Thistledown Farm

AUCTION

 Thursday morning....I got up, had a quick shower, gave Life her breakfast and scrambled a couple of eggs to go on my toast. Made coffee, mmmm, a nice aroma filled the kitchen. What's on the agenda for today ? Ah! Almost forgot. Today I was going into Hidden Springs to the horse sale or auction. Just time to loose Smokie and Lady into the field. Glad they had each other for company. 'Hey Life, come here'.....I loaded Life into the truck I had rented, I didn't want to take my car as I might come back with some bits and pieces needing more space than I had in my car. Glanced at my road map. Hmm, should take me about an hour to get there. First I drove to Twinbrook, then another half hour should see me In Hidden Springs. Like as hell did not!

My Car

 By the time I arrived at my destination, it had taken me all of one hour and a half after getting hung up in traffic. With not much time to get organized, I registered for my number I would use for bidding in the auction and grabbed me a catalogue. In the catalogue was some photos of some of the horses and ponies for sale.
 Horse auctions are a great way to get a quality horse you so desire for less than you may expect to pay. At a reputable horse auction, the horses have been properly checked out, and you can rest assured that you are purchasing a quality animal. Of course you must be prepared to pay for the horse as while there are many deals to be found at an auction, prices are still high. Let's see....I liked the pinto mare....also a black gelding. I'll put a mark on those. There was a striking looking gray mare too, but I probably would be out-bid for her. Still, I circled that one too. I made some scrawl marks. Lots had just descriptions with accompanying numbers.

A Satisfied Customer

 There was a brown appaloosa, a few mares in foal, a youngster described as 'cow horse prospect', another said 'your next barrel horse'. Well I was after horses for trekking, beach riding, jumping and clients wanting lessons, so I think I should look at horses that have been part of a commercial horse riding enterprise. These would no doubt be used to having riders of different experiences on their backs as well as being friendly and being used to strangers riding them.
 The loud speaker announced the start of the sales. Everyone shuffled forward to get a better view of the corral where the horses would be shown in. So did I. Everything was happening at a great pace. I had my card with a number on it to rise in the air to indicate a bid.
 Wait....who was that I just saw ? It was Goldie, and who was that cute chick with her ?
 They were about ten metres away. I shouted but they didn't seem to see me. I waved my catalogue etcetera in the air to attract their attention. Surely they would see me now!
 "Hang on there, let me see your number", exclaimed a guy with a clipboard.
 I think he wrote my number down against something or other but I was trying to get to where Goldie and her gorgeous friend were...."s'cuse me, s'cuse me", I muttered, pushing my way through the crowd.
 "Oh hello mister McCormack. I see you bought a horse then".
 "Did I ? When ?"
 "Just....that little dark liver chestnut horse with the flaxen mane and tail".
 "Um, yeah". A puzzled look came over my face.
 "Sorry have to go, lots to do, must get on. See you next week....for your lesson."
 I smiled at her friend, "Catch yer another time then. Call round my place anytime, here, let me give you my number". Hastily writing my cell phone number down, I pushed it into her hand and holding on to her hand added, "Sorry I didn't catch your name, my names Kyle".
 "Kate Winsley, nice to have met you....bye".
 Did you see that ! She smiled back at me. Hey, think she was kinda smitten with me. Well I can't help looking so....handsome.
 I paid $650 for the horse I had....bought what a bargain , and arranged for it to be transported to my home. I got back to Thistledown Farm in time for an early tea as I had missed out on lunch. Life went about chasing imaginary rabbits outside.





Smokie meeting my latest acquisition

 My latest horse arrived. Bill and Hillary walked up my drive  to take a look at him, we chatted about my next move, like setting up a web page to advertise my business and making a few posters to put in the shop windows. I invited them to stay for supper.
 After working a little on the laptop....I fell into bed....dog tired ! And....I felt Life snuggling up to me. Wish it had been Kate, I smiled in my sleep.