Bill and Jann Parker  406-348-2219
1-800-635-7364 or 406-245-4151

From Loose to the Leaders -

Raging Loose Horse Market Roars at BLS

Entire One-half of sale averages $1,804 -

Billings, MT - A packed sale arena powered the push on the Billings Livestock Commission Company loose horse prospect trade - maintaining the national position of top-of-the-market prices for all classes of loose horses - at BLS’s "New Year’s Special Catalog Sale" and regular monthly horse sale held December 29.

The one-day sale event offered buyers from Nevada to Pennsylvania the opportunity to bid on 241 head of horses where one-half of the entire sale - 120 head - including loose to the purple pedigreed - averaged $1,804.

And, best of all, the Champs came to call! Billings Livestock was proud to welcome World Champions Dan Mortensen and Deb Greenough, along with NFR qualifiers and famed rodeo competitors Clint Branger, Scott Breding, Chuck Simonson, and Walt Linderman.

 Horse Sale Manager, Bill Parker, commented "When I was a kid and attended the horse sales at Billings Livestock, there were always cowboys. Cowboys were as much a part of the horse sale as the horses themselves. It was a big deal to me to have the chance to see some of the rodeo cowboys that I would read about. And, with that said, I am proud today to introduce to you some of the rodeo cowboys who have put Montana on the map - Dan Mortenson - he truly is a hometown boy - you can throw a rock from Billings Livestock and hit the house where he grew up and where his folks still live today - Clint Branger, Deb Greenough, Scott Breding, and Walt Linderman some of the great Montana cowboys...." Mr. Parker continued by expounding on each of their many accomplishments.

Bill Parker also introduced the NFR qualifiers in the audience - Chuck Simonson, Jim Smith, Frank Shepperson, Lonnie Hall, and Joe Simon, Stock Contractor. The sale arena responded with a standing ovation in honor of the famous rodeo competitors.

Back to business - it’s stallion season and it shows - the top four sale positions were secured by powerhouse stallions - with the top selling stallion commanding $25,000.

Ink black and blue blooded, "Billy Black Chex" had earned his ROM in reining, qualified for the AQHA World Show, had earned NRHA money, and was a futurity winner - and came consigned by Susan Isaac, Boise, ID. Sired by Harbor Chex, the good-natured show horse sold to K Livestock, Billings, MT.

He’s a double-barrel dose of pedigree and promise - and "Dmac Doin Duallies" had all the right stuff. The 99 AQHA Chestnut son of Dual Pep was out of a daughter of Doc’s Hickory and came started on cattle and futurity eligible. Consigned by John Johnson, Brookings, SD, the big-time bred stud colt went to Canada with Joe Saville.

 Famous daughters added fuel to the mare fire, where daughters of Mr. Joe Glo, Slam Dun It, Doc Hollywood, Doc Tari, and Doc O Dynamite made the BLS top twenty list.

Pure using geldings continued to hold their own with a solid demand for the been-there-done-that kind. Geldings with work-place experience and sharp prospects looking- for- work saw genuine demand throughout the day.

A very low pass-out percentage - a slim 10% of the day’s offering - proved a keen market which is reflected in the overall sale averages - top five horses brought $10,850; top ten at $7,385; top 20 averaged $5,130; top 50 came in at $3,118; top 100 at $2,035, while one-half of the entire sale- averaged $1,804.

Loose horses had their own show and tell where a raging loose horse prospect market saw the day’s top selling horse sold on the loose bringing $1,375, top five $1,052, and the top ten averaged $949.

January 26 will feature the "Winter Special Catalog Sale" and regular monthly horse sale in addition to the "Cabin Fever" Tack Sale offering collectible and used tack. To receive a catalog or consign to future BLS sale events, call Bill or Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers, for more information at 406-245-4151 or e-mail info@billingslivestock.com

Billings Livestock Commission Company’s loose horse trade in the prospect department ran red hot and rapid with loose horses setting the place on fire - gaining ground all the way around on November 24 during BLS’s "Holiday Special Catalog Sale" and regular monthly horse sale.

With buyers on the seats from 18 states and Canada, a packed house played host to 551 head of horses at the one-day sale event with quality - in all divisions - driving the market.

