Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale surpasses expectations

This year, Arubial Wagyu & Lillyvale Feedlot - Arubial Pty Ltd not only donated over 600 head of cattle for the pre-work and sale events, they enhanced the experience by sponsoring as the event live-stream partner as well. The event's online auction was managed by AuctionsPlus, attracting a wide audience and generating keen interest from a diverse range of participants.

Highlighting the auction was the highest-priced mare (lot 169), BIG HOUSE LOLLIPOP, sired by Fern Hills Bennett, topping the sale at $96,000. Rider and exhibitor of the four-year-old mare Riley Ellrott, aged fourteen, bade a heartfelt farewell to this incredible horse. Purchased through High Country Rural at Esk, Queensland.

Penwood Creations: Top-priced mare, lot 169 - Big House Lollipop, alongside owners and exhibitors, The Ellrott Family.

The auction was abuzz with the sale of the highest-priced gelding, THREEPR BRIGADIER (lot 304), progeny of Hazelwood Conman, sold under the hammer for $62,000. Sean Dillon of Surbiton Station, Alpha, Queensland purchased the seven-year-old gelding from vendor PG & JE Turich/Westlake Trust.

Penwood Creations: Top-priced gelding, Lot 304 - THREEPR BRIGADIER with exhibitor Jess Turich and family.

In addition to these outstanding results, a special nod goes to lot 97 - HAZACTION SWEET ACRES who came through the sale ring Saturday night and sold for $94,000 to Depco Pastoral. The vendor of the twelve-year-old mare was Beansville Enterprises from Katherine, Northern Territory.

Penwood Creations: Lot 97 - HAZACTION SWEET ACRES with exhibitor Wayne Bean & Kate Southern on behalf of purchaser Depco Pastoral.

Top priced stallion (lot 205), WARREGOLD PRINCE OF TRADITION sold for $24,000, offspring of Pechey Stud Tradition. Vendor of the four-year-old stallion was SJ & UM Keating and purchased by Beauview Stock Horses based in Clifton, Queensland.

Penwood Creations: Top-priced stallion, Lot 205 - WARREGOLD PRINCE OF TRADITION with exhibitor.

David Felsch, principal of Ray White Rural Dalby, shared his insights on the recent horse sale, highlighting its success despite the current economic climate.

"I think it was a fantastic result. In the trying times we've had for the last six months, we did get some rain leading up to the sale, which I believe definitely helped," Mr Felsch said.

"The average sale price was $20,653, a slight decrease from last year's $23,800, but that's expected given the fluctuations in interest rates and the cattle market. However, the sale remained strong which was evident in the results.

"Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the sale, a fantastic feat. The event has only grown stronger in recent years, and we're very proud of our achievements. This wouldn’t be possible without Jim and Bec from the Darling Downs Stock Horse Society, along with our team, they have invested their heart and soul into this event.

"We're anticipating a massive show next year, including the $50,000 Incentive draft in honour of the 50 years. I believe it will be a huge success, and hopefully, we'll have clearer skies during the sale week."

Stephen Nell, managing director of Ray White Rural, expressed his admiration for the collective effort of the Ray White Rural team during the recent successful sale event.

"The event highlights the wonderful aspect of our organisation – our members from across Australia coming together to assist in this sale. The presence of so many people here, actively participating, is a testament to the Ray White culture where everyone steps up to help when needed. This was clearly evident," Mr Nell said.

Addressing the challenges posed by the dry conditions, Mr Nell said there's been much talk about the drought and the potential difficulties it could bring to the event.

"However, it is a testament to the skill of our agents, and the enthusiasm of our people is truly humbling. Our agents are genuinely committed to achieving the best possible results, with their primary focus being to secure the highest price they can for their clients," he said.

This year's sale outcome reflects the dedication and expertise within Ray White Rural, showcasing the strength of the team in overcoming challenges and achieving remarkable results.

Jim Ryan, President of the Darling Downs Australian Stock Horse Society, celebrated the event’s triumph, commending the intense competition among riders in the campdraft and challenge.

On the auctioneer podium stood Joe Grove (Ray White Rural Blackall), Baden Chaffey (Ray White Livestock Tamworth), Tim O’Dwyer (Ray White Rural Dalby), Sam Greenup (Ray White Rural Dalby), Max Nell (Ray White Rural), Paton Fitzsimons (Ray White Rural), Liam Kirkwood (Ray White Rural Geaney I Kirkwood).

Penwood Creations: Ray White Rural auctioneers (L-R) Paton Fitzsimons, Sam Greenup, Tim O’Dwyer, Liam Kirkwood, Joe Grove, Baden Chaffey and Max Nell.

Sale Date: Saturday, December 2 to Sunday, December 3.

Key statistics:

• 315 horses catalogued
• 266 horses offered
• 235 horses sold
• Sale average $20,653
• Sale gross $4,853,500
• Clearance rate 88 per cent
• Eight stallions offered, four sold - averaging $19,750
• 127 mares offered, 111 sold - averaging $24,256
• 131 geldings offered, 120 sold - averaging $17,350

AuctionsPlus online statistics:

• $16,875 online average
• 478 online bids
• 36 lots sold online
• 102 active bidders
• 138 lots with online bids

*Statistics as at time of writing