Even though I don’t need another horse, I can’t help window shopping. Really, who doesn’t like browsing horse ads online even though they’re not actually going to buy a horse? Well, the Carson City Prison where we got Eugene from is having another auction this coming weekend and I’ve been playing “what if.”
You may have noticed from my lack of posts and commenting on everyone’s blogs recently that I’ve been rather absent from blogging. There’s a thing going on in my non horsey life that I cannot talk about online. If you know me in real life, then you know what’s up, but please don’t mention anything here. It’s not a bad thing, but it is very stressful and occupying a lot of my time and attention. It should be resolved in a week or so, but in the mean time, looking at this coming auction’s line-up and imagining which one I’d get has been a nice distraction.
Picture Credit to BLM Nevada
Having gone through this before with Eugene, I now know just how hard it is to judge the horses based on their videos and pictures alone. Eugene wasn’t even on my short list before we went to the sale. Of course, the two that I really liked ended up going for really high amounts so it’s not that I didn’t end up liking them in person, but that we didn’t want to spend that much on a green Mustang. These videos are done about 3-4 weeks before the auction so the horses will be more well-trained by the time the auction comes around. We also found that the heights listed in the catalog didn’t entirely correspond with reality so I don’t put a lot of stock in that either. And as with the previous round, it’s very difficult to tell conformation before you get to the sale. The 3/4 angle is great for photo shoots, but a straight perpendicular shot is better for judging conformation.
PC BLM Nevada
While I have my top picks in mine, I really enjoyed getting readers’ opinions last time. It was interesting to see which horses were most popular. You can check out the catalog here, the videos here, and see the above Facebook post for more pictures. Let me know in the comments which one you’d want to adopt. There are some really nice horses in this group. I want to take like five of them home.
PC BLM Nevada
If you’re in the California or Nevada area and are interested, I highly recommend checking out the sale. Even if you’re not going to buy a horse, it’s a very cool event. The prisoners do a great job showing off the Mustangs and the whole thing is really enjoyable. And if you’re interested in adopting a Mustang at the event, check out the BLM page for information on how to do so. You can bring an application with you or fill one out on site at the auction. Because the horses are gentled, the rules for fencing and trailers are a little different/easier that with a “wild” Mustang. Eugene was very much a green broke horse when we got him, but his foundation was very good. In many ways he was better trained than our other horses. He opened gates, side-passed, had herded cows, stood for mounting, and this horse will practically hurl his foot up for you if you’re picking feet. He was shy, but not soured on people and I truly believe his trainer cared for him and took good care of him. I would highly recommend adopting from this sale. Maybe I’ll see you there!
PC BLM Nevada
To be honest I found something to like about all of them. There was one that looked pretty downhill that would I avoid. I quite liked the strawberry roan and the chestnuts.
There are a few that are pretty downhill. They mostly sell to cattle ranches and western people and they like the butt high look, so it’s harder for English riders to find good horses in the mix.
What a cool program!! I’ll just file that bit of information away for later. 🙂
Buy all the ponies!
I’ll take the palomino please!
He’s so nice looking. A big drafty guy. And he’s 16.2 which is crazy tall for a Mustang.
I am kind of in love with the floating buckskin hony. I’m so terrible when it comes to color. Even if it only had 3 legs I’d probably fall in love just because it’s buckskin.
I like buckskins a lot too. The little one is too short for me, but there’s a nice 15.2hh Buckskin in the list that I really like.
Well since I want something smaller, Solo was prob my fav. Plus ya know, color. I also liked Taco Bill and Chuck… and well I’d take nearly any of them. One of these times I’d love to tag along with you!
Come to this one with me! Solo is adorable, but I need a 15hh+. Chuck has a great video.
I was looking at this last week because it’s nice to look at horse sale ads and daydream. It’s nice to hear about your positive experience with Eugene and this program – I might have to consider this when I’m horse shopping for real.
Sorry to hear of personal issues going on, but wanted to let you know I enjoy your blog, adventures and DIY!
Thanks. I would definitely consider this sale when you’re ready to buy.
Great photos! That buckskin is beautiful.
I know; I think he’s going to go for a lot.
I liked Honky tonkys movements and boscos conformation… But WHY do they video (and ride) Solo that have an obvious lameness?
They said they trimmed him too short. It seems like they have terrible farriers as they had to pull a horse from a previous sale for the same thing.
I’m sorry to hear you have nonhorsey stressful issues going on right now, and I hope they resolve quickly.
My pick would be Langley. Good size, nice brain. Good mover.
I wanted to love the little Buckskin (obviously ;)) But he looks super lame to me. I think if I were to pick one, I’d take Patrick home. He seems less broke than some, but he has a nice big stride, and is really tolerant of his human pulling on him. I like to pull too…
I hope your personal stuff sorts out quickly! No fun being stressed out. Thank goodness for ponies!
The little buckskin is not sound, but the tall buckskin is. I agree about Patrick. He looks like he wants to bolt most of his ride, but he might be a lot better by the time the sale comes around.
I was trying to hand pick a few but honestly I really did like them all and I’d want to meet them first. Personality is number one for me
It’s really hard to tell personality at the auction because it’s such a stressful and foreign environment. Eugene was very standoffish at the auction, but is super friendly now.