Specifically in the loose horse division, the top selling horse - on the loose - brought $1,550 - with the top five averaging $1,375, the top ten at $1,160, and the top twenty horses that sold loose - that is 10% of the days offering - averaging $962.

"Holiday Special Catalog Sale" event welcomed 305 head of cataloged stock where young, cow-bred, stallions with cutting-edge pedigrees - powered by major promotion - dominated the top three sale positions.

The top-gun sons of Peptoboonsmal, Tari’s Catalyst, and Shorty Lena - that were out of daughters of Dry Doc, Peponita, and Doc Quixote - claimed the top spots.

"Tums" took top honors as the day’s top sale horse bringing a final bid of $13,500. The 98 AQHA son of Peptoboonsmal - ranked the number one Freshman Sire for 2001 - was out of Dry Docs Red Ruby x Dry Doc.

The colt with the catchy-name came consigned by T.R. Green, Ruidoso Downs, NM and was purchased by Rimrock Livestock, Shawmut, MT.

They rode him around with a string and the started-in-reining-training show-stopping stallion "Cajun By Tari" was sired by AQHA World Champion and earner of $328,000 in NCHA money - Tari’s Catalyst - and out of Cajun Rey x Peponita.

Consigned by Don Denman, Dennis, TX, the good-to-get-along with stallion went home with Harvey Lewis, Livingston, MT for $10,000.

"Shortys J Quixote" a 97 AQHA Bay stallion x Shorty Lena - the producer of over $4 million in money earners - and out of his number-one cross - a daughter of Doc Quixote - brought a final bid of $6,200.

Consigned by Bill Richardson, Crowded Six Ranch, Tyler, TX, the dandy four-year-old stallion sold to Steve Hanson, Billings, MT.

Geldings continued to be the hottest brand going, with good geldings keeping the heat on with very strong demand for the tried and true kind.

The top five geldings alone averaged $4,930, with the top ten geldings bringing $4,310.

To acheive the rank of a "top ten gelding", this better-than-average set of horses came with a job description, had been used in that job capacity, were solid and talented enough to take on a new occupation, and had eye-appeal and genetics to back it all up.

A solid sale, from start to finish, the overall sale averages breakdown as follows - top five came in at $8,240; top ten at $6,710; top 20 at $5,310; top 50 averaged $3,678; with the top 100 horses sold bringing $2,658.

Our next sale event at Billings Livestock Horse Sales is set for December 29 and will include the "New Year’s Special Catalog Sale" and regular monthly horse sale.

Billings Livestock Horse Sales is proud of our western heritage and tradition - in honor of our Montana rodeo cowboys, special guests (at press time) at the December 29 Horse Sale event include: World Champion Bareback rider and 13 times NFR qualifier, Deb Greenough; 8 times NFR Bull riding qualifier and founding member of the PBR, Clint Branger; and 5 times NFR qualifer and two-time Calgary $50,000 winner, Scott Breding.

Billings Livestock invites you to an informal meet and greet at 11 a.m. prior to the sale.

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

OCTOBER 27, 2001 SALE REPORT

Geldings Glitter in Cowtown but Divas Remain Divine

Powered by quality and bonused by strong cowhorse pedigrees, mares maintained their momentum at Billings Livestock Commission Company’s "Fall Special" Catalog and regular monthly horse sale held October 27.

Although mares claimed six out of the top ten selling positions - and - ran off with the top seller crown for the sixth consecutive month - it was genuine stock horse geldings that rode tall in the saddle and came in "best of show".

Officially, 565 head of horses passed through the gates of Billings Livestock - consigned by horseman from 12 states and Canada - and headed to new homes in 18 different states and three Canadian provinces.

A packed pre-sale preview for the cutters, ropers, and ride horses allowed the sale horses to show their stuff.

They came from far and wide to gather them and genuine ranch and using geldings saw tremendous demand where the top five geldings alone averaged $4,620.

Big, blue and been there - Hip 153 "Roanys Blue Whiz" was consigned by one of Montana’s best cowboys - and - the chute boss at the National Finals Rodeo since 1959 - Sonny Linger, Miles City, MT. The rock-solid ranch gelding stood 16.3 hands, drug calves and covered lots of country and brought $4,500.

