We purchased a  gelding there for the boys and won a jackpot on him two days after we got home.  He is just the way he was represented.  I say if you have a good one you want to offer BLS is the place to have them.Thanks again

Editors note: Hip 133 Castle Creek Whiskey, a 2000 AQHA sorrel stallion x Paddys Irish Whiskey consigned by Frank and Susuan Sheperson, Midwest, WY and purchased by Nick Meagher, Antonito, CO.

The horse Justin Mayfield purchased and won on two days later, was Hip 279 "Red" a 2003 Grade sorrel gelding offered by Colby and Tanya Crago, Belle Fourche, SD. Thank you, Justin, for sharing! We wish you continued success!

I purchased my horse "Tee" at the BLS Horse Sale in March 2008. He came from the McGuire family from Wheatland, Wy, and I know they consign a lot of nice horses in your sale.

When I first rode "Tee", everything just clicked. So about a month later in April 2008 I went to a rodeo and was riding "Tee" in the barrels and poles. I was riding another horse for the flag race and goats. It was a very big rodeo, too, it had saddles, horse blankets, and stuff like that for prizes. I won a horse blanket in poles and goats. Now it was time for the All-Around saddles - me and my best friend, Katy Negard, were both very close. When they called my name for the All-Around, I was so happy!

My brother had never won a saddle before (he is 3 years older than me) so I would always bring that up.

Well, all that changed in Sidney, MT for the High School and YRA rodeo in 2010.

He finally won his saddle, so now I couldn't brag bout it.

Then - three hours later, I won another saddle, so I could still brag to him!

That day, I won my first breakaway buckle on "Tee", too. Me and my horse "Tee" have been through alot, like how "Tee" doesn't like my Dad or my brother, but loves me.

When we were in Scobey, MT my brother was saddling my horse for me and he got loose. He got my saddle and pad off and we found them in a ditch later. He went into the indoor arena and Shane Peabody said "I wonder sh's horse this is". My dad said, I think it's mine."" So - we have great stories to tell!

Who would think a barrel horse would be such a gentleman at a 4-H horse show? Well, "Tee" was and we won the highpoint buckle. I was so proud that he did that for me.

A note from Debbie French:: I am sure you will have to consolidate Elizabeth's story but thought I'd share some "Mom Thoughts" as well...

Pamela Abbott-Brooker, Bonners Ferry, ID When I attended your May 2010 sale I had success in purchasing two good horses to use as lead ponies for my Thoroughbred farm. Your sale was very well run, friendly, and I had a wonderful time.  The selection of good, well trained horses was fantastic! I felt secure to buy from your catalog sale - my horse was sound, just as advertised.  Thank you  The photo is me and my new gelding "Johnny Walker Red", he is working out beatifully in his new career as my lead pony and I really love him alot!

From Amanda Dikoff, Hermosa , SD In September of 2007 my parents headed to Billings to look at rope horses for my little brother.  I didn't go along but I had previously checked out the catalog and "starred" the horses that I wouldn't mind them brining home!  They found a heading mare for my little brother but they also bought a three-year-old mare by Mr Skyline Peppy and out of a Smart Little Lena mare. Well, since that time, I have used her on the ranch and the show pen - doing reining and working cowhorse. In 2008, it was my last year of AQHA youth. I took her to Oklahoma City for the AQHA World Show and showed her in the youth.College permitting, I also have plans to qualify her in the future as an amateur.  She has her quirks, but I could not have gotten a better little mare that has more heart and try than she does.Thank you!

August 2010 - From Kim A. Colliflower, Lodge Grass, MT"Certainly like the horse I purchased from Billings Livestock in June 2009. I have used him to flag rodeos, used as a head horse at jackpots, and I have ridden him at brandings at four or five places this spring." Kim purchased Hip 268 "OMI Booger" a 2003 AQHA Roan Gelding offered by Henry Hollenbeck, Molt, MT at our June 2009 sale. A former CPRA and PRCA Rodeo judge, Kim has also judged the Indian National Finals Rodeo on three occasions. We caught up with Kim at the Crow Fair Rodeo in Crow Agency, MT where he was flagging the rodeo aboard "OMI Booger".

