“This year’s sale was a huge success not just because of the sale of the colts, but the growth of all of the students in the sale prep course and all of the support from the community,” stated Head Horsemanship Instructor, Eric Hoffmann.
During the Colt Challenge, held on Friday, March 29, students showcased their colts and the variety of ranch tasks they had been trained to perform. Shane and Brandy Sorden were the judges for the Challenge. Top five placings were as follows: Lauren Eathorne riding Blue Ridn Frost, donated by the Erb Ranch, placed fifth overall, Maggie Blandford riding TM Blues Cash, donated by Glen Beecher placed fourth, Lianne Miller and Fueled up Quixote, donated by Harrington and Hirschy Quarter Horses placed third, Melanie Elzinga and Weaver’s Boon Doc, donated by Weaver Quarter Horses placed second while Alex Shaver and DE Peptos Miss Molly, donated by the Erb Ranch were the overall champions.
Alex Shaver was awarded a $2500 scholarship presented by CHS Inc. and New Generation Supplements, who are the corporate sponsors of this event.
The high selling colt was Weavers Poco Perks (ridden by Kayla Lake). The colt sold to Pete Kyle of Amarillo, Texas for $8,000. Isle Be a Cash Us (ridden by Jordynn Schindler) was bought by Coby King of Dillon for $7500, DE Peptos Miss Molly (ridden by Alex Shaver) sold to Michelle Polom of Stuart, Fla. for $7000, Drift Final (ridden by Jamie Wines) sold to Mickie Gehreing of Helena, Mont., Weavers Boon Candy (ridden by Ashley Bird) sold to Greg Seite of Belgrade, Mont., Weavers Broke N Perk (ridden by Melanie Elzinga) was purchased by Justin L. Piece of Grass Range, Mont., and TM Blues Cash (ridden by Maggie Blandford) sold to the Matador Cattle Company of Dillon, each for $6500.
“The tremendous effort on the part of our students, faculty and staff, along with incredible community support, made this a fantastic event. It not only provides training for our students, but raises money to fund our unique natural horsemanship program,” Chancellor Beth Weatherby said.
Montana Mad Hatters of Twin Bridges, Mont. donated a custom cowboy hat that sold to Eric Hoffmann for $700. Shelly King of Dillon bought the custom pair of chaps donated by local saddle maker, George Holt for $700.
Beaverhead Livestock Auction handled the terms and conditions of the sale. Judy Tash and Denise Holland were sale secretaries. Stan Weaver researched the pedigrees of each colt and was pedigree specialist. Malik Hegge was the auctioneer and Bo Bevis, Bill Pelton and Colin Erb were Ringmen. Cole Snider entertained as the MC for the event.
Colts for this year’s sale were donated by Cal and Brooke Erb, Bill and Floydena Garrison, Glen Beecher, Harrington and Hirshcy Quarter Horses, Mike and Eva Hollenbeck, Holland Quarter Horses, Open Box Rafter Ranch, R Lazy 6 Ranch, and Weaver Quarter Horses.
Dr. Layne Carlson and Dr. Megan Kelly were veterinarians for the sale with Dan Bungi serving as brand inspector.
Beaverhead Home and Ranch Real Estate, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Frontline Ag Solutions LLC, Murdochs Home and Ranch Supply, Rocky Mountain Supply, Frecker’s Saddlery, Osburn Fence and Fabrication LLC, ASA Publications Inc, Steele Halters, Camas Meadow Beading, Bad Ass Coffee, Stageline Pizza, AH Cinches, and Ross Miller were the generous sponsors of this event. The Quality Inn of Dillon was the official host hotel. Mile High Motors of Butte sponsored a complimentary colt sale lunch as well.
Montana Western is the only university in the nation offering a four-year natural horsemanship degree with options in management, psychology, science and instruction and ranked among the “Best Equestrian Colleges” by ThoughtCo.com, an online education resource.