Hip 172 "Shorty’s Foxy Roxey" earned the title of top sale horse with a $10,000 bid from Rimrock Livestock, Shawmut, MT. Sired by Shorty Lena - the sire of over $4 million in money earners - she was out of a producing daughter of Peppy San Badger. The 99 AQHA Bay mare was started on cattle and consigned by Marty McCormick, Weatherford, TX.

A grand lady, Hip 63 "Nada Peppy" proudly wore the famous King Ranch brand as her daddy was Mr. San Peppy himself - and her mother a daughter of Grey Badger III. The 86 AQHA gray mare sold in foal to Playmates Dually and headed west with Great Oak Ranch for $7,250.

A quality offering from Kruger Quarter Horses, Brian and Marj Kruger, Maynard, MN - including Hip 108 "Stay Dry" an 89 AQHA daughter of Dry Doc - highlighted the days activities with 43 well-bred mares - most bred to their reference sire - Little Fair Black - a jet-black son of Little Peppy Fair.

Billings Livestock was proud to welcome Buzz Feeley and the Chico Horse Barn partial dispersal sale offering in addition to John Lee and Griffin Livestock Reduction Sales.

In the loose horse department, the top selling loose horses at Billings Livestock brought $1,150, with the top five loose horses averaging $1040.

Overall catalog sale averages show that quality counts - the top five horses - all mares - brought $7,030, the top ten horses came in at $5,955, the top 20 brought $4,785, top 50 came in at $3,528, while the top 100 horses sold - nearly 20% - brought $2,631.

Billings Livestock’s next sale is set for November 24 and will include the "Holiday Special Catalog Sale".

For more information, contact Bill or Jann Parker, Horse Sale Managers, at 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com

"Little Peppys" laid claim to four out of the top six selling positions - including sons and daughters of Dual Pep, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and Star Chex Badger.

Top-notch breeding stock was in strong demand while tried and true using geldings maintained their dominance in the ride horse department.

Officially, BLS played host to 926 head of horses over the course of the three-day sale spree - a number not reached since the Montana horse runs of the 1950’s.

Met with optimum selection, 482 buyers - from Maine to California - were on the seats over the course of the three day extravaganza.

Maintaining the "mare magic" for the number one seller position was Hip 311 "Senorita Dually" a 98 model AQHA sorrel mare by Bar H’s big-time sire - Dual Pep - the sire of over $10 million in money-earners.

Out of the $56,000 money-earning mare, Hickory Prescription x Doc’s Hickory, Senorita Dually was a full-sister to $198,000 in money earners including Little Lucy Long Legs - one of Dual Pep’s top 12 offspring.

Consigned by Bill and Jann Parker, Huntley, MT, the quiet, pretty mare packed the Bar H brand and sold to Montana breeders Dave and Audrey Raczkowski, RAZ’S Quarter Horses, Helena, MT for $17,000.

RAZ’S Quarter Horses owns and stands "Dun Its Lucky Charm" by Hollywood Dun It.

Formerly owned by the John Scott Ranch and now owned by the 6666’s, sons of "Paddy’s Irish Whiskey" claimed the second and third high seller positions.

Setting an all-time BLS sale record for top weanling sold was Hip 286 "Blast of Whiskey" a 2001 bay stallion by Paddy’s Irish Whiskey and out of a Doc O Dynamite daughter.

Offered by Nima Isham, Livingston, MT, the first-class stud prospect brought a final bid of $9,000 and sold to B Bar Heart Performance Horses, Ronan, MT.

Billings Livestock was proud to host the Mel and Virginia Hutchings, Hutchings Quarter Horses, Thayne, WY Production Sale.

A product of the Hutchings’ program, consigned by Robert Linford, and sired by the Hutchings’ son of Peppy San Badger,- "Star Chex Badger" - Hip 348 "Docs Peppy Sanolena" a 97 AQHA red roan mare had over $500 in NRHA money, been used on the ranch, and sold to Montana rancher Terry Langstraat, Billings, MT for $6,500.

