Youth and ladies mounts were the flavour of the month at the 2016 Ag-Grow premier horse sale with a packed grandstand of keen buyers competing for the best in equine versatility.
Clearing 92 per cent, the 82 horses sold averaged $5890 with a $483,000 sale gross. Mares averaged $7040 while geldings averaged $4945.
The mare portion saw buyers compete for broodmare and competition prospects, however all-rounder types to suit varying rider abilities remained a top priority.
The rising 10-year-old Comara Advent daughter, Lenore, topped the sale at $16,000, selling to the McKenzie family of Taurus Pastoral Company, Blackwater.
Listed by Kerron and Theresa Gilvear, Monto, Graeme McKenzie said he looked for horses to suit his daughters and grand daughters in the campdraft and general riding fields.
“I’ve done a lot of campdrafting in my time but I’m slowing down now so I like to leave it to the others,” he said.
“Nothing phased this mare in the work outs and when she came into the selling ring she was lovely and calm and that’s what I look for in a ladies mount.”
Mr Gilvear said the mare had been a quiet mustering horse while her solid campdrafting results made her a valuable asset to any family.
Rising five-year-old mare Abounding Grace came a close second in dollar value, making $14,000 in the selling ring for vendors Wade and Natalie Clarke, The Gums.
Mr Clarke said the palomino mare was experienced in mustering and feedlot work with placings in junior campdrafts under ladies and children.
As successful purchasers the Bauman family, Tryphinia View, Dingo, said they were looking forward to getting the mare home and involved with general stock work straight away.
“All our mustering is done on horses, no motorbikes. We’ve got weaners at hand so as well as educating cattle we’ll be educating the new mare- she’s got a lovely nature and we’re sure she’ll fit into our operation nicely,” Jan Bauman said.
The gelding portion also attracted interest in the all-rounder department, with sound temperament earning three vendors the honour of top price.
The first gelding to reach the $10,000 top at the 2016 sale was the rising eight-year-old chestnut, Yulgilbar Bannah Oak.
Offered by Stewart and Kerry Wallace, Clarke Creek, the gelding also fit into the quiet family horse category with a light campdrafting career under his belt increasing his value.
Buying mainly for their four children, Sid and Tricia Godwin, Tanderra, Springsure, said the gelding had the potential to offer a “step up” in experience for their young family.
“We’ve bought horses at Ag-Grow in the past and been quite happy with the quality,” Mr Godwin said.
Mr Godwin said he purchased four-year-old bay mare Sylvia Vale Dululu for $11,000 as a possible child’s mount but the mare would also suit himself for general mustering duties.
The Sylvia Vale Stockhorse contingent consisted of three mares with well known vendors Ian Stark and Jeanne Seifert making $12,000, $9,500, and $11,000 respectively.
TN Rey Smokin Ant was the second gelding to top at $10,000 for young horsewoman Breanna Cook, Monto.
Affectionately known as Ant, Ms Cook said the 14.1hh chestnut gelding had a great deal of experience with children through her regular horsemanship clinics.
At only three-years-old, his incredibly easy going temperament ensured Ant was well suited to his future rider, Ashlynn Taylor, Springsure, who said she “loved pony club and taking care of her ponies.”
Miss Taylor’s grandfather Pat Ryan, Springsure, purchased the horse and said he was looking for a safe, trustworthy mount.
“The last horse we bought for Ashlynn bucked her off and broke her arm but we’re confident she’ll be safe with Ant,” he said.
“I don’t think she ever expected this so she’s pretty thrilled.”
The third and last gelding topping at $10,000, Artie Cat, was offered by Brent and Shannon Marshall, Blackall.
Mr Marshall said the 15hh gelding was “very cowy and chased cattle well” with an easy going nature making him a pleasure to handle.
Volume buyers were down slightly on previous years however beef operators including Gyranda Pastoral Company, Theodore, Echo Hills Grazing, Springsure, the Atkinson family, Dingo, and Riverview Cattle Company, Clermont, took the opportunity to purchase two or more horses for mustering teams.
GDL stud stock auctioneer Peter Brazier said the 2016 sale compared very well with last year’s.
“We sold 31 more horses this year with the sale gross up by 37 per cent and the top prices were very similar to last year’s,” he said.
“The sellers were good- they wanted to sell their horses and get them out there and they met the market accordingly.
“If you wanted a good quiet horse for the kids or a reliable horse to go mustering on they were here.”
