Students of Colorado State University's (CSU) Equine Sciences program will host the 5th annual Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale on Saturday, April 24 at the B.W. Pickett Equine Center located at 701 S. Overland Trail in Fort Collins, Colo. A preview session begins at 9 a.m. with the sale beginning at 1 p.m. The Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale will feature 68 horses from 23 respected ranch consigners, including four horses from Purina's Longview Equine Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Mo.
"This is the only equine event of its kind where students train the horses and facilitate a sale," said Gary Carpenter, industry outreach and liaison director of Colorado State University's Equine Sciences Program. "The process provides students an invaluable learning experience that can be applied to both life and career."
Over 25-percent of the nearly 400 CSU Equine Sciences students actively organize and produce the sale every year. Reflecting the land-grant mission of Colorado State University, the sale is a collaboration of three university classes focused on experiential industry-based learning. Responsibilities range from training consigned colts to event and sales management.
Ranches from around the country have provided students with 37 two and three year-olds to train and fit into for this year's sale. Finished performance and ranch horses from respective consigners' ranches will also be featured in the class. Consigners include: Abraham Equine; Bartlett Ranches; Pete Becker Ranch Inc.; Bogle Ltd. Co.; Bucholz Family; Burnett Ranches (6666); Cowan Select Horses; Crofoot Ranches; Hanging H Ranch; Haythorn Ranch Co.; KeSa Quarter Horses; Mantz Creek Horses; Purina; S Ranch Ltd.; Saunders Ranch; Singleton Ranches; T-Cross Ranches; Valley Oak Ranch; Wagonhound Land & Livestock; Ware Ranch; Mike Wilson and Wood Ranch.
"These consigners understand the importance of investing in the future of equine leaders," said Carpenter. "It's an honor to have their support in making this sale and program possible."
In addition to providing four horses for the sale, Purina also will sponsor the consignor's dinner and a live internet feed of the auction provided by Superior Livestock. Potential buyers will have the option to turn bids over by phone or online by first registering at www.superiorclicktobid.com. Bidders who are successful in making purchases will be contacted by Superior Livestock after the sale to settle payment and make shipping arrangements.
"We recognize that CSU has one of the premier equine undergraduate teaching programs in the country and it's an honor to be involved with them by helping to educate young folks about the horse," said Dr. Randel Raub, director of horse business development and technical service at Land O Lakes Purina Feed. "This event reflects our heritage, and it provides a wonderful experience to so many students who are the future of our industry."
Last year's high-selling horse, a 2006 gelding from Cowan Select Horses, sold for $19,500. The overall average for the 2009 Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale was $4,308.
To view the catalog, schedule of events or for more information, contact CSU Equine Sciences at (970) 491-8373 or log on to www.csuequine.com