Rope horses were the rage in the gelding department where many of the top geldings sold were shown in the rope horse preview.

Sale highlights included the Rimrock Livestock Production Offering where 39 horses from a top-notch program came to town, including no-nonsense using geldings.

Production sales included Borden and Miller Quarter Horses, Shively Ranch, South Mountain Ranch, Dave Thomas Quarter Horses, and Flying Heart Quarter Horses.

On Sunday, the Dave Thomas, Mitchell, NE dispersion highlighted the day's events.

Overall sale averages came in at $9,590 for the top five, $7,835 on the top ten, the top 20 at $6,257, the top 50 horses brought $4,478, and the top 100 head of horses sold - averaged $3,365.

In the loose horse division, loose horses sold stronger across the board, with the top five averaging $1,125. A complete USDA report is included in this update.

Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for October 27 and will feature the "Fall Catalog Sale" and regular monthly horse sale.

The weekend was off and running with a $500 added money barrel race on Friday which highlighted barrel horses consigned to that evenings "Montana Select Speed Horse Sale".

A total of 617 horses were bought and sold over the three days, with name-brand "Speed-Bred" horses claiming the top-three sale positions.

"Dash to Good" - by the great race horse sire "Dash for Cash" - topped the sale list with a $9,500 bid. Adding to her credentials, the AA rated 1991 AQHA Sorrel Mare was out of an Easy Jet daughter. Consigned by Bill Richardson, Crowded Six Ranch, Tyler, TX the opportunity to own a Dash For Cash daughter was taken by Sitnal Livestock, LLC, Rapid City, SD.

Shown in the barrel race and taking home a check in the open division was "Lady Orphan Drift" a 95 AQHA Bay mare sired by Wilywood and out of a Jet Deck and Clabber Bar bred dam.

Consigned by Dana Kizzier, Keystone, SD and trained and shown by NFR qualifier Gale Beebe, Custer, SD, the take-you-to-the-pay-window mare brought $8,500.

He’s the number-one sire of barrel futurity horses in the nation - "Frenchman’s Guy" by Sunfrost - and "JK French Sinnsation" a 2000 AQHA Sorrel Stallion by Billy Myer’s proven competitor "Frenchman’s Guy" was out of a daughter of the AQHA Champion "Kitaman".

Brought to us by Karla Telford, Caldwell, ID, the colt with the bright future sold to Evelyn Cochran, Sterling, CO for $8,000.

On Saturday the "August Catalog Sale" event saw rope horses and good, honest using horses maintain their stronghold with "Tinky’s Snow Bunny" a 88 AQHA Palomino gelding consigned by Joe Brown, SR of Harlem, MT bringing $6,700.

"Bunny" had been to the big ones and saw lots of little ones in-between, and the dead-shot heel horse qualified and competed at the USTRC Finals two-years-running in addition to having thousands of dollars won on him. He’s now headed to the roping pen with Jim Bangart, Joliet, MT.

Sunday’s schedule featured the "Montana Miniature and Pony Sale" with 100 head offered.

Sale highlights included Hip 508 "Jenni’s Navajo Midnight Rainbow" a 93 AMHR/AMHA Sorrel Tobiano mare consigned by Rosemary Chapel, Livingston, MT. She stood 27.75" and sold for $1,500 to Marvin Bennett, Murray, UT.

Six-year-old cowboy Wyatt Ullery, Park City, MT purchased his first pony - Hip 552 "Sapphire" a 97 Grade Black Welsh Mare consigned by Jody Kaiser, Billings, MT. The little black beauty also brought $1,500.

The breakdown on sale averages include the top five at $7,660; the top ten at $6,040; with the top 20 coming in at $4845; the top 50 at $3,452; while the top 100 head of horses sold brought $2,566.

In the mini and pony department, the top five AMHR registered brought $950, while overall, the top five mini’s and pony’s brought $1,210, and the top ten $927.

The loose horse market gained strength with the top five horses averaging $1,200.

Billings Livestock will feature three-days of horse sales September 21-22-23 including the "Montana Ranchers and Breeders Sale" and the "Cow Country Classic" Catalog Sales.