Augusut 2010 - From Jerri Larsen, Wilsall, MT Hi Jann Thank you for helping with my phone bid in buying Hip 85 "Jaz". She is quite the little horse. Thank you for the great job you do.

August 2010 - From Travis Holck, Ruthton, MN - Hello, Jann - Just read my July Horse Sale Update from BLS. I totally agree with your article "All the Right Reasons". I am another true believer in the auction way of doing business.I also enjoy reading the thank you letters your recieve from the many happy customers that bought horses through Billings Livestock I am on the other end of the spectrum.I would like to thank you - as a seller - not only for having courteous office staff, but for all the behind the scenes work.Having pens bedded, feed ready, and water tanks full.I usually pull into the yards in the middle of the night and it saves me alot of time and effort when I am more than ready for bed.The list is pretty long of all the things the BLS Horse Sale staff d Travis Holck, Ruthton, MN

August 2010  - From Tom, Toni, and Wendy Wagoner, Buffalo, WY We wanted to THANK YOU for the way you run an outstanding sale. We felt we worked hard to bring you a really nice gelding this past month and we felt you worked equally as hard to get us a good price for that gelding. We appreciate the time you take in the ring and in the previews to help each one of us market our horses. With that said, we will be at Billings Livestock Horse Sales in the future. Thanks again.

August 2010 - VIA Facebook: Bonnie Haselton - One year ago my horse "Ace" came through the July sale - best horse in the world! Brook Curnow - You guys always have a great sale. I love seeing the great horses that come through and still waiting for my dream horse. Carol Van Delinder - I bought a miniature stallion at BLHS 3 years ago. He’s wonderful, my first mini after 40 years of raising Quarters and Paints. Dori Steckley - Nothing back here in Michigan even comes close to what you do! I’ve bought and sold with you when I lived in Cody, WY. I miss the whole bunch of you!

August 2010 - From Lisa Downin, Calhan, CO Just wanted to thank you so much for finding "Sammy" for me. He really is a "good boy"! He should be perfect for the $2,000 Limit Rider class. It all seems to be a good fit. Thank you so much.

August 2010 - From Bill Hibnes, Big Timber, MT A big THANK YOU to the employees and Brand office at the "Loose Horse" Check-In. Everyone was very helpful!!

July 2010  - From Chris Osowski, Anchorage, Alaska  Dear Bill and Jann: I am writing regarding Tom Lazenby and Blair Gjeswold and the horses we purchased from them at your recent auction. (May 2010) I have never bought a horse at auction before, let alone long distance and sight unseen. I did have some well reputed local representatives there at your sale giving me some great "over the phone" advise, but it was a nerve wracking commitment, none the less, when I had them bid and win Hip 220 from Blair Gjenswold and Hip 294 from Tom Lazenby. Following our winning bid, I then got to practice the "patience of Job" for the next 10 days while our horses were being hauled through Canada on the way up here to Alaska. If my experience is representative of anything, Tom and Blair clearly undersate the qualities of their horses. I had no idea how high quality of a horse I was getting - and it is several tiers above what I had hoped for. I do not know how many more horses I will be buying in my lifetime, but I promise that you will be the first stop when "next time" comes. I plan to bring my family to visit one of your auctions some day simply becasue the thought of seeing so many high quality horses all in one place is so appealing to me. I don't know how well you keep tabs on your consignors, but Tom and Blair must surely be top notchers, from my experience. Would you mind passing on my gratitude to them for me?

May 2010 - Jody and Elaine Flom, Park City, MT Hi Jann, We bought K.D. Babe from BLS and what a blessing she has been! She has been our son Harley’s main horse and has helped him win three buckles one being an all around buckle. Harley does everything on her from barrels, poles, flags, goat tying, roping and just plain old riding. She is truly an amazing horse and is totally bomb proof. A huge Thanks goes out to everyone at BLS for all they do! (Lora Davies Photo - www.loradavies.com)

May 2010 - Gary and Jan Wiggins, Kennewick, WAHello, Bill and Jann - Thank you both for the attention given to us and our horse at last week's sale. You made our first time to "Billings" worthwhile and fun!

