Heber Horse Sales

The annual Heber Horse Sales was a new experience for me. While it is not technically a competitive event, performance is extremely important. That's because this event allows horse sellers and buyers to come together and performance will likely impact selling prices. Buyers (potentially from all over the country) have had access to horse profiles in advance. They may have even had conversations with the sellers (breeders, individuals, ranches, etc.).

Each horse is the product of years of training. But the buyers want to see the horses in action. They want to see skills, temperament, personality, etc. Maybe they are looking towards competition. Or maybe they want a gentle horse for their family/kids. Of maybe a trail horse. Or a work horse for their ranch. So, at this event, there are a whole slew of performance categories that the trainers/riders put the horses through. Obsacles, footwork, patience drills, hauling, tight turns, abrupt stops, roping, etc, etc, etc. 

Some of the buyers are in attendance, while others are watching the action via a live stream on the internet. They will make some decisions about the horses they are interested in and what they think they are worth to them. Then, on the second day, an auction will determine who ends up with those fine animals. 

As usual, EVERYBODY I met was very friendly and generous with their knowledge. So... these are my images from in and around the arena.