Ford, Hermiston, OR and Hip 61 “Sizzelin Duke” a 2012 AQHA Bay Gelding x Sho Of Jacks consigned by Meyer Horse Company, Bernard, IA . Hip 17 “Chick A Nick” came good at everything and could do anything, gentle, stout, been used outside on thousands of cattle, showed outstanding on the head side at the preview, ran barrels, poles, and was the total package. A hauled and won on heel horse, Meyer Horse Company‘s Hip 61 “Sizzelin Duke“ was the real deal heel horse that had been hauled to jackpots and rodeos, stayed solid and was the same horse every run. Ridden by a #4 to a #9, the gelding operated for any level of rider, in addition to being used outside on the ranch. Another nice rope horse, this one offered by Paul Griemsman, Piedmont, SD, Hip 103 “Radical Rad” a 2011 AQHA Bay Gelding x Radical Rodder was gentle, easy going, and had been ridden in the feedlot. The family type gelding was good minded, stood 15.1 hands, weighed 1,250 lbs., and brought $7,700. November’s event offered a quality selection of teams, including Hips 117 and 118 a pair of registered Percheron geldings offered by Gene Jorgenson, Graceville, MT that brought $6,800, Hips 155 and 155X a team or Halflinger Geldings consigned by Nick Coulter, Flandreau, SD that sold for $6,400, and Hips 71 and 71X a team of Halflinger Geldings consigned by JC Performance Horses, Kuna, ID with a sale price of $4,800. A true market for a better horse, Call it solid from beginning to end, the top five averaged $10,600; top ten at $9.280, top 20 brought $7,347; top 50 averaged $5,027, and the top 100 came in at $3,474.. Loose horses remained solid and steady with the prospects pushing the market, top loose horse brought $2,400, top five averaged $2,070 Top ten at $1,695;, top 20 at $1,320;, Top 50 at $909; and top 100 averaged $684. Get set for one big day of horses, tack, and more horses on Saturday, January 26 as Billings Livestock kicks of the New Year with the “Winter Special Catalog Horse Sale” and annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” offering used and collectible tack. For more info contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager 406.855.1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT OCTOBER 26 & 27, 2018 Real Hot Stuff Experience paid dividends at Billings Livestock’s October 27 “Fall Special Catalog Sale” as horses with solid resumes - ranch or arena - made the market as buyers sought out the ready-ride-kind with a solid education and gentle demeanor. The well attended, fall sale saw the strongest October market at BLS in ten years as a one day total of 608 head were bought and sold, a 94% sale percentage, a top sale horse at $16,000 and a top five average of $13,200 - which included two grade geldings. Sired by EquiStat’s Number One leading barrel sire, all ages, all divisions, and the sire of EquiStat earners of $20 million plus, Dash Ta Fame, Hip 165 “Fameus Corona” a 2011 AQHA Brown Gelding earned top sale honors with a $16,000 final bid. Offered by Butch Webb, Isabel, SD and shown by Kailee Webb, the 1D barrel horse had EquiStat earnings himself of $3,044 and included wins at Doxa Extreme Rodeo, and Summer Shootout Open Reserve Championship. Out of a AAA daughter of Corona Cartel, the big, pretty gelding sold to Tatelynn Waddell, Helena, MT. Reserve sale honors to Hip 53 “Belles Black Ace” a 2013 AQHA Gray Gelding by JF Scrapper Joe offered by the Nelson Ranch, Lewellen, NE. Home raised and shown by Anne Nelson, the extremely fancy gelding stayed gentle, had been ridden by the entire family, came level headed, and was the same horse everyday. He brought $15,000 and sold to Devoe Taylor, Tatum, NM. Just a good guy, Hip 86 “Jiffy” a 2013 Grade Sorrel Gelding offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody, WY had carried flags at the Cody Night Rodeo, been ridden by both experienced and inexperienced riders, stood 14 hands and was a gentleman. Ridden on the ranch, the solid smaller-type gelding brought $12,500 and sold to Angela Dillon, Clark, WY. He showed in the roping previews both days and you couldn’t miss him - Hip 7 “L J” a 2006 Grade Gray Gelding consigned by Cole Thorson, Dillon, MT was a rock solid head horse. Big, strong, with the same trip every time, the honest gelding had been to the pay window at rodeos, World Series, and other jackpots. He sold to Arron Skerick, Huntley, MT for $11,000. Billings also offered selection and affordability with 51 head of horses bringing from $2100 to $3500. North Country Quarter Horses offered 15 head of weanlings from their program that included the genetics of Frenchman’s Guy, Dash For Cash, and Blue Valentine. 15 head of weanlings averaged $965. Overall sale averages include the top five at $13,200; top ten at $10,745; top 20 brought $8,435; top 50 at $5,915; and the top 100 averaged $4,362. In the loose horse division, 321 head of horses were offered as is, where is, how is, with the market continuing to hold the 50 cent mark on the top end with the 9 weights bringing 30 cents. Loose horse trade is driven by the ride prospects where the top loose horse brought $2500, followed by $2,200 – 16 head brought $1,500 or better and 33 head bumped $1,000 or better. Billings Livestock’s next horse sale event is set for Saturday, Thanksgiving weekend, November 24 with loose selling at 8 a.m. and catalog horses selling at 12 noon. An indoor performance preview is set for 3 p.m. on Friday, November 23 at the Horse Palace Arena and will include the barrel horses, cutting horses, saddle/ride/reiners and the rope horses. To enter, consign or request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855.1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 21-22-23, 2018 Polish and Shine Head, heel, or breakaway, a first-class string of rope horses complimented Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale and “Fall Rope Horse Special” September 21-22-23. A two-day total of 657 head of horses sold to buyers from 22 states and Canada. Buyers were on the seats from California to New Jersey. The September event celebrated the 228th consecutive sale at Billings since 1998 as well as the sale of the 150,000 horse during that time. The top ten rope horses averaged $15,905. A professionally produced Rope Horse Jackpot for sale horses, designed to show the horses under competition conditions, took the stage on Friday afternoon as 149 teams competed in a snappy rope and show produced by the Wrangler Team Roping Championships. A full performance preview preceded the jackpot. September’s number one – Hip 69 “Shake This” a 2010 AQHA Gray Gelding sired by Royal Shake Em – a stakes winner of $257,009 - and out of a daughter of Haidas Little Pep was consigned by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA and shown in the jackpot by Paul Griemsman, Piedmont, SD. Truly a showstopper, the fancy gray gelding was finished both heading and heeling, brought $22,000 and sold to Jamie McElhaney, Lusk, WY. Reserve sale honors to Hip 150 “Rockin Laney” a 2014 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Rockin W and out of a full sister to Cat Ichi – Catalaney. Consigned by Cierra Kunesh, Helena, MT the attractive, young prospect with the good mind and good start in the roping pen, brought $21,000. Three draft crosses graced the top twenty sellers listing including Hip 19 “Chavo” a 2012 Gypsy Dale Cross gelding came gentle, willing, and with a ranching background. Offered by Ashley Lohof, Lodge Grass, MT the unique gelding had been ridden in parades, used as a pack horse, and been on trail rides. He brought $10,000. 4T Ranch, Boulder, MT offered Hip 25 “Pete” a 2009 Grade Blue Roan Shire/Brayban Cross gelding that was good hearted, kind, broke to ride or drive, would let you mount from the fence, and suit any level of rider, The unique, cool colored gelding brought $8,500 and sold to Geney Ziolkowski, Custer, SD. Ryan Siemsen, Worden, MT offered Hip 166 “Frenchman Gold Drift” a 2006 AQHA Palomino gelding by Frenchmans Fabulous. Shown in the performance previews on barrels, poles, and in the ride demonstration by five year old Royce and nine year old Tylie, the ready-to-rodeo gelding had earned many accolades at the Little Britches Level including a finals qualification in 2018. He brought $10,000 and sold to Justin Taylor, Condon, MT. Demand for a good horse in all classes – whether it be finished or a prospect –buyers sought out quality, pedigree, occupation, and disposition. The top five averaged $19,080; top ten at $15,905; top 20 at $12,710; Top 50 brought $9,233; and the top 100 averaged $6,739. Loose horses continue their wild ride at BLS as 303 head were offered as is, where is, how is, with the top horse bringing $3,900, followed by $2,900, and $2,800. Forty head of loose horses brought $1,000 or better, 20 brought $14,00 or better, and eight head cracked $2,000 plus. Averages on the loose include top five at $2,940; to ten at $2,435; Top 20 at $1,960; Top 50 at $1,433. and top 100 averaged $1,073. Billings Livestock’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” is set for October 27 and features performance horses. An indoor, climate and ground controlled preview for the barrel horses, cutters, saddle and ride horses, calf horses, and team roping horses is set for 3 p.m. on Friday, October 26 at the HorsePalace Arena, exit 437 on I-90. Complete catalog will be available on-line Thursday, October 18 at www.billingslivestock.com For more information contact Jann Parker, Horse Sale Manager, at 406.855.1947 SALE REPORT AUGUST 24 & 25, 2018 Top Of The Game From real rope horses to real draft horses, all kinds and classes at all price points and quality, the August 25 “August Special Catalog Sale” at Billings Livestock had it all. Presented to 308 registered buyers with 172 purchasing horses, 589 horses sold to buyers from California to Illinois. Top five averaged $12,440. Billings Livestock’s annual UBRC Pistols and Crystals tour stop barrel race hosted 117 runs on Friday evening following a well attended indoor preview of performance horses all held at the HorsePalace Arena. August’s top sale honors to Hip 31 “Cadillac Jet” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Jolitas Jack and out of a Jet Of Honor daughter was offered by John McPhail, Lisbon, IA and purchased by Ken and Echo Hall, Homedale, ID. A competitive arena horse, the handsome, chromed up gelding ran 1D barrels, 21 second poles, and was a first class head horse, as well as used at every end of the ranch. The fancy gelding brought $17,000. Runnerup sale honors to Hip 148 “Rubys Dual Badger” a 2015 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by NCHA Horse of the Year - Reys Dual Badger - and out of Ruby Tuesday DNA - the dam of $1,352,000 in money earners to date - the fancy, fancy three-year old was offered by the breeder - Ruby Tuesday Partners of Scottsdale, AZ. The athletic, top-bred gelding had been in training with Million Dollar Rider, Al Dunning, Scottsdale, AZ right up to sale day. Purchased by Ellis Livestock, Billings, MT, the colt with a big future brought $12,500. He’d seen big country and been to town, too, and Hip 126 “Salty Starlight Bar” a 2009 AQHA Bay Gelding by Salty Starlight by Chex the North Star had been ridden in parades, queen contests, used on the ranch, ran barrels and poles, and was all-around nice. Consigned by Gilbert and Shannon Grooms, Oglala, SD, the special gelding sold to Jim Morrison, Evansville, WY for $11,200. Sparkle and shine, Hip 69 “Faceit N Tinseltown” a 2013 AQHA Palomino Mare by HollywoodTinselTown and Hip 154 “Call Me Josephine” a 2014 AQHA Red Dun Mare by Lil Joe Cash were both offered by Kevin Truax, Parkersburg, IA and shown by reining trainer Derek Heitland. Both mares came with NRHA earnings and were quiet, easy, ridden both in and out of the arena, and were the business. They brought $11,000 and $10,500 respectively. A horse of a different color, Hip 90 “Patch” a 2008 Grade Black and White Draft Cross gelding offered by Blake Kruger, Long Lake, MN had been ridden on the trails, hauled on family vacations to the badlands, ridden English, and came gentle. He brought $10,000 and sold to James Goodrich, Wheatland, WY. A horse for every pocketbook, 58 head of cataloged horses brought between $2,000 and $3,500. Sale averages include the top five at $12,440, top ten brought $10,995; top 20 at $8,485; top 50 brought $5,928, and the top 100 averaged $4,409. Loose horses saw an active market driven by the ride prospects as the top loose horse brought $2,850, and the top five averaging $2,210, top ten at $1,970; top 20 brought $1,750; top 50 at $1,370; and the top 100 averaging $1,067. 41 head of loose horses brought $1,000 or better with 20 head bringing $1,500 or better, and the best processing horses pushing 52 cents. Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale is next on the BLS Sale agenda September 21-22-23. The big, fall sale event will headline “Rope Horses” with a team roping jackpot for sale horses will follow the indoor performance preview on Friday, September 21. Billings Livestock will host a special 84th anniversary celebration and customer appreciation dinner Friday following the roping at the HorsePalace Arena. SALE REPORT JULY 27 & 28, 2018 A Heat Wave Billings Livestock's "Mid Summer Special Catalog Sale" July 28 offered 487 head of horses - one for every trade and price point, from good, better, to best. The top five averaged $14,290. Billings also offered affordability as 46 catalog horses brought between $2,500 and $4,000. On the top end, the day’s number one -Hip 126 “Topsails Princess” a 2014 AQHA Sorrel Mare x Walla Walla Whiz and out of a daughter of One Gun had been ridden both in and out of the arena, came stout, strong and with a great disposition Offered by Cooper Smith, Whitesboro, TX, the fancy mare sold to Kaitlyn White, Zumbro Falls, MN for $16,500. Prime aged, gentle, and handy, Hip 70 "Reebokas Last Joke" a 2010 AQHA Bay Gelding by Dun Played A Joke x Jokers Solano was Offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA,. The attractive, user friendly gelding brought $13,750 and sold to Don Spoon, Missoula, MT. Sired by the NCHA Horse of the Year and the sire of over $20 million in earners - Metallic Cat - Hip 71 "Little Drunk Dancer" a 2016 AQHA Red Roan Gelding was out of Little Exotic Dancer by Smart Little Lena . Shown in the cutting preview, the stylish gelding brought $16,000. Hip 79 "Stylish Tallicat" a 2015 AQHA Red Roan Filly by Metallic Cat and out of Style O Bar x Docs Stylish Oak was consigned by Dacole Invfestment Co. of Nevada and shown in the cutting preview by Will Nuttall, Bozeman, MT. The special three-year-old brought $14,200 and sold to Shawn Morehead, LaGrand, OR. Something special, Hip 63 “Tiny” a 2006 Grade Buckskin gelding consigned by Teagen Binder, Merino, CO had a long list of roping and goat tying championships and accolades, and showed his stuff in the roping demonstration on Saturday morning. The honest quarter pony gelding brought $7,300 and sold to Jon Ray, Columbia Falls, MT. He sold on the catalog supplement, and Hip 242 “Tiny” a 2012 Grade Gray Draft Cross gelding offered by Steve Skinner, Tremonton, UT was a “gentle and anybody can ride” kinda guy that had been used as a pickup horse in all three events - bareback, saddle bronc, and bulls. Used on the ranch and on the trails, the unique gelding brought $8,100. All-time highs were reached in the loose horse division as the ride prospects ran wild and set records - 233 offered loose, 66 head at $1,000 or better, with 34 head bringing $1,500 or better, and 12 head over the $2,000 mark. Loose average include top five $2,810; top 10 at $2,605; Top 20 averaged $2,237; Top 50 brought $1,797, and the top 100 selling loose averaged $1,344. Catalog sale averages reflect a rock solid market with strong demand for quality, as the top five averaged $14,290; top ten at $11,685; Top 20 brought $9,805; Top 50 at $7,087; and the top 100 averaged $5,041. Billings Livestock’s next sale event includes the annual “August Special Catalog Sale” August 25. UBRC barrel race with $300 added - open to all barrel racers - will kick off the weekend’s activities on Friday afternoon August 24 at the HorsePalace Arena. Sale horses are encouraged to compete and enter with a $100 bonus awarded to the sale horse clocking the fastest time. To enter, consign or request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JUNE 22 & 23, 2018 Mighty Western Kicked off with an indoor performance demonstration of sale horses on Friday afternoon at the HorsePalace Arena, the one-day sale welcomed 437 head of horses. Official sale stats include a 95% completed sales percentage , $18,500 for the weekend’s top sale horse, a top five average of $12,080, and 221 horses offered “loose”. He came in a flashy gray package and Hip 90 “A Dandy Casino Frost” a 2007 AQHA Gray Gelding x Hot Dandy Frost and out of a Lowry Star mare was offered by Amy Deselms, Casper, WY earned top sale honors for June. Hips 149 and 149X "Adam and Aunt" a 2004 and 2003 Grade Black John and Molly Mule team offered by Scott and Sandy Sallee, Emigrant, MT were extra fancy, nice broke to drive, had pulled a wagon and surrey, been packed, and trail ridden, too. The user friendly, multi-purpose team of mules sold to Don Maston, Watford City, ND for $12,400. Shown in the cutting preview, as well as in the roping preview, the picture perfect mare rode in the bridle, had seen ranch use, and shown in the cowhorse classes. Consigned by Derek Mott, Watford, City, ND, she brought $8,500. J & A Horse Ranch, Preston, MN offered a nice set of geldings including Hip 42 “Mr Chucks Bobo” a 2012 AQHA Blue Roan Gelding x Rockins Bobo x Rockin Dandell Bar. True blue, the cute, compact performance prospect brought $9,100 and sold to Cody Lind, Rapid City, SD. Strong made and ready to go on with, Hip 132 “Kit Kat Red” a 2014 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by NCHA Horse of the Year, Kit Kat Sugar and out of a money-earning daughter of Play Red, was offered by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA. Loose horse offering runs red hot on the prospects as well as on the processing horses as Billings sold 221 head in the loose division. 40 head brought $1,000 or better, with the top horse at $3,500, followed by $3,100, $2,500, and a top five averaged of $2,760; top ten at $2,330; Top 20 at $1,900; Top 50 brought $1,383; and top 100 averaged $1,064. Billings Livestock’s next sale event will be July 28. Already popping with a solid line-up of first-class horses, the annual “Mid-Summer” Catalog Sale – featuring cutting horses – will feature two previews and one sale day. All classes of horses will sell, including finished horses and prospects for ranch, roping, arena, cutting, or recreation. Saturday’s preview begins at 9 a.m. with another look at the cutters on cattle, followed by the saddle and ride horse demonstrations, with team roping horses showing at 11 a.m. Catalog Sale Time is 12 Noon. SALE REPORT MAY 25 & 26, 2018 #Real. #Ranchy. Honest-to-goodness, real ranch horses enjoyed their own big day at Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale May 26. A total of 586 head of horses were offered with the top 100 average $5,321. Friday‘s “Best of the Remuda” ranch horse competition spotlighted 40 head in a judged competition that crowned Hip 73 “Moonshines Dynamite” a 2012 AQHA Red Dun Gelding x Cats Moonshine the 2018 Champion Ranch Horse. The good-at-everything gelding was offered by Candi Zion, Winifred, MT and shown by Delon Parker, Worden, MT. Head, heel, run barrels, or ranch - the solid, fancy gelding had NRHA earnings, was out of a daughter of Doc O’Dynamite, and brought $16,500. The west was won riding a bay and Hip 66 “Pine In the Nic” a 2012 AQHA Bay Gelding x Stars Great Pine and out of a daughter of Reminic, earned May’s top sale honors with a $18,000 sale price. Offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA and shown in the competition by Riley Schmitt, the strong boned, heavy muscled gentleman sold to Morgan Bock, Longmont, CO. A market fueled by real cowhorses and performance prospects, four out of the top five selling horses had been shown in the competition, and averaged $16,350. All that and then some, Hip 172 “Gentlemans Whizkey” a 2013 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Whizkey N Diamonds and out of a Sailing Smart daughter was truly a showsstopper. Fancy broke, stunning appearance, with talent that matched, he was owned and shown by Lori Bowkett, Soap Lake, WA and brought $17,000. A user friendy, take-you-to-the-pay-window heel horse, Hip 63 “Owyehee Indian” a 2009 AQHA Dun Gelding x Trevelen Hickory x Hickorys Indian Pep was offered by the folks who raised him, Tom and Carmen Buckingham, Bruneau, ID. Shown to the “Best of The Remuda” Reserve Championship by daughter Bailey Bachman, the go-to ranch and rope horse sold to Kelly Clemens, Murphy, ID for $11,250. Hip 127 “Geronimo” a 2013 Grade half draft buckskin gelding offered by Dominick Mongilla, Thermopolis, WY stood 16 hands and weighed 1200 lbs, had done it all on the ranch, shown in ranch rodeos, ridden in parades, and came gentle and get-on-and-go. The special gelding brought $10,000 and sold to Jefferson Island, LLC, Manhattan, MT. True blue and fancy, Hip 136 “Lady Gaga Blue” a 2010 AQHA Blue Roan Mare x SRR Cougarwood Blue x Cougarand was owned and shown by Cierra Kunesh, Helena, MT. Quiet and kind, the good mare brought $9,750 and sold to Paul Beckstead, Fairview, UT. Demand continues strong on horses with an occupation, eye appeal, and pedigree, with sale averages reflecting the push on a better type of horse. Top five averaged $16,350, top ten at $13,800, top 20 brought $11,115, top 50 at $7,604;, and the top 100 averaged $5,321. Ride prospects in the loose horse division continue to drive that market as the top loose brought $3,100 and the top five averaged $2,220. Processing horses continue to see strong demand with the best horses bringing 55 cents. 