The cold winter temperatures did little to deter spectators from turning up to witness the quality range of horses that were showcased in this year's Ag-Grow horse sale.
Of the 40 horses that went under the hammer at Emerald on Saturday, 35 sold for an 88 per cent clearance rate, to achieve a top of $21,000 and an average of $9829, to gross $344,000.
Topping the sale was 11-year-old mare Kooloombah Melody, owned by the Olive family of Apis Creek, Marlborough, who was purchased by Simon Camm, Picardy Station, Moranbah for $21,000.
This was Mr Camm's second time purchasing a horse at Ag-Grow, claiming it to be one of his favorite auctions.
"There were some good horses that made what they were worth. You can always buy quality here, and at a reasonable price," he said.
Mr Camm, who went to Ag-Grow in search of a future competition horse for his kids, was delighted with his purchase and said the mare can look forward to a long future in mustering, pony club events and campdrafting.
Courtney Olive from Apis Creek Pastoral Co, Marlborough, said it was her family's first time selling in a public arena, and despite it being a reluctant sale, they couldn't have been happier with the result.
Miss Olive said they may have been a bit naive in their expectations for the mare she refers to as Stardust, having only had a low reserve on her that was far exceeded when the bids started rolling in.
"She's a quiet, solid-set mare that just cruises on a loose rein, and I think Cody showcased that very well," she said.
"I was very nervous and sad to sell her as I wanted her to go to a good home where she is loved. I think every horse hits the jackpot when they become a kids' horse because who is more loving than a child.
"We would like to thank Cody and Steph O'Neill with Stardust's presentation, and the month of riding prior. We trust the job they do completely."
Grant Daniel & Long auctioneer Mark Duthie, Dalby, said that while no records were broken this year, the average was about $1500 up on last year's sale.
Featuring 24 mares and 16 geldings, the playing field remained relatively even with only $67 difference between the two, with mares averaging $9800, and geldings averaging $9867.
Not far off the top seller were two quality geldings, Chisums Stylish Spoon and Superact Jimmy Choo who each made $20,000, earning themselves second spot on the leaderboard.
Owned by Lee Challacombe, Riveree, Capella, seven-year-old Chisums Stylish Spoon was purchased by Wayde Jones, Roma.
Mr Challacombe sold two horses in this year's sale, together grossing $38,000.
Superact Jimmy Choo, owned by Tom Acton, Paradise Lagoons, Rockhampton, was purchased by Scott and Lizette McCamley, Lancefield, Dululu.
Mr Acton also had a second gelding in the sale which sold for $11,000, purchased by Peter Magoffin, Longreach.
Mr Magoffin wasted no time in taking advantage of the line of horses on offer, travelling in from the west to purchase six horses for a total of $36,000.
Mr Duthie said the sale attracted a variety of interest, including re-stockers, competition horses, and people just looking for good-going work horses.
"It was a good solid sale and hopefully we'll be able to catalogue a few more next year."
- Selling agents: GDL, simulcast by Elite Livestock Auctions
