Farm auction recalls the past

Anita Rand of Ukiah, California, is the proud new owner of "Prince," a Percheron. Photo by Kathryn Godsiff

The annual Small Farmer's Journal auction and swap meet left both vendors and buyers happy for another year.

Held at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds last weekend, the event was a time of reunion for some and new adventure for others.

The rodeo grounds became like a scene from an old-time horse market. Long rows of horse-drawn equipment were laid out for careful inspection by purchasers before they passed through the auction tent. In the main arena, sellers put horses through their paces in preparation for Sunday's horse sale. Swap meet participants displayed tables groaning with an array of collectibles and gear.

And great crowds of people roamed through it all, some just looking and some on a mission to bring home an anticipated item.

Lynn and Kristi Miller, publishers of the Small Farmer's Journal, were delighted with the quality of items consigned.

"There were more items this year, with lots of really nice stuff that sold well," said Kristi.

"The attendance has been great," she added. This was despite periodic assaults of rain, hail and wind.

The Small Farmer's Journal is a quarterly magazine published in Sisters, with an international subscriber base. It addresses issues and philosophy meaningful to those who farm with horses or mules and those who want to.

The techniques and equipment of the past is still viable in the present. Miller farms his own property with horses and is a recognized authority on the subject.

New to the auction this year was the inclusion of 30 horses from the Lazy Z Ranch of Sisters. These horses are normally sold either by private treaty or a separate auction. The number of horses consigned -- 80 altogether -- was way up from previous years.

Kathy Noble from Eugene went away with a fine looking Suffolk mare. The 13-year-old mare, Ellie, is Noble's first draft horse, but fits her needs perfectly. The Suffolk is a relatively rare draft breed, bred exclusively for work. Smaller than other draft breeds, they are strong and docile. Noble's plans for the mare include breeding from her.

"I wanted a Suffolk; I plan to work her as well as breed from her and didn't want to have to throw harness over a huge horse," she said.

One of the top sellers of the day was a 10-year-old gelding named Prince. A fine looking, jet black Percheron from Port Townsend, Washington, Prince will be going to northern California to continue work as a carriage horse, but on a 3,200-hundred-acre hunting ranch.

Bred in New York, Prince was consigned by James Arsulich, who runs a carriage business in Port Townsend.

"Prince was the lead in a six-horse hitch, and has also pulled wedding carriages and tour wagons around town," he said.

Prince's new owner, Anita Rand, knew the moment she saw the horse that she would take him home.

"I told folks not to bother bidding because he was going to be mine," she said.

Folks come from near and far to attend the auction. Lowell Morgan loaded up a van with his wife and five of his nine children and made the trek from central Tennessee. This was their second time and son Ethan, 13, said the best thing was just enjoying the trip, visiting family and seeing new friends.

The Morgans, who farm with mules, bought a buggy this time.