21 horses on the loose brought $1,400 or better with 37 bringing $1,000 or better. Loose averages include the top five at $2,220, top ten at $1,965;, top 20 at $1,737; Top 50 brought $1,339; and top 100 at $1,032. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is the Summer Special Catalog Sale on June 23. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or call Jann Parker 406.855.1947 SALE REPORT APRIL 27 & 28, 2018 Game On Ropers Serious competitors and stand-out prospects filled the offering at Billings Livestock’s “April Special Catalog Sale” and Spring Rope Horse Sale April 28. Bonused by two previews and led off by a professional jackpot for the sale horses, rope horses shined over the two days where the top five rope horses averaged $18,700. Solid demand from first horse to last, and a one-day total of 570 head of horses that included 95 plus rope horses, 278 sold loose, 359 registered buyers in attendance, 41 no sales, and a top 100 average of $7,326. The two-go-around, top 12 finals jackpot attracted 119 teams with Championship honors to Hip 223 “DeLynx Lobo” a 2009 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding consigned by WC Irvine, Morristown, AZ and headed on by Delon Parker, and Hip 136 “Peppychic Trashy Jac” a 2011 AQHA Palomino Gelding offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch and piloted on the heel side by Paul Griemsman. The #1 team roped three in 22.05. Call him fancy, Hip 173 “Silver Tongue Cat” a 2013 AQHA Sorrel gelding sired by $18 Million Dollar Sire and NCHA Horse of the Year, Metallic Cat, and out of Spring Dual x Dual Pep, the special gelding had a lot to talk about. Great minded and built to do it, the talented prospect was offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA and sold to Ryan Banner, Glenrock, WY for $21,500. Reserve sale honors to Hip 91 “Driftin Ink” a 2007 AQHA Black Gelding x AP Frosty Knight x Sun Frost owned and headed on in the jackpot by Grant Scheer, Big Piney, WY. A gentleman to be around, easy to look at, the hauled and won on head horse had all the pieces and parts that take you to the pay window consistently, he brought $21,000. Offered by Rawley Stanley, Hermiston, OR, Hip 101 “Rio Tomcat N Around” a 2005 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Tomcat N Around x High Brow Cat showed outstanding on the head side in the jackpot – run, pull, face. Everytime. Hauled to rodeos and World Series ropings, he came kind and gentle, and sold for $21,000 to Curt and Patty Epler, Carpenter, WY. 19 out of the top 20 selling horses were geldings, with every horse over five years old. The top 20 averaged $14,745. Barrel bred horses including sons of Judge John Cash x Judge Cash, Phame x Dash Ta Fame, and Eyesa Special x Mr Eye Opener, had their place in the top 20, including Hip 147 “AP Lucky Cat Cash Cat” a 2013 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Judge John Cash offered by Josh Auman, Onalaska, WA. Head, heel, breakaway, and run barrels, the gelding had been hauled to Junior Rodeos and was a solid 2D barrel horse, he brought $15,000 and sold to Roger Sorenson, Ross, ND. All-inclusive sale averages reflect a strong market where the top five averaged $19,700; top ten at $17,700; Top 20 brought $14,745; Top 50 at $10,429; and top 100 at $7,326. Red hot – again – the BLS loose trade continues to see the best market in 11 years as the top three loose brought $4,600, $4,000, and $2,800, pushing the top five average $3,300;t op ten at $2,680; top 20 brought $2,160; Top 50 at $1,466; and top 100 at $1,103. 32 horses on the loose brought $1,000 or better, 19 at $1,500 or better, and nine at $2,000 plus. 79 head brought $750 or more. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for May 26 and will feature the 20th annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale in addition to the “Best of the Remuda” Ranch horse competition. Featured in May will be Ranch geldings along with kid’s ponies and horses. Ranch Horse competition is set for 3 p.m. Friday, May 25 at the HorsePalace Arena. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406.855.1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT MARCH 23 & 24, 2018 Western Wonderland With the spotlight on trail, outfitting, guide, and guest horses, Billings Livestock’s 20th annual “Spring Special Catalog Sale” was loaded with horses, mules, and teams with the great outdoors and recreation on their resume. Brought to town by some of the west’s top outfitters, 513 head of horses and mules were offered at the one-day sale event, with 18 no sales or pass outs, and the top horse of the day bringing $13,000. Buyers from 15 states and Canada purchased their new spring rides. A standout selection of quality drafts and draft crosses drew strong demand and Hip 205 “Johnny” a 2013 Grade Black Morgan/Percheron cross gelding offered and shown by Jeff and Christina Tift, Banner, WY earned top sale honors. Broke to ride and drive, he had been ridden through town and down the road, been used as a trail horse, packed flags, and used to start colts. Gentle and good minded, he sold to Nicholais Shrauger, Bozeman, MT. Fancy, unique, and loaded with wow factor, Hip 146 “Marshall” a 2010 Grade Gypsy Vanner gelding offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody,. WY earned runnerup honors with a $10,500 sale price. Gentle, handsome, ride or drive, the kind-hearted, willing gentleman had been used for pulling the feed sled and pulling the feed wagon and sold to Jodie Hysjulien, Battleview, ND. Call him “the business” - Hip 66 “Rufus” a 2011 Grade Gray John Mule offered by Ed Schwartz, Sanford, CO had been Ed’s personal mount for the past three years and had been used to pack, hunt, trail ride, and gather cattle. He’d come up to you where you find him, the mule was gentle and broke for most levels of riders, brought $10,000 and sold to Marvin Brendel, McKenzie, ND. Three teams made the top 20 listing with a team of black percheron mares, Hips 156 and 156X “Molly and Polly” both 2005 models, offered by C & T Horses, Lonesboro, MN selling for $7,000. Purchased by movie wrangler, John Scott, Calgary, Alberta, the team will be used in the movie Comanche. An all out runaway on the loose trade, where for the third month in a row at Billings, the top 100 loose horses have averaged over $1,000 a head. On the loose, 163 head were offered as is, where is, how is, with riding prospects leading the way as three horses brought $3,000 or better, and 34 head brought $1,000 or better. Loose averages reflect the all out strength of the loose trade at Billings as the top five averaged $2,880, top 10 at 2,450, top 20 at $2,020, top 50 brought $1,397, and top 100 averaged $1,026. Actual processing horses pushed 62 cents on the top end. Inclusive of all divisions - catalog horses, loose, and open consignment - complete sale averages show the top five at $10,650; top 10 at $9,205; Top 20 brought $7,807; Top 50 at $6,067; and the top 100 averaged $4,815 Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for April 27-28 and will feature the 20th annual “Rope Horse Special” catalog sale Show ‘em and shop ‘em, lots of cattle, lots of opportunities to watch the rope horses, including the professionally produced sale horse jackpot team roping set for Friday, April 27. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947 SALE REPORT FEBRUARY 23, 24 & 25, 2018 A Higher Standard Lead by quality and pedigree in all disciplines, Billings Livestock’s “February Special Catalog Sale” featuring the annual session of Sons and Daughters of Champions or money earners truly offered a stellar set of horses. The three day sale event welcomed 456 head of horses and included a full performance preview and three days of sales. Impecably made and perfectly bred, February’s Top Sale honors to Hip 316 "CS All American Guy" a 2016 AQHA Sorrel Stallion by Frenchmans Guy and out of a daughter of Dash Ta Fame offered by Smith Land and Cattle, Edmond, OK. The big-time prospect brought $43,000 and sold to B Bar Heart Performance Horses, Polson, MT. Wearing a fitting name, Hip 282 “Metallic Everything” a 2015 AQHA Red Roan Stallion by the NCHA Horse of the Year and $16 Million dollar sire, Metallic Cat and out of Savannah Hickory x Doc’s Hickory came fancy and ready-to-go. The solid made, solid built stallion was offered by Cooper Smith, Whitesboro, TX and sold to Diann and Garry Watt, Sidney, NE for $36,000. NRHA money earning reiners claimed top sale spots three and four as Hip 269 “Hesa Shiny Nickle” a 2013 AQHA Bay Gelding x Shiners Nickle x Shining Spark offered by Michels Performance Horses, Cannon Falls, MN came with a list of accolades in addition to having size and eye appeal. He brought $23,000 and sold to Bill and Carole Smith, Thermopolis, WY. Hip 441 “Ida Be Smart” a 2012 AQHA Bay Gelding by Smart Like Juice and out of Alrighta Ida offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA came quiet, gentle, and beautiful. He brought $20,500 and sold to Pamela Morgan, LaPorte, IN. Rope horses met with strong demand with Hip 259 “Cashing In Our Gold” a 2011 Palomino Gelding x Our Cash Policy x Dash For Cash offered by Bradi Whiteside, Alberta Canada bringing $20,000. Head horse, barrel horse, poles, and goats, along with 46 PHBA halter points, made him unique and the top rope horse with a sale price of $20,000. Drafts and quarter drafts continue their allure as Hip 226 "Big Willy" a 2012 Grade Black and White Paint gelding consigned by Jay Dunford, Baldwin, ND had drug bulls from the arena, hauled to rodeos, ranched on, calved on, and brought $10,750 selling to Mike McArthur, Deer Lodge, MT. Averages pushed an all-time high as the top five averaged $28,600, top 20 at $19,410, and top 100 brought $10,315. Loose horse market as-good-as-it gets – 42 head out of 110 – bring $1,000 or better, 28 bring $1,500 or better and 12 head at $2,000 plus. Processing horses saw 62 cents on the best and loose sale averages reflect the shine on the prospects – top five at $3,090; Top ten brought $2,660; Top 20 at $2,235; top 50 at $1,629 and the top 100 averaging $1,140 and the entire loose offering – 110 – averaging $1,068. Billings Livestock‘s “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 24 offers one big day of horses and mules and features the annual “Outfitters, Guest, Dude Ranch and Trail Horse” offering in addition to a big selection of mules. An indoor preview of the mules, barrel horses, cutters, saddle horses, and rope horses is scheduled for Friday, March 23 at 3 p.m. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JANUARY 26 & 27, 2018 So Smokin’ Hot Billings Livestock’s January 27 “Winter Special Catalog sale” roared from the first horse to the last as an exceptionally strong market prevailed in all classes. The day started with a booming loose horse trade where the first horse in the gate brought $2,200 and set the pace for the market as nine horses brought $2,000 or better with 38 head bringing $1,000 plus. Confidence carried this market on a spectacular sale day where 378 head of horses sold to a capacity crowd with a low pass out rate of five head, and an average sale price of $2.255 on every horse in the catalog. January’s top sale honors to Hip 76 “Driftwood” a 2011 grade Buckskin Gelding offered by Joe Fox, Hysham, MT. The real deal ranch gelding came good for all day, in working shape, had been used to doctor cattle, roped on outside, used in the feedlot and came gentle. Runnerup sale honors to Hips 90 and 90X “Jake and Dutchie” a 2006 and 2004 Registered Gelding and mare team that stood 17.1 hands and weighed a ton a piece. Ride them or drive them, they were soft mouthed, been used in every aspect of driving includi9ng farming, parades, shows sleight rides, and weddings. Consigned by Wowk Ranch, Ltd, Beauvallon, Alberta, the calm, cool, and fancy team brought $9,600. Hip 103 “Sparky” a 2008 Grade Palomino Gelding offered by J & A Ranch, Preston, MN stood 16.1 hands and weighed 1450. Built to last, the draft cross gelding wore a size 4 shoe, had been used as a trail horse, and sold to XXXXX for $5,500. The solid, solid market shows in the averages - the top five averaged $8,920, top 10 at $7,365, top 20 brought $6,022, top 50 at $4,115, and the top 100 - and this will include 25 horses that sold loose - brought $2,980. In the loose horse offering alone the top five averaged $2,320 - with no rider, no speech, no warranty and selling 100 head per hour. Top ten loose averaged $2,160, top 20 at $1,962, top 50 brought $1,460, and the top 100 averaged $1,068. The annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” held each January attracted all kinds of treasures and trinkets selling in two sale sessions. Next on the BLS Sale line up is Billings Livestock’s “February Special Catalog Sale” featuring an expanded three-day sale format February 23-24-25. The February sale weekend is highlighted by a special, limited session of “Sons and Daughters” of Champions and Money Earners in addition offering all classes of horses. A preview of the rope horses, cutting horses, barrel horses, and saddle horses is set for Friday, February 23 at 9 a.m. at the Horse Palace Arena. Rope horses, calf horses, and cutting horses will all preview on cattle. For more information, to consign, or to request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT NOVEMBER 24 & 25, 2017 Anything But Ordinary Performance horses, trail horses, and specialty horses - a diverse selection filled Billings Livestock’s November 25 “Holiday Special Catalog Sale”. A one-day total of 510 head of horses were offered with 17 no sales and a top five averaged of $10,400. Two horses earned top sale honors with a $12,500 sale price including Hip 102 “China” a 2007 Grade Black and White Paint Mare offered by Buckshot Nelson, Loring, MT and Hip 81 “GDR Romi Leonardo” a 2010 Gypsy Vanner Horse Society registered Buckskin Tobiano Gelding consigned by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA. A finished barrel and pole horse, Hip 102 “China” had won multiple saddles and buckles, came consistent, honest, and ready to run. The tough competitor was shown in the preview and sold to Dusti and Sadie Percival, Orleans, NE. Sharing top sale honors was Hip 81 “Leonardo” a fancy to look at, fancy to ride, gypsy vanner gelding that came gentle, had been shown in ranch horse shows, been sorted on, and sold to J Bar H Ranch, Minot, ND. Meyer Horse Company, Bernard, IA offered a nice selection of rope horses including Hip 11 “Run As Fast AsYou Can” a 2009 APHA Black Tobiano Gelding x Sunny Boone that showed extremely well in the roping preview, both heading and heeling. The attractive gelding had been hauled to jackpots and came gentle and well broke. Terry Powlesland, Laurel, MT purchased the quality gelding for $9,000. Hip 144 “WRAlley Cat” a 2014 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x WR This Cats Smart and out of Sky O’Grady x Mr Skyline Peppy had been shown at the NRCHA Futuruity and was offered by Alan Chappel, Whiteboro, TX. Strong, gentle, and a true performance prospect, the gelding showed on cattle in the preview and sold to Felcia Patrick, Paxton, NE for $9,000. Drafts and quarter drafts saw strong demand and included Hip 104 “Hermit” a 2012 Grade Black Draft Cross Gelding consigned by Jeff and Christina Tift, Banner, WY. Attractive and user friendly, the unique gelding brought $5,400 and sold Alison McManus, Dayton, WY. Overall sale averages include the top five at $10,400; Top ten averaged $9,080; To 20 at $7,540; Top 50 brought $5,010; and the top 100 averaged $3,403. Loose horse division ran wild as the prospects ruled the market - 28 head brought $1000 or better, with the top loose horses bringing$2,400, $2,400, and $2,300. The strength of the loose market pushed the top five average to $2,240; top ten at $2,020; Top 20 brought $1,762; Top 50 at $1,239; and top 100 at $907. Get set for one big day of horses, tack, and more horses on Saturday, January 27 as Billings Livestock kicks off the New Year with the “Winter Special Catalog Horse Sale” and annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” offering used and collectible tack. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT OCTOBER 27 & 28, 2017 The One And Only’s Ranch horses, arena horses and everything in between - Billings Livestock's October 28 “Fall Special Catalog Sale” had it all. The top five horses included a fancy ApHC gelding, a four-year-old cutting prospect, a unique draft cross, and two rope horses - and averaged $10,620. Hip 79 "Tokin With Willie" a 2012 ApHC Chestnut Gelding x Cats Moonshine and out of an Appaloosa mare, earned top sale honors with a $17,000 sale price. Quiet, gentle, and the same horse everyday, the trustworthy gelding had a solid resume - he’d been ranch ridden, seen miles of mountain trails, been packed, was a finished cutting horse, and had been used as a guest horse. Offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody, WY, the special gelding sold to Gale and Terry Maroney, Winters, CA. Offered by the folks who raised her, Gene and Michelle Morris, Florence, MT Hip 78 “W Are Wicked” a 2013 AQHA Sorrel Mare by the Wagonhound Land and Livestock sire - WR This Cats Smart - and out of Haidas Black Baby by Smart Little Lena, earned runner-up sale honors with a $9,700 sale price. Shown in the previews on cattle by Mitch Davis, the pretty mare sold to Sheqana Rambauer, Corvallis, MT. Big, broke, and one-of-a-kind, Hip 22 “John Henry” a 2010 Grade Paint Draft Cross Gelding was consigned by Mark Birch, Perry, MO. He weighed 1,450 lbs, stood 15.2 hands, and wore a #4 shoe, and - he didn’t know he was big - he rode around like a horse half his size - and he’d seen plenty of ranch work, and came broke to drive double or single. The same horse horse everyday, the gentle giant sold to Jeff Tift, Banner, WY for $9,000. Tyson Frank, Queen Creek, AZ brought a pair of nice rope horses to Billings including Hip 155 “Power In My Blood” a 2011 AQHA Blue Roan Gelding by Smokees Okee x OSU Power Slide. Shown on both ends in the rope horse preivews, the handsome, well started rope horse brought $8,750 and sold to Ray Breckenbridge, Foothills, Alberta. Rope horse number two was Hip 256 “JT Dollar Hancock” a 2007 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding x Rory The Conquest x Minted Charm that came gentle and fancy. The finished head and heel horse had been hauled and would fit most any level of roper, showed well in the previews, brought $8,500 and sold to Arnie Eissler, Park City, MT. Loose horses felt the pressure of seasonal industry supply, as the top processing horses brought 45 cents. 303 head were offered loose where the ride prospects ran wild with the top selling loose horse bringing $3,800, followed by $3,300, and $2,600. That pushed the loose averages over the top - top 5 loose averaged $2,740; top 10 at $2,235; Top 20 brought $1,872; top 50 at $1,312; and the top 100 averaged $950. 30 head loose brought $1,000 or better. Overall sale averages include the top five at $10,620; Top 10 averaged $9,290; Top 20 at $7,445; Top 50 brought $5,235; Top 100 at $3,857. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is the “Holiday Special Catalog Sale” featuring performance horses - set for Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, November 25. The weekend will offer an indoor, climate controlled preview for all horses on Friday, November 24 at the HorsePalace Arena. All classes of horses will sell, including finished horses and prospects for ranch, roping, arena, cutting, or recreation. Cattle will be available to show the cow horses and rope horses. