Geldings were good to go and go they did - securing 18 out of 20 top selling positions at Billings Livestock Commission’s “Winter Special Catalog Sale” and annual “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” January 28.

The all-out gelding party offered all colors, kinds, and classes - with the top five averaging $4,520 and the top ten bringing $3,900.

Nine out of the top ten selling geldings were six years old or older.

Breaking the previous “completed sales” record of 97.5% set exactly one-year-ago, the official sale statistics reflect the day‘s strong trade with a 98.5% completed sales percentage - only seven head of horses offered out of the 484 consigned - were no-saled or passed out by the consignor.

The sale-day rocked from start to finish and the leader of the pack, Hip 77 “Smokin King Lights” a 97 AQHA sorrel stallion x Smokin 45 and out of a Doc’s Sug/Gay Bar King bred dam came complete with 210 AQHA points and over $8,000 NRHA money.

The savvy show stallion was owned and shown by Karl Roberts, Broomfield, CO and sold to Bill Richardson, Whitesboro, TX for $10,000.

He wore the Scott Ranch brand and came packed with quality and Hip 99 “Surfine Whiskey” a 99 AQHA sorrel stallion x Paddys Irish Whiskey and out of a Doc O Dynamite daughter was the day’s second high selling horse.

Dal Daldagnon, Tonasket, WA purchased the top-end stallion for $8,000.

Tack took center stage and the once-a-year “Cabin Fever Tack Sale” exhibited better-end collectible tack including a Deer Lodge Prison made horsehair hitched headstall.

Crafted about 1910, the one-of-a-kind piece was in good condition, all original, and had maintained it’s colors. Offered by C.E. Philips, Choteau, MT the complete bridle brought $3,600.

The high selling tack item was a pair of sterling mounted cowgirl spurs with “EH” stamped on the band. The sought-after pair of Wyoming flavor spurs brought $3,700.

Despite national pressure, strength in the BLS loose horse trade continued with 268 head offered as is, where is, how is. Lead horses brought $1,600, $1,550, and $1,500 and pushed the top five average to $1,450.

With all markets represented loose averages include the top ten at $1,240; top 20 brought $1,070; top 50 came in at $813; and the top 100 averaged $639.

A whopping 25% of the horse sold - including loose and cataloged - averaged $1,931. Overall sale averages include the top five at $6,500; top ten brought $5,100; top 20 came in at $3,915, while the top 50 averaged $2,816, and the top 100 brought $2,117.

Billings Livestock’s “February Catalog Sale” will feature an expanded three-day sale format February 24-25-26.

The sale weekend is highlighted by a special, limited session of “Sons and Daughters” of Champions and Money Earners in addition to the NFR Session. All classes of horses will sell.

A preview of the rope horses, cutting horses, barrel horses, and saddle horses is set for Friday, February 24 at 11 a.m. at the Horse Palace Arena. Rope horses, calf horses, and cutting horses will preview on cattle.

Catalogs will be available on-line Thursday, February 16 with hard copy catalogs mailed on Friday, February 17.