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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
$69,000
Photography has led me to do some really random things. Like go to horse auctions, if you want an example.
This was the second one I’ve attended and I’m entertained enough that I’ll probably go to some more of them. The photography’s fun, but honestly the best part is listening to the auctioneers’ patter. That’s how I’ve heard things like, “He’s had all the outside stuff done on him.” and “Castration is not out of the question.” (This was not referring to the same horse, obviously.) And I heard, “…if you don’t know where your butt is compared to your feet…” which sort of reminds me of my own personal gracefulness.
Anyway, this horse sold for $69,000, in case you were wondering what the going rate is for nine year old geldings.
Clovis Horse Sale
Levelland, Texas
photographed 5.18.2024
a job to do
This horse and rider had a job to do – to show the horse to its best advantage in front of a bunch of bidders – and they both seemed to be real clear on what they were doing.
Random (to me) auctioneer comment: Not enough horse for him to go Denver.*
Mallet Event Center
Levelland, Texas
photographed 2.10.2024
*He may not have been referring to this horse. The combination of photos/notes/memory aren’t real clear.
One Day | One Image 