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 23 & 24, 2017 All The Good Horses From first horse to last, Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Catalog Sale” September 22-24 came loaded with an outstanding set of horses in all classes, disciplines, and performance divisions from prospects to finished arena horses. The two-day sale event offered 717 horses, welcomed 502 registered buyers, 256 purchased horses, 67 no sales, and a top five sale average of $19,600. The big weekend started Friday afternoon with a performance preview followed by the “rope horse show” hosted by the HorsePalace Arena as the sale horse jackpot saw 168 teams - every horse a sale horse - compete in the professionally produced, two-go-around and finals format roping. From High School Champs to World Champs, the BLS jackpot had it all going on and was a true show and tell of the rope horses offered. The Fall 2017 Team Roping Championship to Hip 48 piloted by Trey Huber and Hip 128 shown by Paul Griemsman, the team roped three steers in 20.14. An honest-to-goodness smoking set of rope horses set the pace for the weekend where the top sale horse brought $24,500 and the top five rope horses averaged $14,000. Straight to the top of the high sellers listing he went - Hip 205 “ Guns In Roses” a 2016 AQHA Gray Colt by Dash Ta Fame and out of Perks N Roses by Dash For Perks was all he was bred to be - handsome, strong, and an honest stallion prospect. Raised and consigned by Jeff and Eva Hepper, Keene, ND, the fancy fella came gentle and correct, and sold to Stephanie Bake, Pocatello, ID for $24,500. Runnerup sale honors at $24,000 to Hip 77 “Perks Prize Fame” a 2016 AQHA Sorrel Colt by Dash Ta Fame also bred and raised by Jeff and Eva Hepper, Keene, ND. Hip 84 “Verysmartraemy” a 2010 AQHA Chestnut Gelding sired by Very Smart Remedy offered by Nelson Ranch, Lewellen, NE came gentle, cowy, and the same every day. Home raised and ranch broke, the solid gelding brought $18,000 and sold to Michael Delaney, Grass Range, MT. Earning top rope horse status was Hip 70 “Sonita Snickers” a 2006 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Poco Buckin Jessie consigned by Ron Bishop, Norco, CA and purchased by Merritt Bradshaw, Huntley, MT for $16,000. Young, old, and everything in between, good horses saw strong demand throughout the weekend as the top ten averaged $16,850, top 20 at $14,460, top 50 brought $10,648 and the top 100 averaged $8,047. Loose horses again saw a bump in price as the best processing horses pushed the 60 cent mark and the riding prospects ruled the loose pen where the top horse on the loose brought $3,050 and the top five averaged $2,020, top ten at $1,780, top 20 brought $1,466, top 50 averaged $1,087, and the top 100 brought $885. Billings Livestock’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” is set for October 28 and features performance horses. An indoor, climate and ground controlled preview for the barrel horses, cutters, saddle and ride horses, calf horses, and team roping horses is set for 3 p.m. on Friday, October 27 at the HorsePalace Arena, exit 437 on I-90. Complete catalog will be available on-line Thursday, October 19 at www.billingslivestock.com For more information contact Jann Parker, Horse Sale Manager, at 406.855.1947 SALE REPORT AUGUST 26, 2017 Going Strong From Ramona, CA to Salisbury, MA, horses sold from coast to coast at Billings Livestock’s “August Special Catalog Sale” featuring Speed Bred and Performance Horses August 26. One big day of horses saw 551 head – from ponies to draft crosses – push the August sale gross to a ten year high as strong demand for quality was evident for the better horses in all divisions. Market strength was shown in the top 20 where four of the top selling horses sold grade – entirely on their individual merits and not on pedigree – bringing $8,000, $6,600, $6,200, and $6,000. Top 20 averaged $7,257. Friday’s afternoon preview plus that evening’s UBRC “It’s All About You” barrel race kicked it all off at the HorsePalace Arena with 87 runs including nine sale horses. Top sale honors to Hip 112 “Bullettts Rainee Dash” a 2004 AQHA Brown Mare x Dashing With Cash x First Down Dash and out of Bullish Bullett x Bully Bullion offered by Keely Kleven, Williston, ND and purchased by Jeremy Bruhn, Blaisell, ND for $13,000. Big, honest, already a seasoned hauler, Hip 239 “Gonna Be Famous Guyz” a 2014 AQHA Gray Gelding x Moons Last Dance x Dash Ta Fame and out of a Reynolds Rap bred mother was truly a fancy prospect. Consigned by Dark Horse Ventures, LLC, Park City, MT and purchased by Lavette Spencer, Ulen, MN he came patterned on the barrels and poles, been exposed to all the sights and was ready to go to the next level. The standout gelding brought $10,000. Certainly one-of-a-kind, Hip 62 “Melena” a 2007 Grade Buckskin Fjord/Freisian Cross Mare offered by J & A Horse Ranch, Preston, MN came broke and gentle. Ridden on many overnight pack trips and trail rides, the gentle mare carried the American Flag in the BLS Barrel Race on Friday evening. She brought $6,200 and sold to Marianne Cyr, Salisbury, MA. Sale averages include the top five at $9,860; top ten brought $8,580; Top 20 at $7,257; top 50 at $5,450; and top 100 averaged $4,151. Billings Livestock’s loose horse market continues it’s red hot run where again – over 30 head selling loose – no speech, no rider, no guarantee – brought $1,000 or better. A total of 272 head were offered loose where the top three - all riding prospects brought $3,000, $2,500, and $2,300, pushing the top five average to $2,340, top ten at $2,050; top 20 brought $1,763; top 50 at $1,263, and the top 100 averaged $954. Processing horses bumped it up a bit over July where the 1,000 lb or better horses brought 52 cents, followed by the 900-1,000 lbs at 45-47 cents, and 800 lbs pushed 35 cents. Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale is next on the BLS Sale agenda September 23-25 The big, fall sale event will headline “Rope Horses” with a team roping jackpot for sale horses only at 1 p.m. Friday, September 22. All classes of horses will sell including mares, stallions, finished horses, prospects, and young stock. Cattle will be available to show the cutting horses, calf horses, and rope horses. Catalog deadline is September 5, with a supplement printed for later entries. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-855-1947. SALE REPORT JULY 22, 2017 Sumertime Talent Finished performance horses, standout prospects, and honest trail rides, Billings Livestock’s “Mid-Summer Special Catalog Sale” July 22 offered it all. A one-day total of 515 head came through the gates of Billings Livestock where the top sale horses brought $15,000 and the top five averaged $12,460. Two horses shared July’s top sale honors with a $15,000 sale price and included Hip 133 "Evangelena" a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Mare x One Time Petpo and Hip 208 “Wrangler” a 2006 Grade Blue Roan Gelding. Bred, raised, and shown by JJ and Tiffany Manion, Cody, WY, Hip 133 “Evangelena” had been shown at NCHA cutting events including the Futurity where she was a finalist in the Limited Non-Pro. Out of a producing daughter of Shorty Lena, the solid, ready-to-show mare had NCHA earnings of $8,551 and sold to Karla Camp, Twin Bridges, MT. Big and gentle, true blue, and a quarter draft, Hip 208 “Wrangler” came offered by Ed Schwartz and family, Sanford, CO. Ridden on the ranch, used for hunting and packing, the unique, honest guy sold to Nancy Gooding, Englewood, CO. Another horse that was offered by the ranch that raised him, Hip 122 “Major Peppy Moore” a 2009 AQHA Bay Gelding x Peppys Thunder Boy had seen both the ranch and arena. Offered by Tara Turbiville, Rhame, ND, the stout, bay fellow had run barrels, poles, goat tying, flag race, keyhole, breakaway, heading, heeling, and turnback at cuttings. Ridden in parades and grand entries, he sold to Paula Brown, Red Lodge, MT for $12,500. Raised and offered by Cowan Select Horses, Havre, MT, Hip 130 “Loverycious” a 2014 AQHA Sorrel Mare x Halreycious and out of a daughter of High Brow Cat was flashy and on-track for the fall futurities. Shown in the cutting previews by Robbie Boyce – a $1 Million dollar NCHA, NRCHA, and NRHA rider – the fancy mare brought $8,000 and sold to Donald Goodbun, Charlie Lake, BC. Rope horses showed their stuff in the Saturday morning preview with Hips 96 “Sharkbait” a 2007 Grade Dun Gelding offered by Randy Hull, Jr, Granger, WA topping the day’s selection with a $6,750 price tag, and Hip 84 “Chex Docs Knight” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Knight Robber consigned by Rawley Stanley, Hermiston, OR bringing $6,400. Geldings continue their reign at Billings as 16 out of the top 20 were geldings. Inclusive sale averages reflect a solid market as the top five averaged $12,460; top Ten at $10,590; Top 20 at $8,792; Top 50 brought $6,566; and top 100 averaged $4,696. Loose market continues strong as the top end of the processing horses pushed 45 cents and the riding prospects rocked as the top five averaged $1,890, top ten at $1,652; top 20 at $1,406; top 50 at $1,094; and top 100 averaged $869. Billings Livestock’s next sale event includes the annual “August Special Catalog Sale” August 26. UBRC barrel race with $300 added - open to all barrel racers - will kick off the weekend’s activities on Friday afternoon August 25 at the HorsePalace Arena. Sale horses are encouraged to compete and enter with a $100 bonus awarded to the sale horse clocking the fastest time. Preview of ride and rope horse previous to UBRC barrel race. To enter, consign or request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JUNE 24, 2017 All The Best Stuff From ranch horses to arena horses, a quality set of horses highlighted Billings Livestock’s “Summer Special Catalog Sale” June 24. Kicked off with a well attended team sorting seminar and competition on sale horses Friday afternoon at the HorsePalace Arena, the one-day sale welcomed 583 head of horses. Official sale stats include a 96.4% completed sales percentage , $15,000 for the weekend’s top sale horse, a top five average of $11,540, and 328 horses offered “loose”. Used in the seminar and shown to the Championship of the Team Sorting, Hip 82 “Chook” a 2013 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Boon Too Suen x Peptoboonsmal earned top sale honors. Purchased by Flying H Ranch, Big Horn, Wy and shown by Brandon Kruger, who also instructed the seminar, the all-around gelding was offered by Kruger Performance Horses, Lake Lillian, MN and had earned AQHA points as well as taking riders to the pay window in the USTPA, RSNC, and MRSA. A truly show-stopping gelding, Hip 75 “Two Eyed Red Wolf” a 2010 AQHA Buckskin sired by a Two Eyed Red Buck grandson - Kis Battle Song - offered by Tony Beckstead, Panguitch, UT came double fancy and ready-to-work. Ranch used and started roping, the 16 hand, 1300 lb gentleman brought $13,000 and sold to John Dagenhart, Culbertson, MT. He‘d owned him the past four years, and Hip 116 “Nails” a 2009 Grade Brown Gelding offered by Joe Fox, Hysham, MT, had seen extensive ranch use, feedlot hours, and came gentle. A tried and true ranch gelding, he brought $10,200 and will continue to see ranch employment with Jack Young, Lloyd, MT. Barrel horses also graced the top 20 sellers listing, and included Hip 157 “Blazin Monkey Wrench” a 2007 AQHA Sorrel Mare x Blazin Jetalena consigned by Claudia Ogilvie, Hot Springs, SD. Hauled, won on, paid in full to Future Fortunes, the stylish mare was quiet, gentle, patterned on poles, and brought $9,000. Hip 36 “BigBugShine” a 2010 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x First To Shine x First Down Dash and out of a daughter of Shawne Bug was offered by Cody Tew, Brock, TX. The well started head horse had also seen extensive ranch use and brought $5,500 and sold to Shannon Curry, Valier, MT. Overall sale averages include the top five at $11,540, top ten at $9,530; top 20 at $7,720; top 50 brought $5,574; and the top 100 averaged $4,125. Again, the BLS loose horse trade delivered - with the high selling loose horse bringing $3,300 and 31 head commanding $1,000 or better. The top five averaged $2,150, top ten at $1,855, top 20 brought $1,642; Top 50 at $1,224, and top 100 at $928. Billings Livestock’s next sale event will be July 22. Already popping with a solid line-up of first-class horses, the annual “Mid-Summer” Catalog Sale features cutting and cowbred horses. All classes of horses will sell, including finished horses and prospects for ranch, roping, arena, cutting, or recreation. SALE REPORT MAY 27, 2017 Shine Shine Shine The good gelding show hit repeat for Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic” Catalog sale May 27. Headlined by a stellar set of using horses and complimented by the judged “Best of the Remuda” ranch horse competition, better horses had their day as the top five averaged $15,440. A one-day total of 571 head of horses were offered, with 42 shown in Friday’s competition. Presented and consigned by Cierra Kunesh, Helena, MT, earning the Reserve Championship Ranch Horse title, claiming May’s top sellers position with a $26,500 sale price, and Hip 174 “BR Desperados Twist” a 2010 AQHA Gray Gelding by Seven S Desperado x Real Gun and out of Twist My Ear was the real deal – show, ranch, or rope, the double fancy gelding had it going on. The all-around gelding sold to Grady Duncan, Millwood, VA. The 2017 “Best of the Remuda” ranch horse championship honors went to Hip 116 “Royal Redgold” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x RB Royal Gold x C Royal Olena offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT. Shown to his championship by Chad Turner, the quiet, gentle gelding was started heeling, breakaway, calf roping, had been trail ridden, and brought $12,200. Call her tailor-made, Hip 170 “Chica Please” a 2007 AQHA Bay Mare x Chic Please owned and shown by Cassidy Coltrain, Longmont, CO had earned a long list of accolades in both the PHAA and Stock Horse Of Texas (SHOT) events, and earned third-place in the ranch horse competition. Talented, capable, and willing, the striking mare brought $15,000 and sold to J.D. Doyle, Toston, MT. Jim Colombe, Mission, SD consigned Hip 173 “JC Frosty Flashlight” a 2013 AQHA Buckskin Stallion x CS Flashlight and out of a daughter of Sun Frost. Strong and handsome, the one-owner gelding with a big future brought $10,000 and sold to Karla Hansen, Kersey, CO. The top 20 horses included one mare, one stallion, and 18 geldings – including three grade geldings that brought $13,500, $8,800, and $7,000 respectively. Averages show a strong market for good horses as the top ten averaged $12,215, top 20 brought $9,552;, to 50 at $6,635, and the top 100 averaged $4,873. The BLS loose horse market continues to set the pace for the nation, where 303 head of horses were offered as is, where is, how is – with 41 head bringing $1,000 or better, with the top five at $3,200, $3,150, $2,850, $2,350, and $2,250. Loose averages include the top five at $2,760; top ten at $2,370; top 20 at $1,535; and the top 100 averaged $1,095. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is the Summer Special Catalog Sale on June 24. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or call Jann Parker 406.855.1947
SALE REPORT APRIL 22, 2017 The Roping Business Showcased by rope horses, Billings Livestock's “April Special Catalog Sale’ April 22 had a lot to offer and a lot to talk about . A jackpot team roping open to sale horses launched the weekend as 141 teams competed in a two go-around plus finals roping Friday afternoon at the HorsePalace Arena. Hips 88 “Cee Lena Swing” offered and ridden by Jason Thorstenson, Rapid City, SD and Hip 208 “Tivs Jimie Jess” consigned by Donald Jamvrin and shown by Paul Griemsman, Piedmont, SD took home the first place paycheck. April’s statistics include 518 head of horses, 361 individuals registered to buy, and horses selling to 20 states and Canada. The top five sale horses - every one a rope horse - averaged $16,500, and included three six-year-olds and two nine-year-olds. Every horse on the BLS Top 20 listing was a gelding with the top 20 averaging $12,905. Top sale honors to Hip 57 “Mambos Major Whiz” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Mambos Whiz offered by Bar Diamond Quality Performance Horses, Ross, ND and purchased for $19,500 by Craig Dane, Wolfforth, TX. Ready made and Ridden at World Series ropings, the hauled and won on head horse was solid in the box, strong across the line, had a big move and a snappy face, and had also been heeled on. Stout, handsome, and safe, runnerup sale honors to Hip 136 “Sandhilz Cowboy” a 2011 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Two Buck Buller x Two Eyed Red Buck offered by Shane Johnson, New Town, ND. Scores, runs, rates, and was easy to handle cattle on, the extremely gentle fellow brought $16,700 and sold to Curt and Patty Epler, Cheyenne, WY. Truly a sale highlight, Hip 201 “Chip Sage” a 2008 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding x Mr Red Rim owned by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT was the whole roping package. Hauled, won on, both ends, the eye-catching gelding brought $16,000 and sold to Bo James, Alexander, ND. They had won over $25,000 in the past 24 months aboard Hip 93 “Dunn” a 2003 Grade Dun Gelding offered by Scott Peterson, Belle Fourche, SD. Hauled to Wrangler Ropings, High School Rodeos, SDRA rodeos, the rock-solid head horse sold to Cory Epperson, Camas, WA for $14,500. There was one for every budget, and good horses saw good demand as the top 100 horses averaged $6,984. Complete sale averages include the top five at $16,580; top ten brought $15,440; Top 20 averaged $12,905; top 50 at $9,732; and the top 100 brought $6,984. Processing horses bumped up to a high of .52/lb with prospects again fueling the market. The day’s high selling loose horse brought $2,800 with 31 head bringing $1,000 or better. Loose averages include the top five at $2,500; top 10 at $2,220; top 20 brought $1,897; top 50 averaged $1,326; top 100 brought $925. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for May 27 and will feature the annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale in addition to the “Best of the Remuda” Ranch horse competition. Featured in May will be Ranch geldings along with kid’s ponies and horses. Ranch Horse competition is set for 3 p.m. Friday, May 26 at the HorsePalace Arena. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406.855.1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT MARCH 25, 2017 Mountains to the Plains Drafts, draft crosses, mules, and user friendly horses highlighted Billings Livestock’s “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 25. The 19th annual March event at BLS featured trail, outfitting, guide, and guest horses. A strong market prevailed in all classes as a one-day total of 483 head were bought and sold with only 18 no sales or passouts. 207 head of cataloged horses and mules sold grade or unregistered and averaged $10,100 on the top five. Top 20 averaged $7,752 and included 13 grade horses or mules. Big, pretty, and gentle, Hip 82 “WT Hancock Ace” a 2003 APHA Black and White Tobiano Gelding offered by Houck Horse Co., North Branch, MN claimed the day’s top sale honors with a final bid of $20,000. Ranch horse, trail horse, and family horse, the fancy gelding sold to Sharon Walton, Cave Creek, AZ. Ervin Miller, Forsyth, MT offered Hip 49 “Nugget” a 2006 Grade Palomino Gelding that came broke and gentle. Ridden in the hills, ranched on, and capably shown by Ervin’s three young daughters, the quiet using gelding brought $18,500. In the mule department, the high selling mule was offered by reputation outfitters, Scott and Sandy Sallee, Black Mountain Outfitters, Emigrant, MT and Hip 158 “Bourbon” a 2008 Grade Sorrel John Mule came easy to catch, ridden in the moutnains, and had led the string. Picket broke, the mule had also been packed, and brought $7,000. A first-class offering of teams, both mules and horses, complimented the sale, with the top selling team bringing $9,000. Offered by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA, the paint team of Hips 37 and 38, “Sugar Mac Blue” and “Copy Apache Blue”, both 2005 APHA Black Tobiano Geldings sired by Thundering Hoofs, had done it all from weddings, funerals, family reunions, farm equipment, stood 16.1 hands and weighted $1,350. Traffic broke, the good team sold to Jim Dacar, Belle Fourche, SD. Hips 140 and 140 X, the team of Butch and Sundance, four-year-old half draft geldings offered by Justin Sharp, Heber, UT, had been used to feed, sleigh rides, and came gentle and ready to go to work. The team brought $6,600 and sold to Yellowtone Forever, Yellowstone National Park, MT and WY. From the first horse to the last horse, the market was rock solid, in all classes, kinds, and disciplines. Sale averages include the top five at $13,390; top ten at $10,060, top 50 brought $5,636, and the top 100 averaged $4,485. Loose horses gained ground and were again pushed by the riding prospects where the top horses brought $3,000, $2,100, $2,100, $1,850, and $1,750 – top five average $2,160; Top ten at $1,675, top 20 brought $1,282, top 50 at $907, and the top 100 averaged $667. Processing horses brought a high of 45 cents. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for April Show ‘em and shop ‘em, lots of cattle, lots of opportunities to watch the rope horses, including the professionally produced sale horse jackpot team roping set for Friday, April 21. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947.
