Despite a tumultuous economy, the first Stallion Service Auctions of the new year started on a high note, as American Saddlebred enthusiasts from across the country came together in Wisconsin and Kentucky in support of the breed.

Leading the auctions with $273,000 was the Fifth Annual All American Cup Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, January 24, at Claudia Sanders Dinner House in Shelby County, KY. The auction topper, at $34,000, was Callaway's Blue Norther, setting a record for American Saddlebreds. Overall, 180 stallion owners generously donated their studs’ services to the auction. The $273,000 collected will be divided in two purses, with 50% offered in 2010 when the resulting foals are weanlings and the remainder as three-year-olds in 2013.

Likewise, the Bluegrass Futurity Stallion Service Auction was also conducted for the industry on Sunday, January 25, in the Phoenix Room at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, KY. The auction offered 95 stallions with 54 selling for a total of $78,350. The sale topper at this year’s auction was Undulata’s Nutcracker selling to Margo Baird of MBA Equestrian for $8,500. In addition, John and Tammie Conaster purchased the breeding to Callaway’s Cranston for $1,900 with all proceeds of this stud fee going to Saddlebred Rescue. The unsold stud fees will be available for purchase through March 1, 2009, and can be viewed by visiting www.bluegrassfuturity.com.

Also among the well-attended Saddlebred auctions of the new year was the 24th Annual Wisconsin Futurity American Saddlebred Limited Breeder’s Stallion Service Auction, which took place on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Of the 94 stallions, Sir William Robert came out on top with a bid of $5,400. Excellent stallions are still available for purchase. If interested, contact Paulette Healey at (262) 242-2559.

Moving forward, the Carolina’s Futurity Stallion Auction was just held this past weekend, January 30-31, at the Embassy Suites in Concord, NC, during the American Saddlebred Association of the Carolinas (ASAC) Convention, January 30-February 1, 2009. For the full list of stallions, visit www.carolinasfuturity.com/events.htm. For additional information and questions, please contact Sheila Wingler at (336) 469-5415.

Additional upcoming Stallion Service Auctions include the American Saddle Horse Breeders Futurity of West Virginia Annual Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at the Mountaineer Conference Center in Beckley, WV; and, the Ohio Limited Breeders’ Stake Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the Clark County Fairgrounds’ Champions Center in Springfield, OH.