The quality and breeding of horses is set to be top notch at the 42nd annual Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale.
Hosted by the Darling Downs Branch of the Australian Stock Horse Society and held from December 2-4 at the Dalby Showground, selling agents Grant Daniel and Long (GDL) hope the sale generates as much interest as last year’s event.
The 2015 top price of $43,000 was paid for the 10-year-old mare Kirkby Stud Dreams Charity offered by veteran Australian Stock Horse breeder Phillip Kirkby, Wave Hill, Narrabri, NSW.
Overall 196 horses sold for an average of $8732, while more than $1.7m changed hands over the two selling sessions.
GDL spokesman Harvey Weyman-Jones said there were 250 horses in the catalogue this year, down about 15 from last year, but he hopes the sale’s momentum builds from 2015.
“Normally we would expect about a 10 per cent withdrawal rate before the sale,” he said.
Mr Weyman-Jones said there were no clear trends as far as a certain type or particular bloodlines coming through in the horses offered at the sale, except quality.
“A lot of the horses feature similar blood lines as the Australian Stock Horse genetic pool is relatively small,” he said. “I think this year’s catalogue will be one of the best quality line-up of horses we have seen.”
Last year, the sale was split into two sessions – beginning with a twilight auction on Saturday evening and resuming on Sunday.
Mr Weyman-Jones said the format was well received and would be used again this year.
A breakdown of last year’s results showed 110 mares averaged $10,073, 81 geldings averaged $6574, and five stallions averaged $14,200.
President of the Darling Downs Branch of the Australian Stock Horse Society Jim Ryan said it was set to be a “massive weekend”.
“It’s the number one Australian Stock Horse sale in Australia, with the best quality horses,” he said.
He said the campdraft and working horse challenge for sale horses generated huge interest and provided the opportunity for buyers to see the horses in action.
- Stephanie van Eyk