SALE REPORT FEBRUARY 24, 25 & 26, 2017 The Perfect Rides A rockstar set of horses headlined Billings Livestock's February 24-25-26 "February Special Catalog Sale" where the top sale horse brought $44,000. The three-day sale weekend welcomed 582 head of horses, 598 registered buyers from 22 states and Canada, with 190 actually making a horse purchase. Part of the weekend’s special “Sons and Daughters” sale offering , Hip 395 “Streakin Ta Houston” a 2010 AQHA Bay Gelding sired by A Streak Of Fling and out of Dash Ta Houston x Dash Ta Fame earned top sale honors. Offered by Levi O’Keefe, Torrington, WY, the finished head horse wore the Fulton Ranch brand, showed well in the previews both roping and on barrels, had been hauled to USTRC, Wrangler Ropings, came nicely started on barrels and sold to Karla Hansen, Fort Collins, CO. Fancy, buckskin, and gentle, Hip 256 “Rockin Y our Glass” a 2008 AQHA Buckskin Gelding by Rockin Doc Frost was offered by Blake Kruger, Long Lake, MN. A one-of-a-kind gelding, he had seen the trails, been roped on, sorted cattle, stood 15 hands, and sold to Mike Ingram, Scottsdale, AZ for $30,000. Sired by High Brow Cat - sire of over $74 million and Cutting’s number one all-time sire – Hip 290 “Cats Emoji” a 2015 AQHA Sorrel Stud Colt was out Badgers Playdough, an $80,000 money earner herself and producer of over $150,000 in money earners to date, was offered by Alan Chappell, Collinsville, TX. The first-class prospect brought $28,000 and sold to Matt Clark, Afton, WY. Proven arena performers had their day where good rope horses made news including Hip 321 “Looken Stylish” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Sstylish Rey offered by Chelsea Brown, Big Sandy, MT. Purchased by Keesie Kothman, Mason, TX the special gelding had been hauled and won on by PRCA circuit qualifiers on both ends in addition to a solid ranching background. The solid rope horse brought $20,000. Genetics shined as Hip 356 “Montana Easy Move” a 1998 AQHA Bay Stallion x Doc O Dynamite and out of Easy April Bar – the mother of over $200,000 in barrel racing earnings including NFR appearances – brought $20,000 and was offered by Jeff Gorrell, Beach, ND. Barrels, poles, and a top-shelf head horse, Hip 280 “Kitachex” a 2008 AQHA Chestnut Gelding x Colonel Doc Bar Chex and out of a daughter of I’ll Be Smart was offered by Gina Welch, Silesia, MT. Shown in the performance preview, the four event gelding brought $19,000 and sold to Rachel Campbell, Bozeman, MT. Sale averages prove the quality where the top five averaged $28,400, top ten at $23,300, top 20 at $18,835, top 50 brought $13,825, and the top 100 averaged $10,335. Loose horse market set a record price paid for a BLS loose horse - $3,900 – selling as is, where is, how is, no speech, no rider, and 43 horses brought $1,000 or better selling loose. A bump in the loose market saw the prospects prosper pushing the averages to all-time highs – top five brought $2,990, top 10 at $2,605, top 20 averaged $2,165, top 50 at $1,596, and the top 100 averaged $1,130. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for March 25 with the “Spring Special Catalog Sale” - one big day of horses and mules and featuring the annual “Outfitters, Guest, Dude Ranch and Trail Horse” offering in addition to a special session of “Roans Only”. All classes of horses will sell, in addition to a big selection of mules. An indoor preview of the mules, barrel horses, cutters, saddle horses, and rope horses is scheduled for Friday, March 24 at 3 p.m. SALE REPORT JANUARY 28, 2017 Western Style An assorted mix of everything from tack to teams complimented Billings Livestock Commission’s January 28 “Winter Special Catalog Sale” and annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale”.. Billings Livestock welcomed 351 head of horses for the one-day sale event. Performance and honesty continue to pack-a-punch in the gelding division as the top five selling horses sold “grade” - with no registration papers or verified pedigree - and sold with an average ticket price of $9,200. A one-of-a-kind team lead off the top seller’s listing as Hips 66 and 66X “Colonel and Major” a pair of friesian cross, full brothers, six and seven years old, broke to ride and drive, brought $16,000. Offered by Wowk Ranch, Inc, Beauvallon, Alberta, the special team had been used at the ranch, in horse shows, driven in town, hauled round bales, drove like a carriage team, and sold to Tanya Ballensky, Billings, MT He sold on his ability, disposition, and education, and Hip 55 “Rango” a 2008 Grade Gray gelding offered and used by Joe Fox, Hysham, MT had been ridden on the ranch, roped bulls, horses, loaded trucks, and was easy on the rider. The good-for-all-day gelding was purchased by John and Jeanne Mohr, Joliet, MT for $8,750. Quarter Circle 4 R Ranches, Cody, WY brought Hip 32 “Buttermilk” a 2009 Grade Buckskin Gelding that had seen lots of country, stood a compact 14 hands, came traffic safe and gentle, and brought $7,250. Dillon Corrington, Hastings, MN offered Hip 45 “Stick” a 2002 Grade Bay gelding that he had owned and ridden for the past six years. Been everywhere, seen everything, the finished ranch horse, pickup horse, had been used in parades, drug bulls, carried flags, been used as a therapy horse, doctored outside, trail ridden, too, and the big, strong, attractive gelding sold to Cher Barrett, Mount Ida, AR for $7,000. West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA brought a nice set of horses including Hip 62 “BMQ In the Black” a 2011 AQHA Black Gelding x BMQ Legacy. The user friendly, mulit-purpose gelding had ponied colts, been trail ridden, started on the hot heels, came very broke to ride, and sold to Julie Honsinger, Drexel, MO for $5,000. A solid sale from start to finish, in all classes and kinds, the top ten averaged $7,245, top 20 at $5,325, top 50 at $3,162, and the top 100 averaged $2,082. In the loose division, the prospects ran wild as the top selling loose horse brought $2,150 and 14 head brought $1,000 or better. Processing horses felt market pressure with the best horses bringing 30/35 cents/lb. Billings Livestock’s “February Catalog Sale” will feature an expanded three-day sale format February 24-25-26 with a complete performance preview of all catalog horses beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday at the HorsePalace Arena. In addition, the American Quarter Horse Association’s member services will be on site at BLS to personally assist with transfers, issues, and registrations. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT NOVEMBER 26, 2016 Unique & Talented Quite the collection of horses packed the November 26 sale offering at Billings Livestock Commission’s “Holiday Special Catalog Sale”. Highlighted by the second annual $1,000 added money "R CUSTOMERS ROCK" barrel race and team roping held Friday just prior to the sale preview. The "Customer Appreciation" event was open to all customers who had done business at BLS Horse Sales over the past 19 years. The event hosted 53 barrel racers with Becky Fuson earning the 1D Championship and $354. The top five selling horses included a Gypsy Vanner, a barrel horse, a rope horse, two fancy prospects, and averaged $10,260. A one-day total of 531 head of horses came to Billings with 25 no sales or pass outs. A one-of-a-kind guy claimed top sale honors with a $14,500 selling price, and Hip 159 “Turbo” a 2011 Grade Gypsy Vanner Gelding offered by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA came gentle, kind, and safe. Shown in the previews, the special fellow was extremely broke, rode double, triple, came traffic broke and sensible and sold to Kristy Manschein, Oakdale, CA. Take a one-horse trailer to the rodeo and load Hip 140 and you came mounted and headed to the pay window on “Fame Flash” a 2002 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Mr Fancy Fame x Dash Ta Fame offered by Megan Burbridge, Elmwood, UT. A competitive 1D/2D barrel horse, the striking gelding also ran 20 second poles, had cashed checks in the breakaway roping and on the head side, and stood 15.2 hands and weighed 1,200. Truly talented and with solid manners, the gelding brought $11,000 and sold to Ryan Scott, Rock Springs, WY. Nice, nice and ready to go your direction, Hip 74 “Good Cookin” a 2011 AQHA Chestnut Gelding x Cookin Merada x Meradas Money Talks and out of a daughter of Haidas Little Pep was fancy colored and fancy riding. Gentle, shown at versatility shows, used as a turn back horse, and started roping the hot heels, the well-rounded gelding sold to Castle Mountain Ranch, Inc., White Sulphur Springs, MT for $9,500. Finished head and heel horse, shown in the pre-sale preview, and ready to load and go, Hip 83 “Silvertone Bar Three” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding offered by Bernadette Zervas, Congress, AZ had also been shown in versatility competitions. The gelding brought $9,300 and sold to Troy and Kelli Tavegie, New Castle, WY. They had owned her for seven years, won thousands both heading and heeling, ranched on her, ridden in the mountains, and Hip 144 “Peppys Lil Catt” a 2008 AQHA Brown Mare by Sophisticated Catt and out of Precious Lil Pappy was the business. Offered by Scott Hulme, Downey, ID the good mare was purchased by Scott Peterson, Belle Fourche, SD for $7,000. Adam Noll, Louisburg, KS consigned Hip 85 “Donald” a 2009 Grade Sorrel John Mule that came gentle, ridden in rough terrain, stood 15.3, and wouldn’t quit when the days got long. The big, gentle giant brought $4,300. Complete sale averages include the top 5 at $10,260; top ten at $8,185; top 20 at $6,492; top 50 brought $4,469; and the top 100 averaged $3,146. Loose horses saw an active market pushed by the riding prospects as the top five loose averaged $2,220; top ten at $1,815; Top 20 brought $1,380; top 50 at $936; and the top 100 averaged $687. Get set for one big day of horses, tack, and more horses on Saturday, January 28 as Billings Livestock kicks off the New Year with the “Winter Special Catalog Horse Sale” and annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” offering used and collectible tack. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT OCTOBER 29, 2016 On A High Note Keen, colored, and educated, the demand for solid geldings continued at Billings Livestock Commission’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” and regular monthly horse sale October 29. The one-day sale saw 778 head of horses offered with horses originating from 16 states and Canada and selling across the map to 20 states and Canada. The top selling horse came straight off a day’s work and Hip 58 “Cochise“ a 2008 Grade Black and White Paint Gelding was gentle, safe, and kind. Used for every job on the ranch, the fancy fellow was offered by McNabb Livestock, Cody, Wy and sold for $27,000 to Catharine Peterson, Lexington, KY. Billings Livestock was proud to offer seven head from the program of NFR Qualifier Dean Tuftin, DT Horses, Bend, OR, home of “Shiners Lena Chex” by Shining Spark, sire of AQHA World Champions including the 2015 World Champion Junior Tie Down Roping horse and 2015 World Champion Junior Heeling horse. Reserve sale honors at $10,000 to Hip 76 “DT Home Run Homerun” a 2012 AQHA Bay gelding x Lena Docs Diamond x Shiners Lena Doc raised, trained, and offered by DT Horses. Purchased by Roger Kleeman, Billings, MT the big, solid, gelding showed outstanding in the rope horse preview on the head side, and came gentle and handsome. Another young gelding that showed big time stuff in the roping preview, Hip 111 “MDP Baxtons Seeker” a 2010 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Mr Bueno Seeker x Poco Bueno 2 was offered by Kevin and Ashlee Jaeger, Newell, SD and shown both heading and heeling by Paul Griemsman. The stand-up gelding brought $7,500 and sold to Shawn Jenkins, McCook, NE. A very nice two-year-old stud colt, Hip 195 “Money Is My Choice” a 2014 AQHA Bay Roan Colt x Laredos Lynx x Laredo Blue was offered by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA and purchased by Jimmy Beaty, Okeechobee, FL. Flashy, fancy, and athletic, the special two-year-old brought $7,500. Offered by the ranch that raised her, Hip 134 “Boons French Streak” a 2013 Red Roan Mare x French Streaktovegas x A Streak Of Fling was consigned by Jody Smith, Miles City, MT. Well started, the barrel horse prospect brought $7,300. Overall sale averages include the top five at $11,860, top ten at $9,270, Top 20 at $7,152, top 50 brought $4,966, and top 100 averaged $3,624. Riding prospects dominated the loose offering where a new record was set in the loose division as the top horse of the day brought $4,600 - no speech, no rider, no guarantees. Loose market saw top five average $2,720, top ten at $2,265, top 20 at $1,832, top 50 brought $1,297, and the top 100 averaged $967. Billings Livestock's next sale event is set for November 26 and will include an indoor preview of cutters, ride horses, and rope horses on Friday, November 25 at the HorsePalace Arena. As part of the Holiday Sale weekend, a $1,000 added money barrel racing and $1,000 added money team roping exclusively for Billings Livestock customers “R Customers Rock” will kick off Friday’s events. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sales at 406-855-1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 24 & 25, 2016 Gotta-Go-Rope Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” September 23-25 welcomed a stellar selection of horses where “Rope Horses” took center stage and the top five averaged $20,000. Head, heel, or breakaway, the rope horses previewed Friday afternoon in Billings Livestock’s sale horse jackpot hosted by the HorsePalace Arena where 129 teams put on a show - it was two complete go-arounds and a top 12 finals - and one big-time in Billings, Montana. Produced by Wrangler Team Roping Championship’s Dennis Tryan, the professional display of rope horses blasted off the three-day, 82nd anniversary celebration at Billings Livestock including the grand opening of a new, 36 stall horse barn. “Rope Horses” claimed 14 positions in the BLS Top Twenty Sellers listing - bearing an average ticket price of $13,160, and overall 82 rope horses averaged $5,881. Young and talented, Hip 255 “Gunner Echo” a 2010 AQHA Gray Gelding x Mr Play Holly x Playgun and out of a Major Bonanza bred dam took home top sale honors with a $24,000 sale price. Offered by “Get R Done Horse Training” Barrhead, Alberta, shown by Trey Gallais and earning a third place average check in the jackpot, the gelding was previewed heading, heeling, tie-down, and breakaway roping. Kind and willing, the deluxe gelding sold to Shane Johnson, New Town, ND. He showed outstanding in the barrel racing demonstration, and Hip 147 “Bully At The Bar” a 2010 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding x Platinum Bully x Bully Bullion earned reserve sale honors with a $20,000 sale price. Consigned by Schmitt Horse Ranch, and shown by Riley Schmitt, the gelding ran 1D/2D times, came extremely broke, started on the hot heels, and paid into Future Fortunes, Pitzer Ranch, Ericson, NE purchased the quality gelding. Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT offered Hip 231 “Jae Bar Smart Mister” a 2004 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Smart Little Mister and out of a daughter of Doc’s Jack Sprat that had been hauled and won on heeling. He won sixth in the average, came gentle, seasoned, and safe - brought $19,000 and sold to James Sandy, Claresholm, Alberta. Solid, solid, solid - from top to bottom - the top five horses averaged $20,000 with the top ten at $16,970 top 20 averaged $13,375, top 50 brought $9,682 and the top 100 averaged $7,144. Again, the younger, plainer, less experienced horses continue to see lessened demand while the better, overall quality individuals continue to see increased demand. Loose horses rocked it as the top processing horse brought 58 cents and the prospects shined with the top five averaging $1,850, top ten at $1,695; top 20 at $1,405, top 50 at $1,055, and top 100 averaging $867. Billings Livestock’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” is set for October 28-29 offering an indoor, climate and ground controlled preview for the barrel horses, cutters, saddle and ride horses, calf horses, and team roping horses set for 3 p.m. on Friday, October 28 at the HorsePalace Arena. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT AUGUST 27, 2016 Run, Baby, Run Performance horses - with a push on barrel and speed bred horses - flavored Billings Livestock’s “August Special Catalog Sale” and regular monthly horse sale August 27. All in one day, all in one place, Billings saw 600 head of horses with the top five averaging $10,960. Friday night’s UBRC “It’s All About You” approved barrel race kicked it all off with 78 runs including nine sale horses. At the top of the high seller’s list was Hip 18 “Moon” a 2010 Grade Paint Gelding offered by Jerry White, Timber Lake, SD and shown by eight-year-old cowboy Gavin White. Solid and tolerant, the good gelding brought $16,000 and sold to Larry and Vickie Hanft, Dayton, WY. He had it all going on – color, pedigree, disposition, and talent – and Hip 74 “Crown Shake Em” a 2009 AQHA Buckskin Gelding x CrownRoyal Frenchman x Frenchman’s Guy and out of a daughter of Royal Shake Em came consigned by Kurt Knudson, Iowa Falls, IA. Ridden in the barrel race and shown in the previews by Riley Schmitt, the extra-nice gelding had been hauled and stayed quiet. Kristopher Molle, Chauvin, Alberta, purchased the gelding for $11,000. Quarter and half drafts continue a big presence as three made the top 20 list with an average sale price of $5,200. Sired by the Fulton Ranch Sire, “CS Flashlight”, Hip 150 “BS Royal Jewel Flash” a 2009 AQHA Gray Gelding was out of a Streakin Six bred dam and was offered by Julie Voigt, Buelah, ND. Big, strong, and attractive, the well-bred, balanced gelding brought $11,000. Jess Koubek, Thedford, NE consigned Hip 8 “Pecos Orphan Riviera” a 2005 AQHA Chestnut Gelding x Pines Poco Eagle that came ranch ridden and was finished on the heel side. Gentle and broke, the gelding brought $5,400 and sold to Rob Vigoren, Laverkin, UT. With all classes offered, 80 horses brought between $4,650 and $1,600. Loose horses had a runaway as the top processing horse brought 58 cents and the prospects continue to see strong demand. On the loose, 25 head brought $1,000 or better, with the top loose horse selling for $2,700. Top five on the loose averaged $2,130, top ten at $1,795; Top 20 brought $1,493; top 50 at $1,147 and the top 100 averaged $918. Overall sale averages include the top five at $10,960; top ten at $8,625; Top 20 at $6,842; top 50 brought $4,817; and the top 100 averaged $3,471. Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale is next on the BLS Sale agenda September 23-25 The big, fall sale event will headline “Rope Horses” with a team roping jackpot for sale horses only at 1 p.m. Friday, September 23. All classes of horses will sell including mares, stallions, finished horses, prospects, and young stock. Cattle will be available to show the cutting horses, calf horses, and rope horses. Catalog deadline is September 5, with a supplement printed for later entries. