Crosby Ray Von sold at Old West Rope Horse Futurity Sale in Utah for $US1.7 million. (Supplied: Old West Futurities)
In short:
A three-year-old western pleasure horse has sold for $2.65 million at an auction in the United States.
The mare is yet to compete but has renowned blood lines including stallion Stevie Rey Von.
What’s next?
Australian trainers say the sale is good news for breeders who are importing the same bloodlines.
It might have happened on the other side of the world, but the recent sale of a western performance horse could change the lives of Australian breeders.
Three-year-old filly, Crosby Ray Von, sold for $US1.7 million ($2.65 million) at the Old West Rope Horse Futurity Sale in Utah at the weekend.
It is serious money, and a world record for a performance horse “prospect” — one that is not yet tested in competition disciplines such as roping and cutting.
“To now be part of a moment like this … it’s beyond my wildest dreams,” said US breeder Melanie Smith.
“This filly set the precedent today for what a truly great prospect is worth.”
The mare will go on to compete in roping. (Supplied: Melanie Smith)
Australian link
Crosby Ray Von is the product of renowned stallion Stevie Rey Von, whose genetics have been imported to Australia.
Lynda MacCallum, a professional cutting horse trainer at Walcha in northern NSW, said it was potentially “life-changing” news for the local industry.
She said with many Australian-bred performance horses already selling for six figures, the sale would only make those with Stevie Rey Von’s bloodline more valuable.
“We have access to these genetics … we really do have the potential to breed elite horses here and infiltrate the western sports and our camp-drafting market,” Ms MacCallum said.
“I do believe we will see a great increase in what our horses are bringing here in Australia.
“America are always a little further ahead than what we are, however often we do follow in their footsteps.”
Lynda MacCallum says the growth ahead for the performance horse industry in Australia is exciting. (Supplied: Lynda MacCallum)
Ms MacCallum said it could be a turning point for young breeders and trainers just starting out.
“When horses can make six figures and beyond for us here in Australia, that does become life-changing money,” she said.
“I know a lot of young people and couples who have sold horses for good money and put that money together and bought investment properties … that’s how they’re getting ahead in life.
“It becomes more of a business or a profession, rather than a hobby.”
