I was planning to go to the Signature Sale this weekend in order to report about it for those not able to attend.  I have never been to an auction and was looking forward to a new experience.   However, my broodmare had other plans and  decided that she did not want to have her baby on time (see “My Shout It Out for Tonight: Just Have It Already” for THAT story) so I am going to be home on ”foal watch” duty.

I would really love for some of you that are able to go (and don’t have an OBSTINANT mare at home) to take a few photos and/or give us, the less fortunate, an overview of what you experienced.   I am sure it will be quite an event and I am disappointed I can’t make it.  

Any contribution you can make would be great!

(editor’s note: For comments from Jim and Jenny Taylor and the Sale Stats see “Signature Sale – Message From Jim and Jenny Taylor” – 4/8/08)

Judge 2 answers this question. There is also other discussion on this subject in the original post, “Ask A Judge” Questions.

Question:

One thing I have always wondered is how important those expensive silver western saddle and bridles are in shows. Are they good for getting your horse noticed in a large class or are they used as tiebreakers for when 2 horses are equally matched?

Answer “Judge 2”:

In a western class the “turn out” of the horse can make a marked difference in the end result. If I have two horses that have comparable performances, but one is obviously more eye catching overall –the clothes the rider is wearing, the tack… then that horse will place higher. However, if you have a horse that is just ill mannered, and not doing its’ job in the class, the showy saddle is not going to help it!

Twenty years ago, I became a cowboy. I always wanted to be a cowboy ever since I was a little girl living in Wyoming. Twenty years ago, at age 39 I became a cowboy. Being a cowboy has nothing to do with twenty years present I now own a tame steer named “Puddles.”

Puddles stands five foot six inches at his back. I cannot see over his back when I am standing next to him. Puddles weighs in at approximately one ton. One ton equals two thousand pounds. I weigh approximately one hundred and forty pounds. Puddles out weighs me by a few pounds.

When Puddles does something naughty you say in a firm voice.

“No! No! Puddles!” and shake a stick at him.

Read the rest of this entry