May 2010 - Ivin Potts, Westlock, Alberta, Canada  Hello - At the February 2010 sale event at BLS, we purchased a 15 year old gelding named "Smart Like Him".He had NCHA earnings of $15,000. We took him home and went to a penning a few weeks later - we won a saddle, two buckles, and $3,000 in payoff!!Thank you so much for offering good horses!

May 2010 - Jim McMurphy, Spirit River, Alberta, CanadaHi, Jann and Bill - Just thought I would drop you a line and let you know how much I appreciated all the help at the Rope Horse Sale April 23-24, 25 , 2010.From the staff up front to the staff out back, I felt that I got all the help and advise I could ask for - and then some!"V.I.P." treatment as far as I was concerned!Just a note I thought I would pass on: I was watching consignments very close from home as you updated the internet listing. I had some horses picked out to take a closer look at. Well - let's just say I threw that list out the window once I got down there and actually watched the horses perform in the jackpot and previews.The catalog is GOOD - BUT - to REALLY get the true feel for the horses, I strongly recommend going to the sale and watch how the horses perform - in the jackpot setting as well as the previews.I quickly scratched a few horses BUT quickly added many more to my list!While watching the previews on Saturday (both rope horse previews) I was able to narrow my list down to which horses I was REALLY interested in.As you know, I brought home a total of four horses. I am very happy with ALL of the horses!! Looking forward to the fall sale...!Thanks and see you this fall!

April 2010 - Adam Jones, Harlowton, MTHello - I would greatly appreciate being added to your mailing list for your monthly update and catalog.Both of my team roping horses have been purchased at your April Rope Horse Sale 2010. The latest being last weekend's Hip 153 (Badgters Cactus, a 98 AQHA Red Roan Gelding offered by Turner Performance Horses, Victor, MT).I have checked cows and headed off of him already and he is great.Thank you for the hard work you put into your horse sales. I will be back for more.

April 2010 - Donna Reid, Swift Current, SaskHi, Jann:Just want to let you know we love the stud.He has excellent conformation and a great dispsotion, I am enjoying him alot and am very pleased with him. We have had calls to breed with hinm already!Once again, thank you for all of your hard work and checking him out for me.Also, I very much appreciate Glen Gabels hard work with this. I would not have been able to get him with out the help of the two of you. YOU ARE THE BEST!! (Donna purchased "Wimpys Goodtime Cash" offered by Green Valley Ranch, Aubrey, TX at our February 2010 'Sons & Daughters' sale session)

April 2010 - Ken Sipe, Columbia Falls, MTDear Jann and Bill -During the beginning of the April 24-25, 2010 Sale while the little lady was singing the National Anthem, I had the opportunity to look around at the crowd and I was moved and proud.The entire audience was standing - except for one older gentleman who was on oxygen and he had his hat off and had it over his heart.I am proud to be a small part of an industry and people who are proud of their country.Just thought I would say my part of "thanks" to everyone.

April 2010 - Shayna Williams, Redland, CA Pete and Jill Houck, North Branch, MN sold Hip 353X "I Smoke Peppy Cowboy" a 2003 AQHA Sorrel gelding at our February 2010 sale event. The finished barrel horse was purchased by Drew and Shayna Williams. Jill forwarded the photo and email from Shayna - " Hi Jill,I just want to say..." I love my boy Sticks, he is amazing, Thankyou Pete and Jill so much for such an awesome horse, our whole family loves him" Thanks,So much! Shayna

April 2010 - Jane Krambeer, Cardwell, MT Please send me your next catalog. I really like the horse I purchased at your last sale!

