Our week in Ocala for the Premier Horse Sales Ride the Wave sale was nothing short of exhilarating. Arriving early and setting up at the magnificent World Equestrian Center, we were thrilled to showcase Bear, Falcon, and Rolex. The blend of vibrant surroundings and familiar faces made for a week filled with anticipation and camaraderie.
Setting Up and Getting Acquainted
We arrived in Ocala with plenty of time to get acclimated to the impressive World Equestrian Center. The facilities were top-notch, featuring spacious stalls and well-maintained arenas. After settling in and setting up our stalls, we took the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues from the equestrian community. Their support and shared enthusiasm added to the excitement as we prepared for the sale.
We took the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues from the equestrian community. Their support and shared enthusiasm added to the excitement as we prepared for the sale.
The Sifting Process and Sale Preview
The day began with the crucial “Sifting Process,” an essential part of the sale that ensures each horse’s soundness and quality are thoroughly evaluated. This process started with trotting each horse in a small round pen in front of a soundness vet. This evaluation was critical, as the vet assessed each horse’s movement for any signs of lameness or discomfort.
Following this, the horses were led to the end gate, where we demonstrated their disposition while saddled. This segment was important for showcasing how well the horses handled being tacked up and their overall demeanor under pressure.
The final step in the sifting process involved mounting the horses and loping them off to demonstrate their soundness and agility at a faster pace. This comprehensive evaluation highlighted each horse’s quality and reliability, setting the stage for the next phase of the sale.
Later that same day, the sale preview offered us the chance to display each horse’s talents in the trail course and the large arena. We demonstrated their versatility and skills in various settings, which was crucial for potential buyers to see the horses in action.
The day also featured the “Try Before You Buy” session, where interested buyers could interact with the horses and observe them up close. This hands-on experience allowed buyers to get a true feel for each horse’s personality and suitability for their needs.
Sale Day Highlights
Saturday morning arrived with high energy as sale day commenced. Falcon was up first, selling as Lot Number 3. We were thrilled when Falcon sold for $80,000 to a loving home in Wisconsin. His new owners were excited to continue his work as an all-around horse and family pet, ensuring he would be cherished and well-cared for.
Next in line was Rolex, listed as Lot 33. Rolex had always been a standout, and his performance at the sale reflected his exceptional qualities. We were ecstatic to learn that Rolex sold for a remarkable $180,000 to a repeat buyer in Kentucky. To top it off, Rolex was announced as the High Seller of the sale—a great honor that even awarded his new owner a brand new saddle! It was gratifying to know that Rolex would continue his career in ranch riding classes alongside his brother and past Diamond K Graduate.
Bear, our final horse, was Lot 56. We were pleased to see Bear find a new home in Canada, where he sold for $50,000. His new owners were eager to continue his work in Reining and Ranch Riding disciplines, providing him with a supportive environment where he could continue to thrive.
Reflections and Looking
AheadAs the sale concluded, we reflected on a week full of hard work and rewarding outcomes. We were deeply grateful for the time spent in Ocala and for the event staff’s dedication to putting on another incredible sale. Their efforts played a huge role in making the event a success.Looking ahead, we’ll take a break from sales until August to focus on the new horses coming in, private sales, and Marybeth’s journey to the Run for a Million Rookie Championship. It’s an exciting time, and we’re eager to dive into these new opportunities and continue our equestrian journey with renewed enthusiasm.