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-855-1947. SALE REPORT JULY 23, 2016 Summer’s Power Rides A better market for a better horse was the trend at Billings Livestock’s “Mid-Summer Special Catalog Sale” July 23. The one day sale event featured cutters and cowhorses and offered sons and daughters of Metallic Cat, WR This Cats Smart, Zack T Wood, Smart Little Lena, Dual R Smokin, and Rockin W. Numbers for the big summer weekend in Billings included 525 head of horses, 301 individual registered buyers with 147 actually purchasing, and 39 no sales. Handy and handsome, Hip 118 “Wild Card Cat” a 2011 AQHA Chestnut Stallion Bred by the San Juan Ranch and offered by Mike Lyons, Polson, MT , the well mannered gentleman sold to Kent Blough, Wilsall, MT. She’d earned $11,900, came novice eligible, gentle, and perfect for the Amateur or non-pro rider, and Hip 64 “Catilda” a 2008 AQHA Sorrel Mare by WR This Cats Smart and out of Peppy Madonna x Peppy San Badger earned runnerup sale honors with a $15,700 bid. Owned and shown by Kathryn Terrell, Scottsdale, AZ the quality mare sold to Julio Arellano, Wellington, FL. An all-around nice gelding that had been shown in Stock Horse competitions, Hip 207 “Shorthanded Outfit” a 2007 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Solid Sugarbar by Colonel Freckles and out of a Tee Cross bred dam was gentle, attractive, and had been used in all aspects of ranch work. Offered by JC Performance Horses, Kuna, ID, the kind, willing gelding brought $9,700 and sold to Paul Schultes, Howes, SD. Hip 68 “RW Dots” a 2014 AQHA Palomino Gelding by Rockin W and out of Daisy Dots x Quejanaisalena was one special two-year-old. Loaded with personality, the kind, gentle fellow showed on cattle in the preview, was offered by West Fork Ranch, Sheffield, IA and sold to Bert Bilby, Chadron, NE for $7,000. A horse for every price-point, 80 horses brought between $2,200 and $5,500. Complete sale averages include the top five at $12,780; Top ten at $10,775; top 20 average $8,727; Top 50 brought $6,113, and the top 100 averaged $4,405. Loose horses continue to see a strong market where the top end of the processing horses brought 50 cents and the riding prospects continue to shine as 24 head brought $1,000 or better. Top loose horse sold for $3,000, pushing the top 5 average to $2,320, top 10 at $1,980; Top 20 at $1,572; Top 50 at $1,122, and top 100 averaged $847. Billings Livestock’s next sale event includes the annual “August Catalog Sale August 27. UBRC barrel race with $300 added - open to all barrel racers - will kick off the weekend’s activities on Friday afternoon August 26 in the BLS Arena. Sale horses are encouraged to compete and enter with a $100 bonus awarded to the sale horse clocking the fastest time. To enter, consign or request a catalog, contact Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager at 406-855-1947or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JUNE 25, 2016 The Barrel Racing Biz Ready to roll arena horses and better quality prospects shined at Billings Livestock’s June 25 “Summer Special Catalog Sale”. Top five horses averaged $12,060 and included two hauled and won on barrel horses, a rock solid head horse, and two fancy prospects. A one-day total of 681 head of horses were offered with 301 buyers registered and 159 purchasing horses. To the top of the high sellers listing she went and Hip 151 “Cash N Streak” a 2005 AQHA Sorrel Mare by a Streak of Fling and out of Cash N Dash by Texas High Dasher had been hauled extensively to college rodeos for the past four seasons and showed well in the preview. Offered by Judy Simonson, Loring, MT, shown by Buckshot Nelson, the mare had seen extensive ranch use, had been hauled as a hazing horse, brought $15,000 and sold to Jeff Poppe, LaGrande, OR. Same solid trip every time, Hip 176 “Play With Colonels” a 2007 AQHA Bay Gelding x Playguns Little Lena by Playgun was the real deal head horse. Score, run, rate, face, steer after steer - he was the business offered by Tyson Frank, Queen Creek, AZ and purchased by Vanek Cattle Service, Silesia, MT for $13,750. Candi Zion, Winifred, MT consigned Hip 67 “Sadies T Bird” a 2008 AQHA Dun Mare by Sadies Frosty Drift and out of Estrapde by On A High. Coming with 2D barrel futurity earnings, the mare had been used on the ranch, ridden on the Rocky Mountain Front, came started on poles, brought $12,700 and sold to Joe Murray, Oakdale, CA. Shown in the Friday team sorting competition, Hip 55 “Smarty Roayl Buck” a 2007 AQHA Red Roan Gelding sired by Poco Royal Smart and out of a Mr. Roan Hancock bred dam was owned by J & A Horse Ranch, Preston, MN. The full-made, fancy gelding sold to Dennis Stevens, Red Lodge, MT for $10,750. With 80 head bringing between $2,400 and $5,200, a something for everyone horse market prevailed at Billings Livestock. The top ten averaged $9,625, top 20 at $7,617, top 50 brought $5,557, and the top 100 averaged $4,186. Led by the riding prospects, the loose horse market was smoking hot where the top horse on the loose brought $2,900, followed by two head at $2,300, $2,250, and $2,200. As a result, loose averages climbed to some of the highest in BLS history where the top five averaged $2,390, top ten at $2,155, top 20 averaged $1,820, top 50 at $1,326, and the top 100 averaged $1,023. Already a solid lineup of first-class horses, the annual “Mid-Summer” Catalog Sale – featuring cutting and cowbred horses is next on the BLS agenda July 23. All classes of horses will sell, including finished horses and prospects for ranch, roping, arena, cutting, or recreation. Designed to allow the sellers an opportunity to showcase their consignments and at the same time, giving the buyer an honest, professional opportunity to assess the horses, Friday’s special preview of cutting horses on cattle will begin at 5 p.m. in the BLS Arena. Saturday’s preview begins at 8:30 a.m. with another look at the cutters on cattle, followed by the saddle and ride horse demonstrations, with calf horses and team roping horses showing at 11 a.m. Catalog Sale Time is 12 Noon. Loose horses sell at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. 500 plus horses are expected. Billings Livestock is a federally licensed and bonded facility and offers all classes and kinds of horses. For more information, contact Jann Parker, BLS Sale Manager at 406-855-1947. www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT MAY 28, 2016 Geldings Go Big-Time Bonused by the “Best of the Remuda” Ranch Horse competition, Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” May 28 showcased the talents of the consignments and saw an active market fueled by better-end geldings. 19 of the top 20 selling horses were geldings with an average sale price of $9,920. A super set of 34 using horses competed in the judged ranch horse competition on Friday afternoon where Hips 178 “Number One Spot” offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT and shown by Chad Turner and Hip 171 “Cajun Spoonful” offered by Parker Horse Company, Billings, MT and shown by Chelsea Brown split Championship honors. Hip 178 “Number One Spot” a 2009 AQHA Red Dun gelding sired by the NCHA Open Futurity Champion, Spots Hot, and out of a daughter of Doc N Willy, was the complete package - fancy, gentle, capably rope either end, or cut a cow - he did it all with style and finesse. The gelding topped the day’s offering with a $20,000 price tag, selling to Roger Kleeman, Billings, MT. Hip 171 “Cajun Spoonful” a 2010 AQHA Red Roan gelding sired by Hes A Peptospoonful and out of a $94,900 money earning daughter of Lenas Jewels Bars was also gentle, fancy, and showed outstanding. The extra-nice gelding brought $12,000. He had a lot to talk about and Hip 80 “Fancy Colt 44” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Colonels Smoking Gun (Gunner) and out of Freckles Fancy Que x Freckes Fancy Twist came complete with NRHA earnings and a gentle disposition. Willing to please, the sharp dressed, talented young gelding was offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA, earned fifth spot in the Ranch Horse Competition, and sold to Michael Bennett, Tennessee Colony, TX for $17,000. Lyle Mitchell, Arvada, WY offered Hip 144 “Mr Pepsmoke Money” a 2004 AQHQA Gray Gelding sired by Mr Pepsmoke and out of a Jays Blue Bar bred dam. Tried and true, the gentle-everyday kinda guy had seen many, many ranch miles, came in fourth in the competition, brought $7,500, and sold to Battle Ax Ranch, Cowley, WY. Bred to be the special guy he was, Hip 123 “My Guns Dun It” a 2013 AQHA Palomino gelding sired by NRHA Hall of Fame and $6 Million dollar sire, Hollywood Dun It, and out of Red Berry Guns by Colonels Smoking Gun. With a ranching resume already, the attractive, gentle three-year-old was offered by Greg Goggins, Shepherd, MT and sold to Weller Ranch, Kadoka, SD for $13,000. Quarter-Drafts continue their popularity at Billings as Hip 152 “Silverado” a 2010 grade gray gelding consigned and shown by Jeff and Christina Tift, Banner, WY brought $7,000. The one-day sale offered 571 head of horses with 23 no sales and a top five average of $15,650, top ten at $12,565, top 20 averaged $9,920, top 50 at $7,178 and the top 100 averaged $5,270. Loose horses keep a push on the market as the top end of the processing horses brought 50 to 55 cents and the riding prospects ran wild - top loose horse brought $2,700 and 27 head brought $1,000 or better. Loose averages rock with the top five at $2,500, top ten at $2,235, top 20 averaged $1,821, top 50 at $1,245, and the top 100 averaged $924. The “Summer Special Catalog Sale” is next on the BLS sale schedule set for June 25 and will feature “Team Sorting” horses. All classes and types of horses will sell including rope horses, cutters, reiners, prospects, mares, stallions, and finished arena and using horses. BLS will host a team sorting, Friday, June 24 with one horse in each team being a sale horse. Cattle will be available to show the cutting horses and rope horses beginning at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Ride horse previews included. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT APRIL 23, 2016 ROPE-TASTIC A class collection of rope horses - 90 in all - came jackpot and rodeo ready for Billings Livestock Commission’s 18th annual “Rope Horse Special and April Special Catalog Sale” April 23. A packed pre-sale team roping jackpot held Friday afternoon at the Horse Palace Arena welcomed 147 teams in a 2 go round with top 12 finals format roping to showcase the sale horses. Rope horses brought from $2,500 to $25,500 depending on talent, condition, and disposition. With three separate opportunities to preview, the rope horses had it going on. The top ten rope horses averaged - every one of them entered in the jackpot - a nice $17,550. A pair of fancy gray geldings claimed the 2016 Spring Rope Horse Sale Championship posting a 21.24 on three head. Hip 60 “Fan Of A Colonel” a 2007 AQHA Gray Gelding by Bar Four Colonel consigned by Mosquito Creek Performance Horses, Nanton, Alberta and headed on by Trey Gallais and on the heel side, Hip 73 “Charlsies Cat” a 2005 AQHA Gray Gelding by Playgun and out of a daughter of High Brow Cat piloted by Jace Crabb, Mangum, OK. The pair of geldings brought $7,500 and $25,500 respectively. Finished arena horses and deluxe prospects rang the bell as the top five selling horses - a trail horse, three rope horses, and a barrel horse - averaged $22,100. Straight to the top he went and Hip 20 “Little Horn” a 2006 Grade Bay Draft-Cross gelding was as unique as he was big. The one-of-a-kind guy stood 16 hands and came solid broke, ridden by all ages, and was a finished trail and ranch horse offered by Jeff and Christina Tift, Banner, WY. Purchased by Michael Snyder, Colorado Springs, CO the gentle giant brought $29,000. Head or heel, Hip 78 “WC Dakota Driftn Rey” a 2009 AQHA Bay Gelding x Dakota Drift offered by Scott Peterson, Belle Fourche, SD and shown by John Peterson, was the rope horse business. Winning third spot in the jackpot on the head side, the real deal gelding had been to the Wrangler Finals, National Little Britches Finals, and could be ridden by anyone from seven to 70. Even tempered and gentle, the gelding brought $18,000 and sold to Terry Brown, Graham, WA. Jason Schafer, Broadus, MT brought a handsome and talented tie-down calf horse to Billings and Hip 200 “Texas Black Veil” a 2010 AQHA Black Gelding x Royal Texas Jasy was out of a Haidas Little Pep daughter. He showed it all in the previews, and the gelding with the big future brought $17,500 and sold to Chip Sisco, Greenough, MT. Hip 112 “Smartys Foxy Man” a 2006 AQHA Dun Gelding by Smart Little Scoot and out of a Justa Swinging Peppy daughter came with AQHA points in ranch sorting, $2,700 in NCHA earnings, and was a finished head and heel horse. Consigned and shown by Jason Hershberger, Litchfield Park, AZ the talented gelding sold to Pete Kyle, Amarillo, TX for $16,000. Barrel horses shined including Hip 150 “Flings Cashin Whiskey” a 2011 AQHA Gray Gelding x A Streak of Fling and out of a daughter of Paddys Irish Whiskey offered by Theresa Walter Sorlie, Billings, MT. The outstanding prospect came with a solid foundation, a big-time pedigree, and had been in good hands. He brought $19,500 and sold to Cindi Butler, Boulder, WY. Janet Erickson, Helena, MT offered a gelding that she had bred, raised, trained, and hauled, and Hip 104 “Ole Niblefoot” a 2007 AQHA Brown Gelding x Smart San Colonel had made many trips to the pay window. Handy, pleasant, and athletic, the willing gelding brought $13,000 and sold to Jason Crane, Montpelier, ID. With a one-day total of 555 head of horses the complete sale averages show the top five at $22,100; top ten at $19,350; Top 20 brought $16,375; Top 50 at $11,031, and the top 100 averaged $7,430. In the loose horse division the market has remained strong with the better processing horses holding the 50 cent market. Riding prospects pushed the loose market where 29 head brought $1,000 or better with no speech, no rider and as is, where is. The top five averaged $2,270, top ten at $1,942; top 20 brought $1648; top 50 at $1,179; and the top 100 averaged $864. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for May 28 and will feature the annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale in addition to the “Best of the Remuda” Ranch Gelding competition. Featured in May will be Ranch geldings along with kid’s ponies and horses. Ranch Horse competition is set for 3 p.m. Friday, May 27 in the BLS Arena. Cattle will be available both days to preview the rope horses and cutting horses. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Bill and Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406.855.1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT MARCH 26, 2016 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Mega mules, trail, pack, and hunting horses - a sportsman’s selection of the tried and true kind - filled Billings Livestock’s “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 26. A one-day total of 529 head were offered which included six teams, 69 mules, and over 40 draft or draft cross bred consignments. The top five included a team, a draft cross mare, a grade rope horse, two AQHA geldings, and averaged $9,080. Mules made magic with the top two selling mules bringing $4,500 each. Big, strong, and gentle-by-nature, drafts of all kinds, full, half, and quarter - brought from $800 to $8,200, with the top five averaging a rippin‘ $6,300. The well matched team of Hips 155 and 155 X “Bonnie and Clyde” a pair of three and four-year-old grade, black, shire mares offered by Chris Weese, Farson, WY had been used to feed cows and horses, sleigh rides, and were started right. The attractive, gentle team brought $8,200 and sold to Herb Napier, Forsyth, MT. Hip 137 “Snippy” a 2008 Grade Percheron Cross Mare consigned by Guy and Kay Small, Pompeys Pillar, MT came gentle, ranch and trail ridden, and fancy broke to ride. The flashy, well mannered mare brought $7,900. He rode as good as he looked, and Hip 173 “Peppys PG Sundust” a 2010 AQHA Gray Gelding by Peppys Gay x Peponita and out of a daughter of Playgun earned top sale honors for March. Offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA, the better broke gelding came with reined cow horse training and had been hauled to weekend cuttings. Grapevine Ranch, Inc, Billings, MT purchased the special gelding for $10,700. Two mules brought a final bid of $4,500 each, and included Hip 189 “Willy” a ten-year-old Grade John Mule offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA and Hip 230 “Bobbie” and eight-year-old John Mule consigned by Clay Trollinger, Ten Sleep, WY.Both mules were well broke and gentle. The loose horse market raged on where an incredible propect market set new records - 35 horses brought over $1,000 on the loose, no rider, no speech, no guarantee, pushing the the top five average to $2,960, top ten averaged $2,530, top 20 brought $2,036, top 50 at $1,408, and the top 100 brought $1,035. Inclusive of all divisions - catalog horses, loose, and open consignment - complete sale averages show the top five at $9,080; top 10 at $7,710; Top 20 brought $6,345; Top 50 at $4,852; and the top 100 averaged $3,905. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for April 22-23 and will feature the 18th annual “Rope Horse Special” catalog sale, Show ‘em and shop ‘em, lots of cattle, lots of opportunities to watch the rope horses, including the professionally produced sale horse jackpot team roping set for Friday, April 22. In addition, Billings Livestock welcomes 3X PRCA World Champion Tee Woolman for a complimentary roping seminar just prior to the jackpot. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or contact Bill and Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-245-4151. SALE REPORT FEBRUARY 27-28-29, 2016 From the first horse to the last, the sale dazzled with a quality offering in all disciplines, as over 800 individual buyers registered to purchase a weekend total of 872 horses. Welcomed by sunshine, blue skies, and 60 degrees and bonused by a full day of indoor, climate and ground controlled performance previews, the sale horses had opportunity to showcase their skills. The rippin’ set of horses set new sale records for BLS that included the top five average at $28,800, top ten brought $24,370, top 20 at $19,605; top 50 at $14,049; and top 100 averaged $10,480. Top sale honors to Hip 310 “Same Low Price” a 2008 AQHA Gray gelding x Mr Fancy Fame by Dash Ta Fame offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland , IA. The hauled and won on 1D/2D barrel horses was also a finished head horse, came broke, quiet, and gentle, and sold to repeat customers, Timothy and Tya Kraus, Ranier, WA for $34,000. Reserve sale honors with a $32,000 sale price to Hip 347 “Famous Yellow Rose” a 2011 AQHA Palomino mare by Dash Ta Fame offered by Jessie Domann, Gainesville , TX . Purchased by Charles Decher, Gelwein , IA , the BFA money earner was also a top 50 finalist at Fort Smith , extremely broke and solid on the pattern, and was legged up and ready to run. Justin and Ashley Michels, Cannon Falls, MN offered Hips 348 “Wimpys Just Smoking” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Stallion x Wimpys Little Step and out of a daughter of Grays Starlight and Hip 242 “Make It A Bud” a 2009 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Nic It In The Bud with $9,872 NRHA. The pair of finished reiners brought $27,000 and $26,000 respectively. Rope horses had their time to shine with the top two rope horses bringing $22,500 and $19,000 and included Hip 290 “Rawhide Roo Star” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Roo Star offered by Parker Horse Company, Billings, MT and purchased by Casey Patterson, Clovis, CA and Hip 350 “Lyle” a 2005 Grade Sorrel Gelding consigned by Billy Brown, Joliet, MT and purchased by brian Okelberry, Goshen, UT. Loose horses saw a fantastic market as well, where the top loose horse of the day commanded $3,600 and the top five averaged $2,440, top ten at $2,040, top 20 at $1,735, top 50 brought $1,312, and top 100 averaged $991. Billings Livestock‘s “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 26 offers one big day of horses and mules and features the annual “Outfitters, Guest, Dude Ranch and Trail Horse” offering in addition to a special session of “Roans Only”. All classes of horses will sell, in addition to a big selection of mules. An indoor preview of the mules, barrel horses, cutters, saddle horses, and rope horses is scheduled for Friday, March 25 at 3 p.m.