April 2010 - Abi Deveraux, Newcastle, WY My name is Abi Deveraux and I am 12 years old. My Dad bought "Bugsy" (Im Really Smokin" from the Kelly Ranch Mare Dispersion in July 2008.She was bought as a broodmare as she is a daughter of Grays Starlight.Come to find out, she was open, so my Dad put her to use on the ranch.We then found out that she had some training. She will work a cow, run barrels, poles, just about anything you ask her to do, she does it and does it well!Since I was having some problems with my barrel horse, I started riding her.I used her last summer for all of my rodeos and won many awards.At our local fair rodeo in Newcastle, WY "Bugsy" won her first barrel and pole buckles as well as helping me win the Junior Girls All-Around Saddle!She is one of the many fine horses we have bought at Billings Livestock!My family and I would also like to THANK YOU for the great job you guys did selling my twin brother's spotted pony, Bart, a few months ago.Thanks again!

April 2010 - JD and Sammi Philleo, Wyoming I sent you a note a few months ago letting you know how much we love "Hippie" the horse we purchased at the February 2008 sale.When we purchased him, the consignor said he had been started with some cowhorse training and they had tried to rope on him but he was too hot.Abby has now officially stolen him from her Dad who showed him last year in the cowhorse events and she now uses him as her junior rodeo and rope horse.Thanks so much for all you do there. Hippie has the biggest, most patient soul for our little girl.We will be back to see you soon!

April 2010 - Wade Fowler, Crossfire Quarter Horses, Chetwynd, BC Canada Hello, Jann and Bill - I just thought I would wirte you a line to let you know that the horse I purchased at your September 2008 Rope horse sale recently won me a horse trailer at a team roping event in Fort St. John BC Canada. The horse was consigned by Lee Pedersen.My father also bought a rope horse from BLS in September 2009 and he is doing awesome. That has become our yearly road trip now. Thank you

From Eli Toney, Williamsburg, VA   Bill, Jann, Just wanted to share the attached with you, Frost is well adjusted to his new home, I am enjoying him, great horse with a great mind and attitude. Eili purchased Hp 273 "Frosts Bud" at our September 2009 sale event. The good gray gelding was offered by Wayne Chapman, Alliance, NE.

From Paula Platt, Ft. Lupton, CO I wanted to let you know that Kenny and I really appreciated all of your help in getting our horses sold. Further, I want to commend all of your staff on having an excellent attitude, being helpful, and just nice. We would love to come back again and we will. Keep up the excellent work you do for the Horse Industry. Thank you for being good at what you do.

From Shawn, Ed, Justin, & Kole Kelly, Midway, UT We want to tell you thanks for all the effort you put into making our experience at Billings Livestock a good one. Please pass a big thank you to the office staff, yard help, ring men, and Ty for all you do for Kelly Horses!

From Frank Billy, Box Elder, MT Frank purchased Hip 64 at our January 2008 sale event - the 2002 Grade red roan gelding was consigned by E.J. Frink, Wanablee, SD. and had been ranch used and started in the arena.) We roped on him one month prior to the Finals of the Wrangler Team Roping Championships - he's smart and easy going; He's been hauled to rodeos and jackpots and won saddles at both!

Vicki Small, Busby, MT I purchased "Deets" at the October 2008 sale. He is a 6 year old gelding who is currently being used as a ranch horse. He has been used at brandings, trailed cows, and is currently in training as a barrel horse. Deets has a ton of speed and will be trained this winter as a head horse by Junior Small. Deets is sound and has never bucked. Presently being used this summer by my nephew, Ty Robinson, as a pick up horse. Has a tremendous amount of promise and I am very excited about this horse. He is an "all-around" horse. It was well worth staying util till 12:30 a.m.!! Ty and Deets are pictured at the INFR Tour Rodeo in Rocky Boy, MT just last week where Ty picked up on him.

From Blake Kruger, Cannon Falls, MN Love the horse and love coming to Billings! (Blake purchased Hip 246 in July offered by Dan Manning, Wickenburg, AZ)

From Darwin Huravitch, Rozet, WY I bought Hip 31 ("Guy" offered by Chance Isbell, Sheridan, WY) at the July sale, as you may remember, the owner cracked a whip off him and he did not move. We have ridden "Guy", even my son has been on him, and he is as good as the seller said he was. I was leary of buying a horse at a sale - people had told me not to - but I have to say the horse is very good and my son now wants to take him from me! We all were very impressed how you handle all the horses and the sale. When I am looking for another horse, you will be at the top of the list for me!