Saturday's sale includes the Rimrock Livestock Production sale, in addition to Hutchings Quarter Horses, Shining Mountain Ranch, and Borden Quarter Horses.

Sunday's schedule includes the Dave Thomas Dispersal.

Cutters and Cow Horses Come To Town

Billings Livestock Commission Company’s second annual "Mid-Summer Catalog Sale" featuring cutting horses showcased some of the region’s top programs in addition to some of the industry’s top pedigrees at the July 28 - 29 sale event.

Mares continued their reign of the high seller list claiming five out of the six top sale positions - and - proving their point - 14 out of the top 20. However, genuine using geldings continued in strong demand with finished horses - complete with an occupation - gathering the most interest as horses scattered to 19 states and Canada.

Billings Livestock was proud to offer a daughter of the famous sire, Freckles Playboy - whose get earnings are nearing the $20 million dollar mark.

Consigned by Bishben Cutting Horses, Andover, KS, "Otoettas Freckles" a 93 AQHA Sorrel mare was out of Lenas Otoetta ($15,013) by Doc O’Lena and was bred to Bishben’s stallion, "Merada’s Money Talks".

A real show-stopper, the very pretty mare sold to Grantsville, UT breeder, Ruth Anderson, for $15,000.

He’s sired by the number one siring son of Doc Bar - Doc’s Hickory - and "HR Hickory Badger" a 97 AQHA Sorrel stallion took second-place honors bringing a final bid of $14,000 selling to Joe Loe, Hermosa, SD.

Consigned by Lupe Munoz, Murray, UT and shown by Bob Pilster, Blackfoot, ID, the quality stallion was out of a daughter of Peppy San Badger and was a direct product of Mel and Virginia Hutchings’ breeding program.

Another product of the Hutchings Program was hip 178 "Smokin Hickory Girl" a 93 AQHA Bay Mare sired by the Hutchings’ stallion "Mr Smoky Lena’ and out of a daughter of Doc’s Hickory.

Consigned by Dori Steckley, Cody, Wy the cutting session entry brought $8,250 and sold to Luke Overstreet, Billings, MT.

A very nice set of horses was offered and shown in the cutting horse preview by Idaho breeders Shane and Diane Prescott, Twin Falls, ID including get by their son of Doc O’Lena, "Shawn O’Lena".

The top sale gelding "Taylormade Smoke" was a tailor-made bridle horse consigned by Nancy Clark, John Day, OR.

Shown on cattle in the cutting previews, the ten-year-old AQHA Bay gelding had NRCHA and NRHA money won.

Billings, MT rancher Terry Langstraat, purchased the extra-nice gelding for $7,600.

Good using geldings are a staple at Billings Livestock Commission Company - from ranch horses, rope horses, or recreation horses - true prospects to finished arena horses are offered.

Mules grabbed interest with ten cataloged mules offered. A been-there-done that riding mule consigned by Gary and Cindy Thorson, Rathdrum, ID brought $3,200 from 9 Bar 6 Ranch, Malta, MT.

A solid sale, heavy on quality consignments, is reflected in the sale averages where the top five horses - four mares and one stallion - averaged $11,500; the top ten brought $9,465, the top 20 came in at $7,465, the top 50 averaged $4,776, and the top 100 horses averaged $3,325.

Billings Livestock’s next horse sale event is set for August 24-25-26, with three days of sales scheduled. Catalog deadline is August 5 with a supplement printed for later entries.

See it all at www.billingslivestock.com

Girls Go For It - Mare Brings $20,000

"Little Peppy" granddaughters - each by a different son of the famous King Ranch sire Peppy San Badger - grabbed three out of the top four sale positions at Billings Livestock Commission Company’s "Summer Special Catalog Sale" and regular monthly horse sale held June 23 - 24.

Consigned by Grantsville, UT breeder Ruth Anderson, the 91 AQHA sorrel daughter by Peppy San Badger’s number one son - Dual Pep - and out of a daughter of War Leo - had NCHA earnings and was bred to Miss Anderson’s gray son of Doc O’Lena, "Dox West Gray".

