Heads turned and jaws dropped as the bidding for Smartlilpeptosdesire topped $25,000 at the Canadian Select Ranch Horse Sale during Canadian Western Agribition.
And Walter Dutchak of North Battleford, Sask., considered calling an ambulance – an ironic thought considering he owns an ambulance service.
“I was perspiring like crazy,” he said after watching the bidding on his four-year-old red roan mare.
That price set a new record, at more than twice the previous high.
Dutchak said the horse is worth every penny.
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“He got a deal,” he said of buyer Ron Belanger of Pine Crest Land and Cattle Inc. in Bonnyville, Alta.
The mare finished second in the ranch horse competition earlier that day, behind another of Dutchak’s horses, Major Dandy Chex.
Dale Clearwater of Hanley, Sask., rode both of those horses, as well as the third and fourth place finishers, Chic of the Litter and TD Impressive Storm.
“Dale’s very well proven,” Dutchak said.
But he also gave credit to his horse.
“She comes from really good bloodlines,” he said.
With both Peptoboonsmal and Smart Lil Player in its lines, the mare is destined to be a strong cow horse, he said.
Belanger said he wasn’t sure how he would use Smartlilpeptosdesire but would have a plan soon.
“You’ve got to keep some secrets in your back pocket.”
He said he expected to pay as much as he did and found the experience thrilling. He was a first-time buyer at the event.
“I was well aware of the bloodlines,” he said. “I had my mind made up.”
Dutchak began raising ranch horses about 12 years ago and purchased three prospects at previous Agribitions. Two- and three-year-old prospects sold in the sale are eligible to return and compete in the competition between the ages of four and 15.
“This year has been really, really good for me,” he said. “Everything clicked today.”
The 12 ranch horses in the sale sold for a total of $99,000 and an average $8,250, while nine prospects topped $43,300 and an average $4,811.11.
Grant Royan chairs the event for Agribition. He noted that in addition to the highest selling horse ever, the event also featured the youngest competitor ever.
Logan Delinte of Wolseley, Sask., is just 11 years old.
“There is tremendous poise in this young fellow,” Royan said.
