This past weekend, the Billings Livestock Commission set new records as 573 head of horses were offered over three days. The top horse sold for $67,000, while 97 horses sold for at least $10,000 and 33 brought in over $20,000.
The horse sale takes place on the fourth weekend of every month. The February sale is the kick-off sale for the year and traditionally features strong performance horses. Called the “Sons and Daughters” sale, it is headlined by at least 150 horses who come from stallions and/or mares with good breeding and accomplishments.
Billings Livestock Commission has a rich history. Founded in 1934 as a horse and mule auction, it was originally located on 1st Avenue North. In the late 1970s, it moved to its current location on the Frontage Road near Johnson Lane. Jann Parker and her husband took over the management of the auction in 1998. After being shut down for three months due to COVID, the Parkers found new ways to allow those interested to participate in the auction. Sales are now available to access on the internet. Prospective buyers can view the horses on the website, and live bidding is also available with pre-registration. During the sale last weekend, over 750 people accessed it online. “I always encourage buyers to do their homework,” explained Parker. “Look at pictures and videos; and you can even have the horses vetted if the consigner agrees to it.” The Friday before the sale is a preview day, and horses can also be examined in person.
When asked about the high prices, Parker clarified, “The demand for quality horses hasn’t really changed at all, but the supply has gone down. There are fewer really good horses out there, so the prices go up. And we also have a good selection of really quality horses, and we have buyers who know good quality.” Drawing horses from across the country, the auction has already been contacted by owners who are preparing for next year’s sale. Sellers pay a catalog fee in addition to a percentage of the earnings.
The next sale begins on March 27, and is being called the “Spring Special Catalog Sale.” For further information or to see the horses that are being offered, go to www.billingslivestock.com.