The dandy mare sold to Rimrock Livestock, Shawmut, MT, for $20,000. Rimrock Livestock owns, stands, and shows Playboy’s Pheonix, a son of Freckles Playboy, and will be hosting their own production sale at BLS on September 22.

She’s a stunner and could cut a cow, too - Hip 115 "Little Miss Texo" a 96 AQHA Sorrel mare by Bill and Jann Parker’s son of Peppy San Badger - "Little Cow Boogie" and out of a Royal King bred mare took second place honors.

Consigned by T.R. Green, Ruidoso Downs, NM she stood 15 hands, weighed 1200 lbs and for $7,500 left for the roping arena with Nate Stewart, Corydon, IN.

Marv DeWall, Alladin, Wy consigned "Peppys Red Cutter" a 97 AQHA sorrel mare by Bobby Bo Badger x Peppy San Badger.

Also shown on cattle in the preview, the mare with a great start and a great pedigree - her mother is a daugther of Cutter Bill - sold to well known Montana breeders Art and Nancy Larson, Miles City, MT for $5,800.

Good geldings with good, solid backgrounds and honest occupations continued their dominance of the using horse market.

Hip 401 "Dakota Pie" topped the gelding market with a $5,800 bid. Consigned by Dawn Greenwood, Cartwright, ND, the 94 AQHA Bay gelding and "Pie in the Sky" grandson had been ranch raised and ranch ridden since a two-year-old. Ted Solomon, Havre, MT purchased the big, honest, gelding.

He looked like Hollywood and he’d never been off the ranch he was raised on - "Totally Gold" a 94 APHA palomino gelding consigned by Guy Small, Pompeys Pillar, MT was a show-stopping palomino with a good attitude and using background. Rick Kunze, Lincoln, NE purchased the gentle gelding for $5,700.

Overall, the top five horses averaged $9,120, the top ten at $7,200, the top 20 brought $5,733, with the top 50 coming in at $3,941 and the top 100 horses sold averaged $2,897.

In the loose horse division, loose horses sold steady with the high selling loose horse bringing $1,600 with the top five loose horses averaging $1,300.

Billings Livestock’s next horse sale weekend is July 28 - 29 and will feature "Cutting" horses. All classes of horses will sell with cattle available to show the rope horses and cutting horses.

With 789 head of horses offered at the two-day horse sale extravaganza, rope horses were the featured attraction that drew nearly 600 registered buyers from coast to coast.

A steady stream of steers and ropers kicked off the weekend’s activities Friday afternoon with the “Sale Horse Jackpot” - a showcase of the consignments under competition circumstances - with 95 teams competing.

Taking home the Tom Balding bits for first place in the jackpot - with a time of 21.41 on 3 head - were Bill Parker, Huntley, MT heading on Hip 455 “Chicaro Will Reed” and Justin Johnson, Saratoga, Wy heeling.

Earlier in the day, NFR Qualifier Dennis Tryan, Huntley, MT conducted a roping clinic designed for beginners in the BLS Arena. The roping school was sponsored by Flying J.

After a one month absence from the peak of the high seller list, and with rope horses claiming 13 out of the top 20 seller spots, stallions regained their hold on the #1 Sale Horse position.

Sired by Babcock Ranches’ NRHA Million Dollar Sire “Smart Chic Olena”, Hip 159 “Velvet Chic Olena” was a product of a proven program in addition to packing his own proof - his license to rein, NRHA money won and AQHA performance points.

He cost $21,000, came with charisma, color, and class - and the 95 AQHA Gray stallion was consigned by Pleasure Acres, Arcadia, IN, purchased by Bill Parker, Huntley, MT, and will stand the 2001 breeding season at Red Lodge Stallion Station, Red Lodge, MT.

“Dusty Bar Beaus” a 93 AQHA Sorrel grandson of Tyrees Watch was shown in the rope horse jackpot, stood 15.3 hands, and was broke to ride for anyone.

Consigned by Jim McAdoo, Laurel, MT the hauled and won on head horse sold to J.D. Williams, Faith, SD for $8,400.

Heel horse deluxe with a list of credentials that included PRCA, NDRA, SDRA rodeos as well as “Rope the Rockies” Finals, “Docs Silver Suger” a 92 APHA Sorrel/Tobiano gelding ridden, shown, and consigned by Luke Morast, Halliday, ND sold for $8,100 to Jim Gibbs, Arvada, WY.