From Andy Osmundson, Harrison, ID (Andy purchased Hip 225 "Jingle Bells" at our July 2009 Sale - The 03 grade Welsh Cross gelding was offered by Greenough Ranch, Billings, MT) Bill thought you would like to see the attached picture of "Jingle Bells" and my daughter - she loves to pet him and loves to be led around and is looking forward to riding him on her own! I think he likes the attention as well - he meets her at the gate!

From J.D. & Sammi Philleo, Kinnear, WY We sold our ittle gelding, "Tonto" this past Saturday and just wanted to thank your whole crew for a really professional experience. Tonto was special to our family and we know he went to a great home. Also, at the February 2009 sale we purchased "Badgers In Command" and just love him! My husband ropes off him and is competing in ranch horse and reined cowhorse competitions and our daughter Abby is started to run barrel and poles on him. Thanks again and we'll see you the next time we have horse buying or selling needs. JD and Sammi Philleo, Kinnear, WY

From Gary & Lynn Ediger, Wolf Point, MT Just going to let you know about a horse we got in your Fall Sale in 2002. His name is Key Cedar Man. We started him barrels and heeling and in 2007 sold him to Donna and Teri Kay Leibrand. Teri Kay won 4th in the CCA Finals in Canada on him 2007. She has placed and won on him lots!. At the Borderline Barrel Race in Havre she won the 2-D saddle on him. Lynn and Gary Ediger, Wolf Point, MT

From Scott & Kimberly Hulme, Montpelier, ID I just really wanted to tell you thanks for having such a great sale with a lot of nice horses to pick from. Scott bought "AR Jewels in Red" from the Atwood Ranch. I started her Monday afternoon and she was perfect. I have never started a horse without the help of Scott, but this one I did with Scott gone. I saddled her and put a bridle on and before I knew it, I was on her and riding around the round pen. Scott came home and could not believe how smart this mare is. She watches things but does not freak out about them, she investigates themin a calm manner and then she is over it. The best thing is that she is scared to death of a cow and we love that, because you guys know that all the good ones are! She is a great addition to our barn and will stay there for a long time. We were told by six different peiole that we had the buy of the sale with "Jewels" so we just wanted to tell BLS thanks again for attracting great horses to your sale!

Roger Millard, Riverton, WY - We really enjoyed your last sale and wanted you to know how much we appreciate the contributions Billings Livestock Commission make in the horse and horse owner world.These are troubling times in the livestock and horse business. You folks provide an environment where the horses and horse owners are treated with respect and compassion.Thanks SO MUCH!....again, wereally are happy customers.Have a good day.

Rickie & Bonnie Root,Lake Forest, CA - It has been ten years since we became acquainted with Billings Livestock. In April of 1999, we purchased a 3-year-old gelding that had been trained and offered by Rory Patten, Buck Lake, Alberta. This Doc O'lena bred gelding has been an absolute gem. The only things that rattle him are the mountain lions and mountain bikers! In the spring of 2000, we purchased another horse through Billings Livestock also trained and consigned by Rory Patten.  This one was purchased sight-unseen via phone bidding. He is Dry Doc bred, and again, could not have been a better purchase. Both of these horses have been used for roping and when they are done, will become baby sitters for our grand boys. Thank you for providing excellent horses.

Connie Jack & Ron York, Powell, WY We purchased Hip 442 Shiners Diamond Pal at the July 2009   sale and are delighted with him. He is everything the sellers, the Goody's from Clarkston, UT, said he was...and more! We work on a 1,200 cow permit in the Big Horns and we are working him into our string.His attitude "I can do this" makes him a pleasure to ride. We are "Oldies But Goodies" and have bought several good ranch geldings from BLS.We are still "out there" and we're riding hard. Keep up the good work!

