SALE REPORT FOR APRIL 28-29

Rope-A-Riffic!

Rope horses of every kind, color, and caliber - from weekend jackpot warriors to the rodeo-ready boys - all came out to play at Billings Livestock Commission’s ninth annual “ “Rope Horse Special and April Catalog Sale” April 28 - 29.

An official tally of 767 head of horses - including 101 designated as team roping horses - passed through Billings Livestock selling to horse folks from California to Connecticut.

Produced by Tryan Productions, the pre-sale jackpot team roping saw 113 teams strut their stuff in two go-arounds and a finals with the team of Delon Parker, Billings, MT aboard Hip 519 and Derick Fleming, Worden, MT riding Hip 204 pocketing the cash, winning the trophy rope bags, and putting three down in 23.13.

He kept his eye on the ball and would put the cash in your pocket and Hip 175 “Curly Star” a 12-year-old grade sorrel gelding offered by Turner Performance Horses, Victor, MT was a seasoned professional winning money at the PRCA level and weekend jackpots.

Just call him Superman, the switch-ender was also an NCHA money earning ranch cutter that could stand prosperity - ride him everyday or once-a-year, you had the same horse every time.

The grand guy brought $13,500 and sold to Chyan Biggs, Bozeman, MT.

Number two in the rope horse division came from the Golden State and Hip 144 “KPF Smoken Leo” a 1999 AQHA buckskin gelding by King Poco Fritz and out of a Smokey Duster Too bred mother was offered by Rancho Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Grande, CA .

The head/heel combo brought $10,000.

A demand for quality individuals continues to climb as better-end rope horses rocked with the top five bringing $9,640.

Rope horses sold from $1,800 on up, depending on age, experience, and condition.

Hip 173 claimed the crown of High Selling Horse and the son of Freckles Playboy - Smart Whittle Play - topped the charts with a $17,000 bid.

The $91,000 money-earning stallion was offered by Wagonhound Land and Livestock, Douglas, WY and sold to Tim Tillard, also from Douglas, WY.

Straight from the rodeo arena to the doorsteps of Billings Livestock, Hip 201 “Blue” - another 12-year-old seasoned arena veteran consigned by Brad Marshall, Winnett, MT brought $7,000.

Purchased by Bob Mulkey, Torrington, Wy, you could turn him out, bring him in, pick-up a rodeo or head a steer, this big, gray bird could do it all.

Folks came to get the good geldings with solid ranch resumes and a shot of gentle on the mind, as the working boys brought from $1,200 to $7,500.

Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for May 26 - 27 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 25 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 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com