27/05/2024
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐇𝐂 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲
The Western Heritage Classic Ranch Horse Sale celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024 and has proudly maintained its defining characteristics during its lifespan. Staying the course has proven to be the sale’s most respected trait and credit is given to the group of men calling the shots. Ranchers and horsemen Phil Guitar, Bill Smith, Tom Moorhourse, Billy Green and John Anderson are all equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of the WHC Sale Horse.
“We’re all friends and we all agree on nearly everything. We seldom disagree with one another,” said Moorhouse.
First, the men agree that choosing the right consignors is the most important component to sale success.
“We want whoever is consigning horses to be in the ranching business,” Guitar says. “They have to have a legitimate ranching operation. It’s a ranch horse sale, and we intend to keep it that way.”
The hand-selected consignors are held to a high standard of honesty and are expected to bring horses they stand behind.
“When the consignors stand behind their horses, the integrity of the sale increases,” Guitar says.
Ultimately, the consignor-buyer relationship works in the consignors’ favor. Buyers feel a sense of security when they come to buy a horse from the sale, because of the reputation the sale has garnered
“It’s a great place for these guys to bring horses because at a horse sale like this, they are going to get top price for their horse because the buyers are willing to pay for peace of mind,” Anderson says.
The men understand, too, that good consignors and horses will only get a sale so far; progressive sale personnel is also imperative.
“Another thing you’ve got to give credit to is great secretaries,” according to Moorhouse. “JoAnna Robertson and now Holly Cogdell, they help a lot. WIthout a doubt, they are a part of the sale’s continued success. People enjoy working with them and they have helped keep us current.”
The board, consignors and buyers all have admiration and appreciation for a good auctioneer, and when the sale began, that respect was given to Ben Emison. These days it’s “The Colonel” Steve Friskup who is wielding the mic and gavel.
“Steve brought a whole new dimension to the sale,” Anderson says. “There are a lot of people who like to hear him talk. He says some pretty interesting things and he can sure sell a horse. You look at the top sales in the nation, he’s there. He’s a real plus for our sale.”
The city of Abilene also deserves a tip of the American hat. All the guys agree Abilene has consistently stepped up with the improvement of facilities and credit Guitar for spearheading many of those efforts.
The combined efforts of all involved are keeping the Western Heritage Classic Ranch Horse Sale consistent and each year it pays off with sale averages steadily improving.
“It’s gotten better every year,” Anderson says. “We’ve got a good thing going.”
If you see Phil, Bill, Tom, Billy or John this 30-year anniversary is a great time to flag ‘em down, shake their hand and say thanks for keeping this good thing going.