Sale averages include the top five at $10,650; the top ten brought $8,695; the top 20 came in at $7,127; top 50 at $5,366. and the top 100 horses selling brought $4,256.

In the loose horse department, a strong market saw nearly 200 head of loose horses offered with the top five horses averaging $1,190 and the top ten bringing $1,100.

Billings Livestock’s next sale event is set for May 26 - 27 with the “Best of the Remuda” Ranch Horse Competition slated for Friday, May 25 and the “Cow Country Classic” Catalog Sale and regular monthly horse sale highlighting the weekend’s activities.

The two-day sale will feature ranch horses, ponies and kid’s horses, in addition to stallions, mares, young stock, and prospects.

MARCH 24 - 25, 2001

Cutline:  "Honey Dew Something" did just that - topped Billings Livestock's two-day March sale event with a $6,500 bid.  The 97 AQHA Palomino son of CD O'lena was consigned by Cowhorses, Inc, Payette, ID and sold to Will and Cindy Martin, Jackson Hole, WY.

Solid Geldings Secure Top Seller Spots

Billings, MT - After a ten month absence from the crest of the Billings Livestock Horse Sales high seller charts, geldings gathered the momentum needed to put them back on top during Billings Livestock’s "Spring Special Catalog Sale" and regular monthly horse sale held March 24 - 25.

Good geldings were good property as a packed house played host to the two-day horse sale blitz which featured a grand total of 588 head of horses - with emphasis on "Foundation Bred" horses in addition to the "Canadian Classic" - a special session of Canadian consignments.

Horses went home with buyers from 15 states and Canada - from California to Maine and from Canada to Texas.

Testimony to the cocktail of color, conformation, and a contemporary pedigree - Hip 75 "Honey Dew Something" a 97 AQHA Palomino gelding sired by NCHA Futurity and Derby Champion "CD Olena" and out of a daughter of Doc Quixote - topped the day’s market with a final bid of $6,500.

Consigned by Cowhorses, Inc, Payette, ID, the quiet, pretty gelding sold to Will and Cindy Martin, Jackson Hole, WY.

Red roan, rodeo ready, and standing 16.1 hands - Hip 108 "Sonitas Powder Bear" a 90 AQHA Red Roan Gelding consigned by Kyla Mykytiw, La Combe, Alberta was the real McCoy - run barrels, rope either end, ranched off of, and used to pony colts.

Sired by a son of Sonita’s Last and out of a Camp Town Boy bred dam - the big, powerful gelding was purchased by Nuggett Carmalt, Kalispell, MT for $5,750.

A sale highlight included the Rebsom Quarter Horses Reduction Sale - offering 13 head from their program including "Fresnos Margarita" a 92 AQHA Chestnut mare sired by Date O Doc and out of a full-sister to Zan Parr Bar. The exceptional mare sold in foal to Doc O Dynamite. Will and Cindy Martin, Jackson Hole, WY purchased the package for $5,500.

"Forty Five Lights" a 98 AQHA Bay stallion consigned by Frank Henricks, Caldwell, ID was right on track for the reined cowhorse or reining futurities. Sired by "Smokin 45" and out of a daughter of Doc’s Sug and granddaughter of Gay Bar King, the big stopping stud colt brought $4,800 and sold to Dude Tally, Far West, UT.

Sale averages indicated a strong, solid market with a mere $400 separating the top five from the top 10, and only a $1,000 between the top 5 and top 20 horses.

Actual averages include the top five at $5,470; the top 10 brought $5,065; top 20 coming in at $4,585. and the top 50 horses sold averaged $3,703.

A big sale weekend is on tap for April 28 - 29 when Billings Livestock Horse Sales hosts their annual "Rope Horse Special" and "April Catalog Sale". Rope horses will show in a pre-sale jackpot on Friday afternoon, April 27 at 3 p.m. In addition, cattle will be available for rope horses on both Saturday and Sunday mornings during the sale preview. Sale time is 12 noon each day.