October 2007: To the folks at BLS Horse Sales -  I want to comment on my experience at a recent horse sale. All of your people were so very helpful and courteous during the whole thing. How you are able to keep everything moving so smoothly during such a fiasco is absolutely incredible! My hat is off to everyone at BLS as I can not say enough!  Don Daniels, Norcatur, Kansas

October 2007: THANKS! You all did a wonderful job selling my horses. Kathy Hodl, Rockford, WA

August 2007: Hi, Jann, thanks so much for checking in. All 5 geldings are doing great, We wanted to come this weekend but we had a USTRC roping...They are all great and we couldn't be more pleased. You run a really phenomenal sale ...Take care and keep up the hard work! Jenny Ayres, Woodlake, CA

May 2007: Hello - I bought a horse named "Curly" from Turner Performance Horses, Chad and Paje, at your April 2007 Rope Horse Sale.. I roped on him for the first time last night. This horse is everything that Chad and Paje said he was. He scores like a rock, rates, pulls, and faces perfectly every time. You barely have to touch him to move him in or out. He is always calm and is always the same. He is super smooth and never bounces or jars you when you rope, no matter how fast or slow the steer is. He is a very high powered horse and I would be shocked if I ever got outrun on him. My roping literally improved within a couple of hours of roping on him. He is so well trained that all I have to worry about is catching! Curly does the rest. I can't wait until I can go rope again. Horses as smart, well trained, consistent and smooth as Curly don't come along too often. He is a true testament to the quality of horses produced by Chad and Paje. Sincerely, Chyan Biggs, Bozeman, Montana

May 2007: Your rider did a real nice job in the ring with Jet - Thanks a bunch! Connie Williams Gillette, WY

December 2006: Bruce and I would like to thank you all so much for helping us market our horses! Your office staff was very polite and helpful - that means a lot to us also!! You all deserve a pat on the back...we know how hard it is to host one sale a year and you guys do it every month. Thanks so much.  Bruce and Kim Crago Belle Fourche, SD

Bueno Super Babe - purchased in November 2004 from Daniel and Lousie Mauch, Nebraska:   "I thought I would let you know how the horse we bought from you in November at the Billings sale is doing. We weren't able to ride him much over the winter, but he has been hard at work since the weather has gotten better. Mike is going to use him to hunt on and I have been showing him in western pleasure. He has alot of potential as a reining horse so I will pursue that as he progresses in his training. Mike has had him on cattle a couple of times and he is very cowy. He even cut one out of the pen by himself, with no rider, when were trying to sort some on the ground! He has been a great horse and he is getting steadier all the time. I will send a picture of him at his first show in Missoula where he won his first ribbons. Thanks again." Cheryl and Mike Friend.

Offered by Kent Oland, Sheldon, ND and purchased by Taylor Langdon, Aubrey, TX

Hi there! We are writing to let you know of a couple "success stories". We purchased this black gelding at your February 2007 sale. We needed a solid gelding for all of the ranch work we do here in Big Sandy, MT and have been very pleased with "Blackie". I use him on the ranch and our 7 year old daughter, Grace has used him barrel racing...she won quite a few checks off of him! We appreciate your sales and how well run they are. Thank you from very satisfied customers!

Hi there! We are writing to let you know of a couple "success stories". The gray gelding was purchased at your October 2007 sale. He was represented as a horse anyone could ride. Here's a photo of Grace riding him a couple days after we got home with him. She really enjoys "Judge" and how easy he is to handle in the saddle and on the ground. We appreciate your sales and how well run they are. Thank you from very satisfied customers!

Consigned by Virginia Lee and purchased by Mark Bugni, Dickinson, ND

Accomplishments Include: Arena Series Fast time and jackpot winner, Spring Series, DSU, Dickinson, ND - Reserve Champion Prairie Skies Spring Series, Mandan, ND - Fast Time and jackpot winner, Valley City 3 day race, Valley City, ND - Derby Placer, Valley Girls Barrel Futurity, Walla Walla, WA - Short go Winner, Weekend Fast Time, South Country Futurity, Cardston, AB Canada -Top Open 1-D placer Southern Spurs Futurity, Brooks, AB Canada. 100+ entries - Top AW4D 1-D placer, Farmington, UT. 150+ entries - Lincoln Open Rodeo, 4th place. Lincoln, MT - 12th of 750 entries, John Deer Super Show, Las Vegas, NV - Saddle and Buckle Winner, 600 entries, Can Chasers Challenge, Pasco, WA - Top 5 of 245 entries, X-Treme Barrel Race, Salina, UT - Derby placer, Dakota Badlands Futurity, Bismarck, ND - Reserve Champion, Jackie Olson

