Horses and owners from all over U.S. traveled to Big Sky for first horse sale
By Jack Reaney and Jen Clancey EBS STAFF
Editor’s note: Outlaw Partners is the producer of Big Sky’s Biggest Week, and the publisher of Explore Big Sky. Last names and hometowns of buyers were excluded from the story by request of Premier Horse Sales.
Horse enthusiasts and Big Sky locals met 45 specially selected steeds in Big Sky Town Center last week ahead of a July 12 auction. Premier Horse Sales, a horse auction company, brought horses from all over the country to southwest Montana for its first sale in the Big Sky region as part of Big Sky’s Biggest Week programming.
Colby and Codi Gines, owners of Premier Horse Sales, are from Powell, Wyoming and appreciated holding a sale so close to home—usually they travel to Florida, Texas and California to put on the event. They were also glad to not have to turn any horses away in their competitive selection process this year, which requires a nomination and live sifting process for well-trained horses and owners.
“All the horses that are in the sale tomorrow have earned the right to be there,” Colby said in an interview with EBS ahead of the auction. Tests include catching the loose horse and saddling and bridling, all fundamentals that show that a horse can be ridden and trusted to fulfill their auction price.
Visitors in Town Center may have noticed signs of the upcoming horse sale, as horses from Ohio trotted along Aspen Leaf Drive with Buckeye flags. Horses also toured the Big Sky Farmers Market, where shoppers could pet and take photos with horses and ponies.
Sale previews outside of the Big Sky Events Arena also welcomed visitors, whether they were potential buyers or curious passersby to meet, ride and pet horses. Colby noted that the previews were a heartwarming opportunity to expose folks to the large animals.
“I’ve met a couple of families that just brought their kids down to look at the horses,” Colby said. “For some of these people that live in Big Sky, this is a really neat thing for them to come see because they don’t get to see this stuff every day apparently, and you watch the kids get to pet these horses and the expressions on their faces.”
The preview events all led up to a sunny auction day which began at noon, streaming online to a national horse-buying audience. While Colby and Codi noted that horse prices have ranged from $10,000 to $280,000 in the past, they said they couldn’t predict which horses would be the most popular and which would cause a high bidding battle.
“I could guess, but it won’t even be close to right. It always is different than what I think,” Colby said. “Even after doing auctions for all these years.”
Early on in the auction, lot four sold for $62,000. The buyer, Cyndy of South Carolina, was emotional after securing the high bid—but still focused, with two more horses on her mind.
“We really wanted to come on a vacation, and we found out about this great event,” Cyndy told EBS. It was her first time in Montana, and her first time attending a Premier Horse Sale.
“Selection of horses here are beyond—they’re fabulous. Couldn’t be more happy, satisfied, it’s a great little event,” Cyndy said. She owns a small ranch, and looked to build her herd. She was “thrilled” and “overwhelmed” to get one of her preferred horses while staying in her price range. Chex the horse has a golden brown coat and white mane and is characterized as calm and gentle even with loud noises.
“From the get-go, I had a connection… He’s real sound, he’s a nice size, healthy and young, not a lot of vices, and just fit the bill,” Cyndy said.
A dozen lots later, a couple who found out about the sale by chance made their own high bid.
Scouting horses for a ranch, Tory and Halie of Utah stopped in Big Sky for a few days—their first-ever visit—to celebrate their 24th anniversary. By chance, they saw an advertisement for the sale and decided to show up.
“We’ve been to a lot of horse sales, but this is our first Premier Horse Sale,” Tory said. “We’re always in the market for a good horse.”
About an hour in, they snagged Lot 19 for $75,000, and plan to use it for ranch work. They said they’re looking for temperament, athleticism and ability to get the job done. Silver Gunn, also known as T Bone to his original owner, is from Ohio and is known for his friendly, loving and flexible nature. According to the owner’s description, T Bone is great for riding, reining, and ranch needs.
“Hopefully, he’s the whole package. We’ll see when we get him to the ranch,” Tory said.
He joked that it’s his first time buying a horse in flip flops, as a multi-day trip to Big Sky turned into a surprising investment opportunity.
“I see it as a gift to himself,” Halie said. “He deserved a good horse today.”
“Everybody always steals my good horses,” Tory joked, before returning his focus to the horses on display.
Throughout the event, sellers tested their horses as the bids trickled in, showcasing agility and speed, grace, and trying every trick to spook them—whipping, bouncing exercise balls off their legs, firing pistol blanks—as the crowd reacted live.
Announcers would promote the products during the live showcase, with encouragements like, “You can’t ask for any better,” and “If you’ve got the means, why don’t you go ahead and buy this horse,” and “Don’t miss on this one.”
For the Gines, the horse sale was not only an opportunity to celebrate high quality horses and owners, but also a way to meet and serve a new community.
“It’s so beautiful up here and man, people gotta be lucky to be able to live up here and live life ’cause it’s gorgeous up here. We’re just glad to be part of it,” Colby said.
As new owners made plans to transport their horses to their new homes, the Big Sky community geared up for a week full of events leading up to the first night of Big Sky PBR on Thursday, July 17 in the same arena.