Hell's A'Roarin Outfitter's Annual Reduction Sale is scheduled for May 5-6 at Billings Livestock.  This first-class, first-rate sale features 300 head of horses and 50 mules that will have been ridden in rough country and packed.

For more information, contact BLS Horse Sale Managers, Bill and Jann Parker at 406-245-4151 or see it all at www.billingslivestock.com

Springtime in the Rockies!

BLS Loose Horse Trade Flies High

Red hot and running wild, Billings Livestock Commission Company’s loose horse market saw top dollar in the prospect department at their two-day monthly sale event held February 24-25.

All inclusive - all classes and all horses - from loose to the highest selling horse consigned, 522 head of horses averaged $1,590 across the board - the highest on record for BLS.

Headlined by the "February Catalog Sale" event which featured a special session of "Sons and Daughters" of money earners and champions, the two-day sale played host to absolute volume crowds both days.

In the loose horse division, the number one selling horse - a grade bay gelding - brought $2,050 - with the top five loose horses averaging $1,440 and the top ten bringing $1,235.

Stallions and mares continued to take top honors for the top sale horses of the weekend, with Hip 143 "Miss Gunsmoke Pep" an 88 AQHA Chestnut daughter of Haidas Little Pep and out of a daughter of Mr. Gunsmoke - taking home top prize for the top sale horse.

She smoked ‘em at the pay window, proved it, and packed the power of her pedigree - with nearly $16,000 in NCHA earnings , the hard-to-find-kind of mare was bred to Jessie Rey Tari (a palomino stallion with $189,000 in earnings) for a June foal. Consigned by Pete Nordling, Menahga, MN the bona fide cow horse sold to Bitterroot Springs Ranch, Hamilton, MT for $25,500.

Sired by the cutting industry’s number one sire for the past four years - Dual Pep - and out of a mare that has produced nearly $50,000 in money earners - Hip 54 "Duallys Sport Model" a 92 AQHA Chestnut mare offered by Crowded Six Ranch, Tyler, TX had substance, style, and was bred to the popular Waggoner Ranch sire, Smart Aristocrat. Purchased by Wild Wind Ranch, Neely, TX, the first-rate mare brought a final bid of $21,500.

Stallions claimed the next two selling positions, with Hip 88 "RB Black Playboy" a 98 AQHA black son of Black Little Lena and out of a Freckles Playboy daughter bringing $17,000.

Consigned by Bill Richardson, Crowded Six Ranch, Tyler, TX, the jet-black stallion-with-a-future sold to Richard Hodgson, Carlyle, Sask, Canada.

Also making the trip north was Hip 134 "CE Pocos Last Chance" a Kruger Quarter Horses, Maynard, MN consignment. The foundation bred stallion was a great-grandson of King, Wimpy, Peppy San - and a grandson of Poco Bueno and Sonita’s Last. Diamond W Quarter Horses, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, purchased the few-and-far-between standout stallion for $16,000.

Geldings gathered momentum as the "geldings with an occupation" garnered plenty of attention. The number one selling gelding was red dun, royally bred, and ready to go to work - in the cutting pen, roping arena, or as a team penner. Offered by Strait Rail Ranch, Nevis, MN - Hip 215 "Holi Baldy" was a 96 AQHA red dun son of Holidoc and out of a Doc’s Hotrodder daughter. Patti Latterner, Farmington, NM purchased the good gelding for $8,250.

Overall sale averages include the top five at $18,900, top ten averaged $13,135, top 20 brought $9,462, top 50 came in at $6,253 and the top 100 horses - approximately one-fifth of the sale - averaged $4,559.

Billings Livestock is proud to offer all classes of horses - including finished performance horses and name-brand broodmares, dude horses, ranch horses, and honest using horses. Our selection and consignor base is vast - we’re in the heart of the west and real ranch country.

March 24 - 25 will feature the "Spring Special" catalog sale and "Canadian Classic" catalog event in addition to the regular monthly horse sale at BLS. Loose horses will sell on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Bill and Jann Parker, BLS Horse Sale Managers at 406-245-4151 or e-mail us at info@billingslivestock.com See it all at www.billingslivestock.com

 January 27, 2001 Sale Report