Billings, MT - Ropers, riders and wranglers filled the Big Sky at Billings Livestock Commission Company’s third annual “Rope Horse Special” Catalog Sale and regular monthly horse sale event held April 28-29.

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.

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