Have you been trying to imagine what my most unusual hobby is? Did you think that it might be attending horse sales?

I know: it surprises me as well. This is the third one I’ve been to and I enjoy them a lot. Not only is there the opportunity to photograph people, but it’s a whole cultural experience. I don’t know one thing about what’s going on, the lingo is incomprehensible, the prices (sometimes) seem outrageous, and so on.

One of the best parts of going is listening to auctioneers’ patter. Here’s some things I heard at this sale:

• This booger is straight in the mouth and square on all four corners.
• He don’t flop his tail.
• He’s got tons of hoof and bone.
• He’s never bred a mare: he’s in riding condition.
• If you took him home and cut him, his butt would get bigger in a week and a half.

To be clear, these things were said in relation to horses. I don’t know if that makes it better or not, but I felt like I ought to clarify.

Levelland, Texas
photographed 11.23.2024