SALE REPORT JANUARY 23, 2016 The 2016 Billings Livestock horse sale season officially kicked off January 23 as BLS Horse Sales welcomed 378 head to the annual “Winter Special Catalog Sale” and “Cabin Fever Tack Sale”. Big, blue, and gentle, Hip 69 “Cruzin Dude Blue” a 2005 AQHA Blue Roan Gelding sired by Blue Dude Coulee and out of Coys Pretty Benear x King Coys Bonanza earned top sale honors with a $11,000 bid. Offered by Quarter Circle 4R Ranch Horses, Cody, WY the solid ranch gelding stood 16 hands and weighed 1200 lbs, saddled up quiet every time, and was good to rope and doctor on. The unique gelding sold to Dyke Kalanick, Fort Benton, MT. Working cowboy Joe Fox, Hysham, MT consigned Hip 71 “Ronan” a 2009 Grade Sorrel Gelding that had seen lots and lots of ranch miles. Ridden by Joe for two years on the Froze To Death Grazing District, the gentle, honest gelding had made plenty of big circles, brought $7,000 and sold to Mooncrest Ranch, Cody, WY. A pair of buckskin’s, both consigned by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA, claimed spots two and three where Hip 94 “Gingers Best Hank” a 2007 AQHA Gelding sired by Walkers Dora Jo x Tyrees Walker and out of Ms Libber Dee x Mr Baron Bell earned runnerup sale honors with a $7, 800 sale price and Hip 102 “MGBrockDocSkipaZana” a 2008 AQHA Gelding sired by Dry Docs Hilltop x Mr Forty Dry and out of a Blackburn bred mare brought $7,500. Sale averages remained strong as the top five averaged $7,460, top ten at $6,380, Top 20 brought $5,235, Top 50 at $3,672, and the top 100 - and that caught eight loose horses in the compiliation - averaged $2,631. The loose prospects were super strong where the top horse brought $2,150, and pushed the top five average to $1,800, top ten at $1,547, top 20 brought $1,238, top 50 at $875, and the top 100 averaged $680. Processing horses continue to hold their ground with the best horses bringing 45-50 cents/lb. Billings Livestock’s “February Catalog Sale” will feature an expanded three-day sale format February 26-27-28 with a complete performance preview of all catalog horses beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday at the HorsePalace Arena. In addition, the American Quarter Horse Association’s member services will be on site at BLS to personally assist with transfers, issues, and registrations. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT NOVEMBER 28, 2015 Good ‘N Gentle
SALE REPORT OCTOBER 24, 2015 An Upward Trend Strong demand continued for accredited performance horses and top-shelf ranch geldings at Billings Livestock Commission’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” October 24. With a one-day total of 611 head of horses, the top twenty averaged $7,740 and included four grade geldings and a listing of registered horses sired by industry leaders including Smooth As A Cat, Thomas E Hughes, Woodbridge, and Frenchman’s Guy. Hip 29 “Red Neck” a 2007 Grade Red Roan gelding offered by McNabb Livestock, Cody, WY earned top sale honors with a final sale price of $20,000. Quiet, kind, and gentle, the attractive gentleman had been ranch raised and ridden, had seen miles of trailing of cattle, used in horsemanship clinics and sold to Janet Lange, Wentzville, MO,. Sired by NCHA Horse of The Year “Smooth As A Cat” and totally on her game, Hip 137 “Cats Missin Jewel” a 2008 AQHA Sorrel Mare was out of the $89,000 money earning mare My Jewels Missin by Lenas Jewels Bars. Offered by Tania Ugrin-Capabianca, Red Bluff, CA, and shown in the cutting previews by Will Nuttall, the solid, flashy, ready-to-go-show mare sold to Sheana Rambauer, Hamilton, MT for $17,200. Hip 211 “Frank Dun It” a 2007 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Freeway Frank and out of a Hollywood Dun It mare, came with a solid resume that included NRHA earnings, Ranch Pleasure accolades, and gave the Iowa State Cowgirl her winning competition run. Owned by the Westfork Ranch, Sheffield, IA, the special gelding brought $11,000. Originally bred by Carol Rose and sold at Billings Livestock as a weanling, Hip 164 “Soula Hula” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Soula Jule Star and out of a Genuine Doc daughter, was offered by Dave Collins, Melstone, MT. As pretty as they come and ridden miles upon miles of big, Montana ranch country, the superstar ranch hand brought $10,500. North Country Quarter Horses, Fred, Linda, and Grace Finke, Big Sandy, MT consigned 21 head of weanlings from their program with Hip 184 “LF Top Dog” a 2015 AQHA Gray Stallion x Kay Cross Cajun x Frenchmans Guy and out of a Dash For Perks dam topping the offering with a final bid of $3,600. The quality set of weanlings averaged $1,400. Overall sale averages include the top five at $13,860, top ten brought $10,520, top 20 at $7,740, top 50 at $5,236, and the top 100 averaged $3,836. Loose horses felt the seasonal shift as supply beat demand, however, prospects continued their hot streak as the top five loose averaged $2,300; top ten at $1,920; top 20 brought $1,608; top 50 at $1,126; and the top 100 averaged $762. Billings Livestock's next sale event is set for November 28 and will include an indoor preview of cutters, ride horses, and rope horses on Friday, November 27 at the HorsePalace Arena. As part of the Holiday Sale weekend, a $2,000 added money barrel racing and $2,000 added money team roping exclusively for Billings Livestock customers “R Customers Rock” will kick off Friday’s events. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sales at 406-855-1947or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER 25, 26 & 27, 2015 Talent-To-Go With 21 horses bringing $10,000 or better, Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” September 25-27 set new records and offered a “one-stop” shop for performance horses, prospects, and good geldings. The feature was “Rope Horses” and the sale stats include a weekend total of 892 head of horses, 77 pass outs or no sales, 453 registered buyers with 267 actually purchasing horses, 114 buying two or more head, and horses selling to 23 states and four Canadian provinces. The top five averaged $18,300 and included three standout rope horses, a gelding by Colonels Smoking Gun, and a seasoned cutting horse mare by High Brow Hickory. BLS was proud to welcome PRCA World Champion Team Roper, Tee Woolman, Llano, TX who conducted a well attended, informative, roping seminar prior to the sale horse jackpot Friday afternoon at the HorsePalace arena. The professional roping jackpot followed and saw 129 teams compete in a two-go-around and finals format where Hip 257 “Bueno Azure Te Rebel” consigned by Michael and Dana Smith, Raymond, Alberta and ridden by Jason Thorstenson on the head side, paired with Hip 268 “Snikle Fritz Peppy” offered by Siggins Horse Co., Coolidge, AZ and ridden by Lane Siggins on the heel side, laid down three steers in 22.75, took home first place paychecks, Gordy Alderson Trophy Bits, and Ropes from Rocky Mountain Rope Co. The horses brought $4,200 and $6,700 respectively. There was a horse for every budget and skill level, and good horses saw good demand as the top 100 horses averaged $7,613, and the 12 rope horses representing the top six in the jackpot, averaged $5,664. Stamped with quality, Hip 175 “One Gun Shiner” a 2009 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Colonels Smoking Gun and out of a daughter of Shining Spark took home top sale honors with a $25,000 sale price. Offered by Westfork Ranch, Sheffield, IA, the NRHA money earner was kind, honest, and seasoned, had been shown right up to sale day, and was purchased by Brianne Hawks, Norco, CA. Bringing $20,000, reserve sale honors to Hip 173 “Dry Golden Gun” a 2006 AQHA Buckskin Gelding x PG Golden Gun x Playgun and out of a Johnny Dry bred mother. Consigned by Schmitt Horse Ranch, the gelding had been hauled on the head side, ridden on the trails and ranch used, as well. The “ready-made” kind - arena horses to ranch horses to trail horses - carry the clout as buyers continue their quest for a finished product. NFR Qualifier Ty Erickson, Helena, MT offered Hip 124 “Map Flying Bar Drift” a 2002 AQHA Bay Gelding x Tallywood Do It x Tally Man that had been hauled heading, heeling, and hazing. With a couple of PRCA Circuit Finals qualifications on his resume, the seasoned gelding brought $13,200 and sold to Terry and Dawn Powlesland, Laurel, MT. Rope horses claimed 15 positions in the BLS Top Twenty Seller’s List, including four head offered by National Finals Rodeo qualifiers. Overall, the top ten averaged $15,545; Top 20 at $13,097; Top 50 brought $9,948; and the top 100 averaged $7,613. The fire was lit on the loose trade as the top loose horse of the day gathered $2,050 and a whopping prospect trade pushed the averages to $1,900 on the top five; Top ten at $1,642; To 20 brought $1,387; Top 50 at $1,033; and top 100 averaged $823. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for October 24 and will feature Performance Horses. A complete indoor preview of barrel horses, cutters, saddle/ride/reiners, and rope horses is set for Friday, October 23 at 3 p.m. . Read all about it at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT AUGUST 22, 2015 On Their Game Seasoned performance veterans and fashionably pedigreed young competitors were the products in demand August 22 at Billings Livestock’s “August Catalog Sale Event”. Performance horses - with a push on barrel and speed bred horses - flavored the weekend’s offering where the top five selling horses averaged $13,200 - and - included a grade gelding, a Frenchman’s Guy, High Brow CD, and a hauled and won on barrel horse. Friday night’s UBRC Showdown barrel race in the BLS Arena rocked with 76 runs including sale horses and welcomed reigning World Champion Barrel Racer, Fallon Taylor. Two horses claimed the high seller’s position with a $15,500 sales price, and included Hip 78 “Squirt” a 2006 Grade Bay Gelding consigned by three-year-old Jackson Langdeau, Rapid City, SD and Hip 156 “Wild Wanda 409” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel Mare by Wild Thing DNA offered by Barry and Michelle Barnes, Lewiston, ID. Hip 78 “Squirt” was a very gentle kid’s ranch horse and had been Jackson’s personal ranch gelding and hauled to many playdays. Broke enough for adults to get work done on and gentle enough for kids, the quiet gentleman had also been breakaway and heeled on and sold to Ed Brainard, Belgrade, MT. Sharing the top spot was Hip 156 “Wild Wanda 409” a finished cutting mare with $31,370 in NCHA earnings with wins that included the Open Futurity and Open Derby at Big Sky Aged Event, and a finalist this past May at the NCHA Western National’s in Reno. The solid mare was purchased by Greg Burrington, Graham, WA. A big selection of better-end, reliable geldings all with “gentle” as the common denominator - continue to drive the overall market as traditional ranch geldings stay double solid. The top stock horse gelding brought $7,500. Shown in the previews and offered by Bill Pinz, Wyola, MT, Hip 21 “Boonsmals Bobby Chex” a 2006 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Chromesmal x Peptoboonsmal was a real ranch horse that had seen it all and was fancy enough to show or take to the team ropings. Sharon Norskog, Watford City, ND purchased the class gelding. Raised, shown, and consigned by RaeAnn Svedberg, Hardin, MT Hip 127 “Shotgun N Pep” a 2006 AQHA Sorrel Gelding by Sergeants Enterprise and out of Peppy Mahia had been used for every ranch chore, brandings, shown in ranch horse competitions, and could cover big country with ease. The extra broke gelding brought $6,900 and sold to Pitchfork Cattle, LLC, Big Timber, MT. Inclusive sale averages - from beginning to the end, from top to bottom - include the top five at $13,200, top ten came in at $10,180; top 20 averaged $7,767; top 50 brought $4,790; with the top 100 at $3,254. Loose horses maintain their market strength as the top loose prospects commanded $2,250 and $2,200 and made the top five average $1,930, top ten at $1,667, top 20 at $1,371, top 50 averaged $989, and top 100 at $764. Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale is next on the BLS Sale agenda September 25-27. The big, fall sale event will headline “Rope Horses” with a team roping jackpot for sale horses only at 1 p.m. Friday, September 25. Billings Livestock will also welcome 3X PRCA World Champion Team Roper, Tee Woolman, Llano, TX for a complimentary roping seminar prior to the sale horse jackpot. All classes of horses will sell including mares, stallions, finished horses, prospects, and young stock. Cattle will be available to show the cutting horses, calf horses, and rope horses. Catalog deadline is September 5, with a supplement printed for later entries. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or contact Bill and Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-245-4151. SALE REPORT JULY 25, 2015 All. Star. Rides. Winning genetics put performance pedigrees front and center at Billings Livestock’s “Mid-Summer Special Catalog Sale” July 25. The one-day sale offered 764 head of horses, including 278 Cataloged horses selling to over 400 registered buyers with 178 actually purchasing livestock. Stallions lead the way as top sale honors and reserve sale honors were both claimed by stallions bringing $17,200 and $16,000, respectively. Red roan and ready-to-go, Hip 110 “KR Fantallicka” a 2013 AQHA Stallion sired by Metallic Cat and out Fancy Zack x Zack T Wood was raised by and offered by Krebs Ranch, Eldon and Louisa Krebs, Gordon, NE. Sired by Metallic Cat - NCHA Hall of Fame, NCHA Open Futurity Champion, earner of $637,000 and sire of over $4.2 million - the fancy two-year-old came with a big future and sold to Jimmy Kinnison, Yuma, CO. In addition to the top selling horse, Krebs Ranch offered 15 head from their select breeding program and included sons and daughters of High Brow Cat, Cats Moonshine, Horseplayin, and Reys Dual Badger. Another standout from the Krebs program , Hip 205 “KR Shining Fancy” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Filly sired by Cats Moonshine and out of the same mare as the day’s high selling horse - Fancy Zack, a $37,000 NCHA money earner and dam of five performers - the well bred filly was stout, broke, and ready-to-go. The handy mare sold for $10,750 to Julie Arellano, Wellington, FL. Reserve sale honors to Hip 152 “My Ticket To Fame” a 2009 AQHA Gray Stallion sired by Faming Perry x Dash Ta Fame and out of a daughter of Dream Fantasy. Purchased by Dusti Percival, Oxford, NE, the handsome gentleman brought $16,000. The top selling gelding was previewed and offered by Tom and Carmen Buckingham, Bruneau, ID and Hip 41 “Golden Sugar King” a 2007 AQHA Palomino Gelding x Kings Colonel Tari had been used to doctor, brand, gather, and came started on the head side roping. Also used at rodeos as a pick up horse, the gentle gelding brought $13,000 and sold to John Yocum, Athol, ID. An accelerated loose horse market, again lead by the prospects, continue their hot streak where the top five selling loose averaged $2,420 and - 30 head brought $1,000 or better - no rider, no speech, no footnotes. The top weigh up horses brought 38 to 45 cents per pound. Overall sale averages include the top five at $1,4240; Top ten at $11,785; Top 20 brought $9.685; Top 50 at $7,168 and the top 100 averaged $5,116. Billings Livestock’s next sale event includes the annual “August Catalog Sale August 22. UBRC barrel race with $300 added - open to all barrel racers - will kick off the weekend’s activities on Friday afternoon August 21 in the BLS Arena. Sale horses are encouraged to compete and enter with a $100 bonus awarded to the sale horse clocking the fastest time. To enter, consign or request a catalog, contact Bill or Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-855-1947or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT JUNE 27, 2015 Hot Summer Geldings An all-star cast of professional-grade geldings with resumes that included ranch, arena, or recreation work, claimed every spot on Billings Livestock‘s Top 20 Sellers list for the “Summer Special Catalog Sale“ June 27. That set of 20 geldings averaged $7,812. Straight to the top they went, and Hips 112 and 112X “Pete and Charlie“ a solid black percheron team of full brothers, bred, raised, and offered by Merry Teiken, Waubun, MN, had been used in parades, weddings, could pull wagons, discs, and full size winter sleds. The shiny seven and eight year old team was also broke to ride, brought $13,800 and sold to Megan Koltiska, Sheridan, WY. Runnerup sale honors to Hip 179 “Some Kinda TR” a 2011 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x TR Dual Rey and out of the $380,000 money earner and NCHA Open Futurity Champion mare, Some Kinda Memories. Offered by West Fork Ranch, the solid, finished cutter brought $10,200. Robison Ranch and Rope Horses, Weatherford, TX offered Hip 185 “ThirdRateRomance” a 2010 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Third Cutting that came extra broke and well started heading in the roping pen. The gentle gelding had seen plenty of ranch miles and sold to Tom O’Grady, White Owl, SD for $10,000. Ed Fryer, White Sulphur Springs, MT consigned Hip 96 “LF Dashing Doc Bar” a 2006 AQHA Bay Gelding x Frosty Sabre Glo and out of Dashing Lil Monkey. Quiet around cattle, handy around the corrals and alleys, pasture roped on, started colts, and made plenty of big circles in big country, the good ranch gelding brought $7,500 and sold to Kevin Campbell, Bondurant, WY. Talk about fancy, Hip 128 “Weavers Blue Poco” a 2008 AQHA Blue Roan Gelding x Poco Ima Doc was offered by Cliff Milliron, Polson, MT. Used for a bit of everything, he had seen mountain