Students from one of two Equine Behavior and Training labs, above, and from the Horse and Livestock Merchandising class plan and conduct the Razorback Roundup.
(Photo: Submitted)
FAYETTEVILLE,
Ark. – Pistol, Strider and Buddy are looking for new homes. They and 16
other horses will be auctioned at the 11th annual Razorback Roundup
Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Pauline E. Whitaker Animal Science Arena on North
Garland Avenue.
Nancy
Jack, director of the University of Arkansas Dorothy E. King Equine
Program, said 19 horses donated by program supporters will be offered in
the auction at 4:30 p.m. Horses can be closely inspected with staff and
students available to answer any questions from 1 to 2 p.m.
A
choreographed presentation from 2:30 to 4 p.m. will allow prospective
buyers to see each horse perform under saddle. All profit from the sale goes
directly to support of the students and care of the horses. The D.E. King
Equine Program is part of the department of animal science in Dale Bumpers
College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.
"This
is the highest quality group of horses and the most variety of breeds and
disciplines we have ever offered, including mustangs who have performed at
Silver Dollar City, a money-earning cutting horse, and a dressage horse ready
for 2011 USDF Second Level tests," Jack said.
The
equine program is primarily self-funded, and this annual auction is the major
event that provides its operating funds, Jack said. "Over 70 people
(students, staff and volunteers) are working overtime with fierce focus to make
this another success," she added. Students in the Horse and Livestock Merchandising class plan and run the
auction, while students in Equine
Behavior and Training work all semester training the horses.
"Our
primary goal is to place each individual horse with the right owner. Sale price
is of secondary importance," Jack said. Potential buyers have the
opportunity to study a detailed notebook prepared on each horse, Jack will be
available to discuss a buyer's interests and help identify the horse that would
be the best "fit."
Purchase
prices at previous auctions have ranged from $1,284 to $2,600 for yearlings and
$1,803 to $3,165 for riding horses. Refreshments will be for sale at the
arena concession stand.
An online
catalog with a photo of each horse, short videos of several of the horses being
ridden and other auction details can be found at razorbackroundup.org.