Blog Archives
calm horseman
I don’t know – I just like the way this gentleman seemed so calm and yet in command when he was on that horse. And I love that he had a pen in his shirt pocket. And don’t even get me started on how his dusty black hat is obviously a work hat.
The horse, by the way, sold for $28,000.
Levelland, Texas
photographed 11.23.2024
horse/tail
Y’all! Y’ALL!!
Can you believe that just before a blond-tailed horse came into the auction ring, a woman with very long, very straight blonde hair sat down right in front of me?
Oh, those photography gods were having a good time!
Levelland, Texas
photographed 11.23.2024
bidders at the horse sale
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
spotter with pearl snap buttons and a bidder
Oh, man – I sure do like watching the auction spotters as they coax ever-higher bids from people who want to buy a horse. They have great facial expressions and mysterious hand signs and they never, ever look discouraged.
Clovis Horse Sale
Levelland, Texas
photographed 5.18.2024
One Day | One Image 