Just to let you know that I rode Trea (short for Treasure) again tonight. On Sunday after Aaron and I rode I was calling him a treasure. Trea it is. I was worried about being a bit premature naming him that. I was not. We have not been able to ride since last Sunday due to weather and he was just as nice tonight. I ponied a reluctant horse 2 miles over to my mom's and Trea just pulled away. Through the slop of the stubble field to boot! We trotted home beside the county road with traffic. We rode through a couple of neighbor's yards with all of the scary things those contain. When we got home, we wrangled the rest of the snorty horses. No problems. Just wanted to let you guys know! Thank you and hope to see you soon, Wynne

July 2006 From: Cheri Robbins, Walsh, CO

A great success story from Cheri Robbins, Walsh, CO who purchased via phone bid, Hip 313 "Foxy" a 91 Grade Bay Gelding from our May 2006 sale. The good guy was consigned by Terry Hammel, Hot Springs, SD.

Cheri writes: To All At Billings Livestock Auction: Hi, you mentioned you like the success stories for the auction. I have one!  Mother's Day 2006 my husband bought the neighbor's Doctor's Buggy. They had owned it five years but could not find a suitable horse. That was May 14th. On the weekend of May 28th, your acution had a buggy horse for sale. We NEVER buy a horse sight-unseen, but that one really sounded like what we wanted - if he was all they said him to be.  We had the auction call us when he entered the sale ring. By the way, they knew they sold 30 horses per hour and they were right on time! We were waiting. We asked what he looked like at age 15, and they said "fine". We won the bid. They fed him as they feed all the horses until they are gone. With the auction's help, a transport service called us. Foxy arrived on Tuesday after the sale.  He was tired, of course. We are 800 miles from Montana. He rested two days. But within one week we were hooked to the buggy and headed down the road. He was all the write-up said right down to the words, "He is a pleasure to be around."   Thanks to the auction for the wonderful way they called us, fed him, and got him to us. We sure will be looking at the next sales, as well.  How could I know the summer would hold this pleasure!

Hi Jann - Here is a picture of the gang in Lassen National Forrest in Northern California. The horses did very well and we had a lot of fun. We probably put about 50 miles on them that week. From left to right: Buddy Major;Leo Sierras Notion - purchased at Billings Livestock , February 06:CR Jackie Bee Dry - purchased at Billings Livestock, April 06; Badgers Little Spark - purchased at Billings Livestock, April 06;Lo Diamond Kid - purchased at Billings Livestock, February 06; Lone Pine Royal Ace - purchased at Billings Livestock , April/06; Perpetual Casey; and Es Impress The Bar - purchased at The Dalles, April 05.

Hello all, I just thought I would let you all know that Gunner, our cutting mare we have on the road in Wyoming has now completed her first year of cutting with the big dogs, meaning she is not competing in futurities against others her own age. She is competing against some very seasoned horses. She went into the final show in first place and won first place in the Wyoming Cutting Assoc. She brought home a trophy saddle for winning first. We are so proud of her and our trainer, James Johnson, we had to let you all know about our successful year. Just call us proud horse people, we love it you know.

Happy trails, Dan and Louise Mauch

The Billings, MT cowgirl and her 95 AQHA Gray gelding have earned the 2001 Year-End High Point O-Mok-See, in addition to winning the saddle (she's using it in this photo!) at the National O-Mok-See! This year, Anna and Smokey are top contenders for the All-Around title at the Young Rider Series where Anna uses Smokey in the barrels, poles, and goats. Purchased at Billings Livestock in October 2000, the nice gray gelding was consigned by Gary and Betty Knight. Photo courtesy of Vickie MacCarty.

