cowboy essence wins at babbitt ranches colt sale · babbittranches.com cowboy essence creates that...
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Cowboy Essence creates that peace of mind that comes from knowing our heritage and that we are at our best.
He describes this as “the character and
the desire to become the best that we are
capable of becoming, no matter who we are
or what we do.”
Cowboy Essence qualities, borrowed
from the cowboy culture, include alertness,
intentness and patience exhibited every
day, but on July 14, Colt Sale attendees
recognized it in Shandiin.
Shandiin Farrell sat patiently on the
bleachers at Spider Web Camp carefully
observing the colts as they cautiously
kept close to their mothers. Seated next to
her was her dad. Shaded under cowboy
hats, the two quietly discussed physical
subtleties and legendary bloodlines.
Shandiin is no stranger to Babbitt
Ranches horses. Her family owns a few,
and she grew up riding and roping in Cow
Springs, about 33 miles east of Tuba City.
On this sunny Saturday morning, the New
Mexico State University Rodeo Team
athlete arrived with purpose. In six days,
she would celebrate her birthday, but today,
she would buy herself a present.
Long-time Hashknife Colt Sale
auctioneer Ron Berndt described
buckskins, palominos and sorrels as they
entered the ring. He called them “sensible,”
“sassy” and “fancy.” Shandiin remained
focused and carefully joined in the bidding.
Time after time, she held back as the price
neared $3,000.
Catching his eye, Berndt coached her
from the dusty arena, “Don’t let $100
prevent you from getting a good horse!”
Most of the colts were selling for around
$3,500, noted Ranch Manager Victor
Howell. The highest bid came from a
Minnesota rancher, a repeat Colt Sale
customer who bought Vic’s choice, a bay
for $5,200.
Competitive team roper Buck Skowronek
of Cave Creek was thrilled to successfully
outbid his competitors twice. “I look
for bloodlines, size, confirmation, and
athleticism," he said.
“We all like quality and confirmation,
a clean neck and body,” said Berndt
of the colts.
Babbitt cowboy Scott Westlake
personally endorsed a palomino. “I rode
a full brother to the mare. He was super
smart and athletic.”
More than 200 people attended the
event that occurs each year on the second
Saturday in July. Many come to see some
of the country’s most sought-after American
Quarter Horses, descendants of the legendary
Hashknife outfit that carried cowboys across
the rugged Southwest in the late 1800s/
early 1900s. They are known for their speed,
intelligence, endurance and skill in navigating
the rocky terrain.
Marques Taliman of Window Rock has
bought Babbitt Ranches horses in the past.
“They sooth my spirit,” he said.
Equestrian Elena Espinosa of Camp Verde
attended for the first time. “These colts are
just gorgeous.”
Coconino County Supervisor Jim Parks was
thrilled with his purchase of a black filly. “I used
to work for Babbitt Ranches as a waterman,”
he recalled.
Shandiin was particularly impressed with
a bay filly. “She’s a good combination of
athleticism and performance with breeding
from the Drift and Freckles bloodlines.”
Again, the NMSU junior joined in the
bidding. This time, Berndt pointed her way
and announced, “Sold!” The bleachers roared
with approval.
As much as the Colt Sale is about the Old
West, ranch tradition and American Quarter
Horses, Babbitt Ranches President and
General Manager Bill Cordasco reminded the
crowd that it’s also about Cowboy Essence.
Cowboy Essence Wins at Babbitt Ranches Colt Sale
Through our efforts of learning and understanding, Babbitt Ranches, a family business and pioneering land company, raises livestock, manages natural resources, promotes science and participates in the broader community in order to join, share and do the very best we know how.
July 2018
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General Manager Billy Cordasco and Ranch Manager Victor Howell describe the horses and their lineage at the 2018 Hashknife Colt Sale.
Team roper Buck Skowronek of Cave Creek visits his colts.
New Mexico State University Rodeo Team member Shandiin Farrell bonds with her filly. The colts will stay on the ranch with their mothers until next spring.
Thomas Rodgers, 11, says he enjoys helping the cowboys and plans to be ranch manager one day.
Cowboy Poet Tom Weathers shares his poem, "Cowboy Essence."
Auctioneer Ron Berndt has been part of the Colt Sale for two decades.