trails, gathered cattle, and was started in the arena roping and on barrels and was purchased by Ray Ellsworth Hill, Ennis, MT for $7,000. Sale statistics smoked it with 665 head of horses offered and an impressive set of sale averages: Top five averaged $10,250; Top ten at $8,960; Top 20 brought $7,812; Top 50 at $6,088, and top 100 averaged $4,577. The strength of the loose market continues as the top end of the processing horses brought 38 cents with a frenzy on the loose prospects as 44 head of horses brought $1,000 or better, lead off with $3,000, $2,675, and $2,550 on the top three. Top five loose averaged $2,485; top 10 brought $2,150; Top 20 at $1,818; top 50 came in at $1,402, and top 100 loose averaged an all-time high of $1,088. Billings Livestock’s “Mid Summer Special Catalog Sale” is next on the agenda July 25. Loose horses will sell at 8 a.m. with catalog sale time 12 Noon. A special preview of cutting horses on cattle will be featured on Friday evening. Contact Bill or Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406.855.1947 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT MAY 23, 2015 A super show of handy horses demonstrated their abilities in the annual “Best of the Remuda” ranch horse competition held Friday afternoon where Hip 79 “Haidas Cat Ichi” a 2006 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by Cat Ichi and out of a daughter of Haidas Little Pep took home Championship Honors. The top two selling horses of day - both shown in the ranch horse division and both carrying proven arena credentials - brought $20,500 and $19,500 respectively, the top five selling horses, all geldings, averaged $17,140. Spring in Big Sky Country saw 630 horses came to town for the Memorial Day weekend sale with 94% completed sales, 313 catalog horses, 302 on the loose, and 15 offered on the open consignment. Shown in the ranch horse competition and in the roping previews, Hip 239 “Magnum Mania” a 2006 AQHA Chestnut Gelding by Magnum Chic Dream x Smart Chic Olena was offered by Turner Performance Horses, LLC, East Helena, MT. The professional heel horse and stand out ranch gelding knew his job, did it well, brought $20,500 and sold to Shane and Jaimie Johnson, New Town, ND. Runnerup sale honors went to Hip 144 “SNW Heavenly Jaz” a 2002 AQHA Red Roan Gelding x Ima Bit Of Heaven consigned by Jessica Krueger, Kalispell, MT. A 1D barrel horse, the strawberry roan was also shown in the competition and the handsome, multi disciplined gelding brought $19,500. A standout individual, owned since a weanling by the consignor, Hip 93 “Wrangler 499” a 2006 AQHA Buckskin Gelding sired by Milky Way 499 and out of a Two Eyed Fox/Doc’s Lynx bred dam was owned and shown by Dan Levine, Wolf Creek, MT. Used on the ranch, started in the arena, packed, too, the fancy, tailor-made gelding was purchased by Arnie Guimont, Mandaree, ND for $14,000. Solid, honest, and offered by the ranch who raised him, Hip 58 “Western Quincy Jo” a 2007 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding by Jo High Jinks offered by Bill Harris, Mosby, MT had been used in the Missouri Breaks an a working cow ranch. Roped on a lot outside, the easy traveling gelding brought $8,000 and sold to Cody Shaw, Buffalo, WY. An amped up loose trade kicked off the day where 28 horses brought a $1,000 bill or better and the top five sold for $3,600, $2,800, $2,350, $2,200, and $2,100. The strong, strong loose trade lead by the prospects produced high sale averages including the top five at $2,610; top ten at $2,275; Top 20 at $1,906; top 50 averaged $1,555; and top 100 - that’s one-third of the loose session - averaged $604 a head. Catalog sale averages also reflect an improved market where the top ten averaged $14,095; top 20 at $11,145; top 50 brought $7,534 and the top 100 averaged $5,212. Billings Livestock’s “Summer Special Catalog Sale” is next on the agenda set for June 27. Loose horses will sell at 8 a.m. with catalog sale time 12 Noon. SALE REPORT APRIL 25 & 26, 2015 HAPPY-GO-ROPPIN' Rope horses found their fame and fortune at Billings Livestock’s “April Special Catalog Sale” April 24-25-26. Finished or prospects, the focus was on the rope and arena horses and oh, how they shined. The leader of the pack brought $27,000 and the top five averaged $18,600. A weekend total of 687 head were offered, including 100 rope horses. It all started Friday afternoon with a well attended roping seminar instructed by PRCA World Champion Jhett Johnson and AQHA Judge and Trainer Justin Johnson. A supershow of rope horses rocked it in the sale horse jackpot as 132 teams knocked it out in a two-go around and finals format, and when it was all said and done, 2015 Spring Championship Honors went to Hips 204 "Pocos Peppy Lena" owned by Chelsea Brown, Big Sandy, MT and ridden by Paul Griemsman on the head side, and Hip 326 "Jackson" owned and shown by Jack Fletcher, Ames, IA on the backside. The horses brought $8,000 and $5,900 respectively. Head, heel, breakaway, ranch or just ride, Hip 140 “Just A Scatter Gun” a 2006 AQHA Bay gelding sired by PG Dry Fire was as good as good can get. Shown in the jackpot on the head side, the striking gelding had been hauled to all major ropings and had qualified for the 2015 World Series finale in the 12. Offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT the ready-to-win gelding sold to Shane and Jamie Johnson, New Town, ND for $27,000. Reserve Sale Honors to Hip 157 “Mark of Dashinction” a 2003 AQHA Palomino Gelding sired by PC Frenchman’s Mark - a full brother to “Bozo” - and out of a producing daughter of Miss N Cash. Shown by MPRC Champion, Theresa Walter, the solid, 1D barrel horse brought $18,000 and sold to Meghan Gee, Great Falls, MT. Hip 146 “Oh Buck” a 2010 AQHA Buckskin Gelding by Two Eyed Snowbuck was a flashy, well on his way prospect offered by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA. SALE REPORT FOR MARCH 28, 2015 Occupation Recreation A mega-selection of recreational mules, quarter drafts, teams, trail and guest horses filled Billings Livestock’s “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 28 The top twenty averaged $7,655 and included 13 grade horses or mules, and six draft or draft crosses. Many had seen the majestic sights of the west’s stellar National and State Parks, seen miles and miles of back country trails and awe inspiring wilderness and many had made their very first trip to town on that Saturday. Truly a unique set of livestock, 626 head in all, that included 57 mules, 30 drafts or quarter drafts, and six teams. Met by a ready-to-do-business crowd a mere six head were no-saled or passed out by the consignor, setting an all-time record for Billings Livestock . Hips 140 & 140X “King and Kody” a big, blue roan pair of Percheron Geldings, half brothers, six and seven years old, were truly a one-of-a-kind team standing 17.3 hands and weighing over a ton a piece. Used on all farm machinery, wagons, sleighs, and been hauled to county fair demonstrations, the beautiful pair claimed top sale honors with an $18,000 bid. Owned and shown in the previews by Brandon Kieson, Watford City, ND the dynamic duo sold to Tony Zeman, Bassett, NE. Reserve sale honors to Hip 110 “Free River No Smokn” a 2006 AQHA Buckskin Gelding x HR No Smoken Zone offered by Joe Fox, Hysham, MT. Gentle, handsome, and with a solid ranch resume, the striking gelding had worked for a living on the Froze To Death Grazing District and sold to Steve Griemsman, Worland, WY for $11,200. J & A Horse Ranch, Preston, MN consigned Hip 148 “Jack” a 2009 Grade Red Dun Gelding that was trained to lay down to mount, came gentle, kind, and would go where you pointed him. Ridden by beginners to the experienced, the special gelding brought $9,600 and sold to James Boles, Cody, WY. Black Mountain Outfitters, Scott and Sandy Sallee, Emigrant, MT brought 13 head of mules and horses that had been used in their Outfitting business hunting or for pack trips and included Hip 69 “Silk” a 2010 Grade Black Molly that had packed elk and been ridden in the mountains. The gentle mule brought $5,000 and sold to Randy Reed, Helena, MT. The 2013 Orvis Outfitter of the Year, Rocky Mountain Outfitters/RMO Horses, Heber City, UT offered an A-list set of trail horses and the team of Waylon and Willie, Hips 146 & 146X - 2000 and 2002 model Bay Draft Cross Geldings. Driven in parades the flashy team had been used daily on sleigh rides, could also be ridden, and brought $8,200. Strong sale averages include the top five at $11,260; Top ten at $9,420; top 20 brought $7,655; Top 50 at $5,698, and the top 100 averaged $4,429. Driven by worldwide demand and shortened supply, the processing horse market was on fire. The top 100 on the loose brought a full $100 more per head than one year ago. Top five on the loose averaged $1,730, followed by the top ten at $1,575, top 20 at $1,337, top 50 brought $1,019, and the top 100 averaged $836. Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for April 24-26 and will feature the annual spring “Rope Horse Special” catalog sale and regular monthly horse sale. Lots of cattle, lots of opportunities to watch the rope horses, including a jackpot team roping open only to sale horses set for Friday, April 24. PRCA World Champion Team Roper, Jhett Johnson, along with his brother, AQHA Judge and horse trainer, Justin Johnson will be on-site Friday, April 24 at 12 noon, prior to the jackpot, for an informal, free roping seminar which will touch on scoring, horse position, facing, stopping, and roping basics. Rope horses will show again in Saturday performance previews. All classes of horses will sell including mares, stallions, finished horses, prospects, and young stock. Cattle will also be available to show the cutting horses and calf horses. Catalog closing date is April 5, with a supplement printed for later entries. For more information, contact BLS Horse Sales at 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com SALE REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 27, 28 & MARCH 1, 2015 Rockstar Rides All time sales records set at February Sale Event A hard-core selection of proven horses shared the stage with an outstanding selection of prospects as new sales records were set at Billings Livestock‘s “February Special Catalog Sale” February 27-28 & March 1. The three day, sale showcase saw record prices paid for quality horses in all disciplines, as a diversified set of performance horses including arena horses and solid using horses pushed the market to an all-time high as the top 50 horses averaged a whopping $14,128 and the top 100 head averaged $10,613. 43 head of horses brought $10,000 or more. 716 horses were offered with 62 pass outs. The top five sale leaders averaged $24,600 and include four tried and true performance horses, and one special prospect sired by industry leading sires including A Streak Of Fling, Zack T Wood, and Dash Ta Fame. In the top sale spot for February, Hip 364 “Streakers Surprise” a 2007 AQHA Blue Roan Mare sired by Brian and Lisa Fulton’s Million Dollar Barrel horse sire, A Steak of Fling and out of the Kitaman granddaughter Hey Follow Me brought $33,000. Offered by Ross and Casey Wagner, Park City, MT, the 1D barrel mare had also been heeled on and was patterned on the poles and sold to NFR barrel racer, Jane Melby, Burneyville, OK. Reserve sale honors to Hip 326 “Hickorys Sweet T” a 2009 AQHA Sorrel mare by Zack T Wood and out of the Doc’s Hickory daughter, Hickory’s Sweetheart. She’d earned $33,837, made the Limited Amateur and Unlimited Amateur finals at the 2014 Super Stakes, made the finals at the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association’s Fall Classic/Challenge $100,000 Amateur, came ready to show with one more year of LAE and 5,000 eligibility, and sold to Bill Retterath, Center, ND for $26,000. With big things on the horizon, Hip 336 “Short Way Ta Fame” a 2014 AQHA Sorrel Stud Colt by the barrel horse industry’s number one sire - Dash Ta Fame - was all he was bred to be and more. The colt with charisma was out of Short Stop Sis by Shorty Lena, second dam by Grays Starlight, and was offered by Dennis and Holly Ginkens, Billings, MT and purchased by Clay Trollinger, Ten Sleep, WY for $24,000. Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT offered Hip 380 “First Class and Busy” a 2006 AQHA Black Gelding by SS Trickolena and out of a daughter of Tuf N Busy. The double fancy, hauled and won on head and heel horse came gentle and ranch ridden and sold to Korey Abbott, Duchesne, UT for $20,000. Records were also set in the loose session where the top horse selling as is, where is, how is - no rider, no catalog, no speech - brought $4,000, followed by $3,000, $2,600 and $2,050. Definitely fueled by the riding prospects, the loose averages are the highest recorded at Billings Livestock, where the top five brought $2,675, top 10 at $2,152, top 20 at $1,770, top 50 brought $1,273, and top 100 averaged $986. Billings Livestock‘s “Spring Special Catalog Sale” March 28 offers one big day of horses and mules and features the annual “Outfitters, Guest, Dude Ranch and Trail Horse” offering in addition to a special session of “Roans Only”. All classes of horses will sell, in addition to a big selection of mules. An indoor preview of the mules, barrel horses, cutters, saddle horses, and rope horses is scheduled for Friday, March 27 at 3 p.m. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Bill and Jann Parker, Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sales at 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com
SALE REPORT FOR JANUARY 24, 2015 Xtreme Performance A “little bit of everything” peppered Billings Livestock Commission’s January 24 “Winter Special Catalog Sale” and “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” where a horse happy crowd had the opportunity to bid on everything from collectible tack to top-end using horses. Baited by a better weather weekend - officially, Billings Livestock welcomed 330 head of horses for the one-day sale event, where a mere eight head were no-saled or passed out by the consignor. Top January sale honors to Hip 87 "Oshoto Suprise" a 2007 AQHA Gray Gelding by San Badger Drift by PC Sun Socks offered by 11X NFR Qualifier, PRCA World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Wayne Herman, Halliday, ND. The real deal ranch gelding brought $8,000 and sold to Clint Moore, Carnduff., Saskatchewan. Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA consigned Hip 77 “Hollywood Sandino” a 2006 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Little Sandino and out of a Smart Little Lena mare. A finished cutter that had been shown at ranch cuttings, the double-fancy gelding was gentle, fun to ride, and had seen ranch use, too. The handsome gelding sold to Angela Murray, Miles City, MT for $6,700. A youth rodeo dream, Hip 80 “FQHR Royal McKeag” a 1997 AQHA Blue Roan Gelding by McKeag was a hauled and won on barrel & pole horse, head horse, and heel horse. Ridden most recently by a youth rider, the gelding who loved his job had also been roped on by #1 to #5’s at WTRC’s and World Series Ropings. Respectful and good looking, the gelding brought $4,900 and sold to Carl Fowler, Lewistown, MT. A rock solid sale on rock solid horses where the top five averaged $6,660; Top 10 at $5,900, top 20 brought $5,150 top 50 averaged $3,830, and the top 100 brought $2,788. A bell-ringer loose horse business saw 168 head offered on the loose with a measurable upswing in the general loose horse market where across the board - that’s every loose horse offered, from big to little, as is, where is, how is - averaging right at $599 a head. Three big horse sale days complimented by an indoor, all inclusive preview of the sale horses, sets off the “February Special Catalog Sale” February 27-28 & March 1. Highlighted by a special, limited session of “Sons and Daughters” of Champions and Money Earners the February Sale is loaded with quality consignments. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com Sale Report for November 22 Quite the offering and quite the sale November 22 at Billings Livestock! Friday's performance preview let the consignments shine and Saturday's saddle & ride preview let buyers have one more look at them. The sale set new average records for November at BLS with the top horse bringing $18,000. All kinds, all levels, all disciplines have seen an uptick in demand and it showed in the averages which includes all classes - top five $10,960; top 20 at $7,365; top 50 at $5,322 and top 100 averaged $3,871; A one day total of 460 horses, and - the loose prospects were double strong as the high selling horse on the loose - no speech, no rider, no guarantee - brought $3,500. Make your plans to join us in 2015 - our first sale is January 24 followed by three big days of sales February 27-28 & March 1. It really is where to go to get 'em. Sale Report for October 25 Fall’s Power Rides Nice horses aplenty, Billings Livestock’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” October 25 offered something for everyone. Made-to-order mares claimed four out of the top five selling positions and included name-brand pedigrees for performance - High Brow Cat, Frenchman’s Guy, Einsteins Revolution, and Im Chairman. The four mares plus one gelding rounded out the top five and averaged $10,640. Top Sale Honors were earned by Hip 82 “Diamondsinstarlight” a 2010 AQHA Sorrel Mare x Im Chairman and out of a daughter of Sparkin Express. A total all-around package, already - the kind mare came gentle, willing,, and honest broke. Shown in the preview on cattle and roping, she had won the Wyoming State Finals in the mounted shooting this past summer. Offered by McNabb Livestock, Cody, WY, the multi-talented mare brought $12,500 and sold to Janet Lange, Quaker City, OH. A crackerjack head horse that stayed the same run after run, Hip 73 “SP Patch” a 2007 APHA Bay Tobiano gelding by Billy Terrific x Billy Shoe Shine and out of The Queen of Hearts was all that and more. He’d done it all outside on the ranch and he showed off his arena talent in the previews, and the double broke gelding was offered and shown by Chace Ellington, Rigby, ID. Jeff Stubblefield, McMinnville, TN purchased the take-you-to-the-pay window rope horse for $11,200. Hip 80 “Frenchman’s La Jolla” a 2013 AQHA Buckskin mare sired by the barrel horse industry’s number two sire of money earners, all ages, all divisions - Frenchman’s Guy - and out of Que Un Lajolla x Streakin La Jolla was offered by Doug and Bonnie Percival, Oxford, NE. The fancy filly brought $10,000 and sold to Ross and Casey Wagner, Park City, MT. Shown by J.R. Winter, Livingston, MT and owned by Lynn Dee Melvin, Clyde Park, MT Hip 204 “Einsteins Lil Doll” a 2010 AQHA Red Dun Mare x Einsteins Revolution and out of This Kids A Doll by The Great Kid sold for $9,000. A very nice gelding, Hip 25 “Whiskeys Concho” a 2008 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding by Smart Whiskey Doc and out of a daughter of Texas Stray was consigned by Scott Collingwood , Greybull, WY. Used as a pickup horse at rodeos and seen extensive outside ranch duties, the attractive and well educated gelding brought $7,700 and sold to Molly Murphee, Rawlins, WY. Solid in all kinds and classes, the super fall market ran parallel with spring markets and included the top ten average at $9,120; Top 20 brought $7,595; top 50 at $5,286; and the top 100 averaged $3,853. Loose horses reflected the increased fall supply versus moderate demand, and actual processing horses lost the ground that was gained in earlier months. However, the best weight up horses brought 40 cents/lb and the demand on the prospects ran full throttle. Top selling loose horse brought $1,900 with the top five averaging $1,600, top 10 at $1,500, top 20 brought $1,312, top 50 at $984, with the top 100 averaging $713. Billings Livestock’s final sale of 2014 is set for November 22 and will include an indoor preview on Friday, November 21 beginning at 3 p.m. Previews again on Saturday morning prior to sale time at Billings Livestock on November 22. For more information, contact Bill and Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Manager, 406.245.4151 or visit www.billingslivestock.com Sale Report for September 26-27 Rope Your World A stellar offering of finished rope horses and prospects - good, better, best - led the way at Billings Livestock’s “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” September 26-28. Headlined by “Rope horses”, the sale saw big-time quality, all in one place, all in one weekend, with an all time record of 24 horses commanding $10,000 and up. The fall sale broke all previous September records in price per horse sold and quality of horses presented for sale. 790 head of horses were offered, including 477 catalog horses. Prospects, as well as finished horses, were in high demand, as horses were purchased by 236 individuals from 21 states and three Canadian provinces. Every one a rope horse, the top five averaged $15,900 , and the top 20 – including four grade horses – averaged a whopping $12,895, and proof of the caliber of horses offered, the top 100 averaged $7,664. Friday’s team roping jackpot on sale horses demonstrated their abilities with a pick one, draw two, two go-around format with a top 12 finals, allowing each horse to show a minimum of six times. The professionally produced jackpot saw 186 teams. Hip 101 “Sonita Lenas Zack” a 2003 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Sonitalena and out of a daughter of Zack T Wood was the weekend’s top selling horse at $19,000. Purchased by Robert Cross, Alexander, ND and offered by Turner Performance Horses, East Helena, MT the all-around gelding had been used on the ranch, hauled heading and heeling, and had been used as a turn back horse, in addition to being shown in ranch horse competitions. Reserve sale honors at $16,500 went to Hip 51 “Guy” a 2008 Grade Palomino Gelding offered by Billy Brown, Joliet, MT and shown by both Billy and Jacey Fortier. The finished head, heel, breakaway, and started barrel horse, had been hauled to jackpots from Arizona to Montana, ridden by various riders, he had never met a stranger, and was purchased by Marty Jorgensen, Belgrade, MT. A very nice calf horse that had been hauled to PRCA rodeos and ridden at the AMERICAN, Hip 269 “Lucky Poco Cisco” a 2005 AQHA Red Roan Gelding x Cisco Blunder was also a nice head horse and tripping horse. Owned and shown by Jason Schaffer, Broadus the first class gelding brought $15,000 and sold to Jim Brinkman, Ericson, NE. Rope calves or trip steers, Hip 250 “Circuit” a 2002 Grade Bay Gelding was Offered by 11X National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Brent Lewis, Eloy, AZ. Ridden at the National Circuit Finals steer roping, the gentle, five event gelding brought $11,000 and sold to Paul and Kate Montgomery, Worden, MT. Consigned by NFR Qualifier, Jake Stanley, Hermiston, OR, Hip 87 “Bazoo Boon” a 2007 AQHA Red Roan Gelding by Chromesmal was a finished heel horse that had also seen extensive outside ranch use. The pretty, talented gelding brought $10,000 and sold to Steve and Kim Temple, Marana, AZ. All in all, the sale blasted all previous fall records, from number one at $19,000 to number 100 at $4,000. Loose averages remain extremely strong, especially on the prospect side, as the top five averaged $1,620, top ten at $1,410, top 20 at $1,151, top 50 at $838 and top 100 brought $672 – compared to $534 just one year ago. Processing horses saw a high of 45 to 50 cents on 1100 lbs and up. Billings Livestock’s “Fall Special Catalog Sale” on October 25 is next on the schedule and includes an indoor, climate and ground controlled preview for the barrel horses, cutters, saddle and ride horses, calf horses, and team roping horses at 3 p.m. Friday, October 24. For more information, to consign or request a catalog, contact Bill and Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com Sale Report for August 23 Off To The Races From grade to designer pedigreed livestock, barrel horses were the business at Billings Livestock’s “August Special Catalog Sale” August 23. The one-day sale offered exactly 500 head of horses, three head of Zebu cattle, had 23 pass outs, and a top five sale average of $11,180. You could see them shine on Friday evening as the UBRC “Pistols and Crystals” tour stop barrel race presented by BLS hosted a grand total of 90 barrel runs in a 4D format. Both the 2D and 4D division championships were earned by sale horses - Hip 111 “Eye Am Famous” a 2009 AQHA Gray Gelding by Mr Eye Opener competently claimed the 2D title, while Hip 114 “Danger Kitty” a 2004 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by With Honors took the top spot in the 4D. A standout prospect well on his way to big things, Hip 111 “Eye Am Famous” was piloted by Riley Hanson and consigned by Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA. By Mr Eye Opener, A Top All-Time Leading Sire of Money Earners of Nearly $26 Million, and out of a Dash Ta Fame daughter, he was bred to be special, came double broke and gentle, and brought $14,750. Consigned and ridden by Amber Alsterlund, Viola, ID, the 4D winner was out of a Streakin Six bred mare. Legged up and ready to run, “Danger Kitty” brought $3,900 and sold to Gloria Floren, Havre, MT. In the true prospect division, Hip 113 “Streakin N Blazin” a 2012 AQHA Sorrel Mare by Blazin Jetolena and out of Oh So Honest by Streakin La Jolla, second dam by Dash For Cash, was raised and offered by Glenda Cusker, Belgrade, MT and purchased by Nicole Love, Pelion, SC for $10,000. Game-on geldings, including Hip 48 “Crackerjack” a 2004 Grade Black Gelding offered and shown by Loretta Tyan, Brule, NE, continued to make the market. Standing 16 hands, ridden in the feed yard, roped and doctored on, the handy gelding was also a finished barrel horse that brought $6,200 from Lone Tree Ranch, Dayton, WY. Big news of the day was the loose horse session where the high selling loose horse - a riding prospect - brought $3,000. Overall sale averages include the top five at $11,180; top ten brought $8,660; Top 20 at $6,645; Top 50 at $4,273; and the top 100 averaged $2,869. With 277 head offered loose, the top five in that session averaged $1,825; top ten at $1,470; top 20 at $1,198; top 50 at $878; and the top 100 - over a third of the loose - averaged $667. Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale is next on the BLS Sale agenda September 26-27-28. The big, fall sale event will headline “Rope Horses” with a team roping on sale horses is set for Friday, September 26. See it all at www.billingslivestock.com or contact Bill and Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-245-4151. Sale Report for July 26 All Shined Up A high performance offering headlined Billings Livestock’s “Mid Summer Special” Catalog Sale featuring cutting and cow bred horses July 26. The one-day sale event hosted 583 head of horses with 436 registered buyers from California to Pennsylvania. The top five averaged $16,150, with the top selling horse bringing $17,500. Offered by Reanna Kawalski, Calhan, CO, Hip 106 “Farra Rey Time” a 2009 AQHA Red Roan stallion by One Time Pepto and out of the $100,000 money earning daughter of Dual Rey, Farra Rey, had it all going on - color, pedigree, and performance. With both NRCHA and NCHA earnings, the handsome stallion showed well in the previews and sold to Central Texas Livestock. Reserve sale honors went to Hip 142 “Crazy Catlady” a 2010 AQHA Sorrel Mare by Pat and Connie Fitzgerald’s Wild Haired Cat and out of Black Tie Queen x Smart Lil Ricochet. With $7,144 in NCHA earnings, the mare was a finalist at the Superstakes in April as well as “The Non-Pro” in June. Raised and offered by Kathleen Moore, Madill, OK, the attractive, ready-to-show mare brought $17,000 and sold to Nick Meagher, Antonito, CO. Offered by Pine and Samantha McQuay, Sulphur Springs, TX and previewed by eight- year-old Kerrigan McQuay, Hip 118 “Dulces Lucky Charm” a 2004 AQHA Sorrel gelding x Dulces Smart Lena was honest and true. Shown successfully in ranch horse competitions as well as the cutting pen, the gentle, kind, family gelding brought $16,000. Marvin Young, Myton, UT offered Hip 203 “RSPH Smart Gun” a 2008 AQHA gray Gelding by Playgun and out of Smart Little Fives, the dam of over $200,000 in performers. The standout gray gelding came with NRCHA earnings and was ready to go back to the show pen, ranch, or just ride. Misty Judd, Henefer, UT purchased the gelding for $13,750. Nice horses aplenty, the top ten averaged $13,765; top 20 at $11,280; top 50 brought $8,003; and the top 100 averaged $5,595. An accelerated loose horse market saw the top weigh up horses bring 48 to 50 cents per pound, while the prospects ran rampant with a top selling price of $2,500, followed by $1,850, $1,750, and $1,650. Top five on the loose averaged a smooth $1,850, top ten at $1,590, top 20 brought $1,346; top 50 at $1,008, and the top 100 selling with no speech, no rider, no footnotes, and no guarantees, brought $799. One year ago, the top 100 loose averaged $529 - that’s $280 per head more on 100 horses. Billings Livestock’s next sale event includes the annual “August Catalog Sale”, and “Montana Miniature and Pony Sale” August 23. UBRC barrel race with $300 added - open to all barrel racers - will kick off the weekend’s activities on Friday afternoon August 22 in the BLS Arena. Sale horses are encouraged to compete and enter with a $100 bonus awarded to the sale horse clocking the fastest time. To enter, consign or request a catalog, contact Bill or Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com Sale Report for June 26 High On Summertime A ready to ride, saddle up and go show set of horses rocked it at Billings Livestock’s “Summer Special Catalog Sale” June 28. The one-day mega-sale hosted 845 head of horses, including loose and catalog entries. The top five averaged $10,460. Sired by the 6666’s Ranch sire PG Gundpowder, he came gray in color, gentle, and arena ready and Hip 175 “Gunpowder Peppy Boy” a 2007 AQHA Gelding headed straight to the top of the high sellers list with a final bid of $13,500. Offered by Chace Elkington, Rigby, ID, the special gelding had won money on the heel side, tied down roping, and had already seen extensive outside ranch use. Chris and Billie Schaff, Worden, MT purchased the first-class gelding. Gray, grade, and an all-around good gelding, Hip 36 “Frostwood” a five-year-old owned and shown by Travis and Kate Johnson, Banner, WY earned reserve sale honors with a $11,000 sale price. A continuous commodity at BLS Horse Sales, rope horses command it month in and month out - why? Because we rope at every sale and consignors have the opportunity to showcase their livestock and buyers have the bonus of seeing what’s really offered. Hip 291 “Andylee” was the proof in the pen, and the 2002 APHA Black Overo Gelding x Diablos Impak had been hauled to junior rodeos, ran barrels, poles, and came dead solid on the head side. Offered and shown by Rodney Weeks, Scio, OR who had owned him since he was a yearling, the gentle, attractive gelding brought $9,700. Russell Kent an 87-year-old teamster from Waubun, MN, brought his good team “Topsy and Dany, Hips 125 and 125X, a pair of ten-year-old grade, black percherons - a mare and a gelding - that had pulled anything that had been hooked to them. Sleds, wagons, discs, plows, lead team or heel team, driven in parades, and used to break other teams, the rock solid pair of horses brought $9,400 and sold to Gary Koltiska, Sheridan, WY. Billings Livestock welcomed 24 head from Double Dollar Livestock, Greg Kesler, Holden UT including Hip 198 “Bartenders TK Roan” a 2004 AQHA Bay Roan Gelding x Rhinestone Bartender x Two ID Bartender. Shown in the rope horse preview, used on the ranch, and truly a stand-up gelding, he brought $7,000 and sold to Jeff Link, Billings, MT. A fun sale with wide variety of good horses, the sale averages show the top five at $10,460; top ten averaged $8,835; top 20 at $7,470; top 50 averaged $5,615; and the top 100 came in at $4,278. Loose horses held their ground where the top five prospects averaged $1,650, top ten at $1,445; top 20 brought $1,175; top 50 $853; and the top 100 averaged $667. Billings Livestock’s next sale event will be July 26. The annual “Mid-Summer” Catalog Sale – features cutting and cow bred horses. All classes of horses will sell, including finished horses and prospects for ranch, roping, arena, cutting, or recreation. Designed to allow the sellers an opportunity to showcase their consignments and at the same time, giving the buyer an honest, professional opportunity to assess the horses, Friday’s special preview of cutting horses on cattle will begin at 5 p.m. in the BLS Arena. Saturday’s preview begins at 8:30 a.m. with another look at the cutters on cattle, followed by the saddle and ride horse demonstrations, with calf horses and team roping horses showing at 11 a.m. Catalog Sale Time is 12 Noon with loose horses selling at 8 a.m. 300 plus catalog horses are expected with a catalog closing date of Thursday, July 10. Billings Livestock is a federally licensed and bonded facility and offers all classes and kinds of horses. For more information, contact Bill or Jann Parker, BLS Sale Managers at 406-670-0773/406-855-1947. www.billingslivestock.com
Sale Report for May 24 The Talent Show A crackerjack collection of stock horses sporting solid skill sets shaped the market at Billings Livestock’s annual “Cow Country Classic” catalog sale May 24. The one-day supersale offered 700 head of horses with the top sale horse bringing $11,000. Every horse on the BLS Top 20 Seller’s List was a gelding – and the top 20 averaged $7,567. Complimented by the “Best of the Remuda” ranch horse competition Friday afternoon, 50 head of horses demonstrated their aptitude in a judged competition where Hip 75 “Hersheys Bar” a 2010 AQHA Sorrel Gelding x Sweet Lil Pepto earned the 2014 Championship Ranch Horse Title. Owned and shown by Jace Crabb, Mangum, OK the attractive gelding had seen extensive outside ranch use, would cut a cow, and had been headed and heeled on in the arena. Gentle everyday, the willing-to-please gentleman brought $9,700 and sold to Steve and Linda Hanson, Red Lodge, MT. Jace Crabb also owned the day’s top selling gelding, Hip 181 “Tootin Spoonful” a 2006 AQHA Red Roan Gelding x Hes A Peptospoonful and out of a daughter of Smart Little Lena. With NCHA earnings of $6,304, the finished cutter had seen big circles on the ranch as well as the branding fire. An all around good gelding that came gentle and solid minded, he brought $11,000 and sold to Jack Wipplinger, Roberts, MT. With a $10,000 sale price, Reserve Sale Honors went to Hip 80 “Dietz” a 2007 Grade Bay Gelding offered by Turner Performance Horses, Helena, MT. Capably shown in the ranch horse competition where he earned a sixth place finish, “Dietz” came laid back and easy going, with a resume that included heeling, breakaway, and calf roping. Bronco Mendenhall, Highland, UT purchased the multi-talented gelding. Hip 26 “Smokey Eddie Jack” a 2000 AQHA Grullo Gelding x Bar Dee Eddie Joe was a hauled and won on barrel gelding brought to town by Rodney and Julie Payne, Claremore, OK. Big, pretty, and knew his business, the rodeo-ready gelding brought $9,750 and sold to Tammy Bohlkey, Joshua, TX. |
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