Hi! My name is Colter and I am 3 years old. I just want to thank BLS and the Sombrero Ranch for my special gelding Vic. He is the perfect first horse for me and I trust him completely. The Sombrero Ranch staff were wonderful in helping me to pick just the right horse and I would like to thank Bill Weller for helping me to buy him. I ride Vic to help my mom & dad during calving and he takes good care of me. Thanks again, BLS.
Colter Martin
Beulah, ND

Vic was purchased at the December 2007 sale.
Trent & Dawn Martin

Consigned by Shawn Claymore, Bismarck, ND and purchased by Brian Becker, Hastings, NE

Jan, I want to thank you for calling my dad on Molly, a daughter of Frenchman's Guy, which was a five year reining mare and had started on barrels. Since then she has been to over 80 day rodoes and has helped me win 12 buckles and three all around saddles in the Little Britches Little Wrangler Division. Thank-you for such a nice barrel mare. And by the way I didn't mention, my dad bought this mare site unseen over the phone per Jan's advice.

Thanks again!  Breann Becker, Hastings, NE

Success story from Weller Ranch - We purchased this team of black Clydesdale geldings in May 2004 at BLS. "Jim and Jake" were consigned by Kelly Mothershead, Sweetgrass, MT and had been used on the ranch to feed cows and used in parades. They are shown here being used in the Kadoka, South Dakota Centennial Parade, accompanied by Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Sorrel McKay. Sorrel is mounted on a nine-year-old red roan gelding, also purchased at Billings Livestock. We've enjoyed this well broke team and the nice geldings! Thanks, Bill and Carrie Weller, Weller Ranch. MANY THANKS, WELLERS!

December 2006:From Ken Linck, Hermiston, OR

Ken purchased "Sonitas Debbie" a 1981 AQHA Sorrel mare by Sonitas Last and out of a daughter of Rondo Leo at our March 2005 sale.  This special mare had earned over $14,000 herself and produced another $42,000 to date and counting, including the editors favorite horse,   Catsonita.  Ken writes:  "Debbie is doing great as are her two brats - one by Smart Little Rondee the other by Smart Lil Highbrow.  Debbie does have a new position at our place, however, she has become the favorite mount of my three-year-old grandson and my two-year-old granddaughter.  Ol' Deb is perfect for them and really seems to enjoy it."

Offered by Bryna Long, Buffalo, WY and purchased by 9-year-old Logan Schaff, Worden, MT.

"Logan sold his pony "Thunder" in the May 2005 BLS Horse Sale and at the same sale bought "Becca".  Logan, who is seven years old, and Becca hit it off right away and started competing within two weeks of the sale.   By the end of their first summer together, the duo was the year end buckle winner int he 7 and under barrels for the   Young Riders Series (YRS).  Becca also helped Logan to win the 7 and under All-Around Cowboy title.  Besides barrels, Logan and Becca compete in pole bending and have even made appearances in parades.  The duo has made quite a name for themselves in the arena and we all look forward to seeing what they will accomplish next!   A big thanks to BLS for helping us find a great home for our pony and for helping us to find Becca."

"Docs Little Lita" a 1990 AQHA bay mare was Hip 510 in the May 2005 sale, consigned by Bryna Long, Buffalo, WY. Logan's parents, Chris and Billie Schaff purchased "Becca". Logan, all of us here at Billings Livestock wish you continued success! If you have a success story about a horse you purchased here at Billings Livestock Commission, we'd love to hear from you! Send us your story and a photo to BLS Horse Sales, Box 31533, Billings, MT 59107 or email us at info@billingslivestock.com

He's a coming six year old AQHA Gelding purchased at Billings Livestock in July of 1999 as a two-year-old. The nice gelding was raised and consigned by Janice Hunter, Castor, Alberta. He's by Peppys Big Cougar and out of a Leo Bar bred dam. Charlie is pictured here at the MTRA Finals in September. With limited hauling, this duo has earned over $4,000! Wendy Small, Pompeys Pillar, MT gets the credit for breaking him to ride!