Southern Saddlebred Sales – New Auction Scheduled for April 27-28

After 120 years in business, Tattersalls in Lexington, KY is closing its doors. Since 1986, Teater Saddlebred Enterprises, Inc has handled the Saddlebred auction, but Ed and Suzie Teater have announced their retirement. This creates a void in the ASB industry for a public auction.

James and Jackie Hale, who own and operate a successful Saddlebred training stable in Alabama and specialize in consignment sales, have plans for a new auction April 27-28 in Murfreesboro, TN. Southern Saddlebred Sales will offer a two-day Spring Sale at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

“We just felt like someone had to address the issue and do something,” said James. “Being in the horse sales business, we understand first-hand the need for a means by which to disperse horses that must be sold. Whether we like having to put a horse through a public auction or not, we’ve simply got to have one.” The facility is centrally located and offers a state-of-the art, climate controlled coliseum, attached indoor warm-up area and 500 stalls.

The Hales plan to build on the success and rich traditions of TSE Tattersalls. In their 25 years of conducting sales, hundreds of World’s Champions have passed down the sales aisle. “The Teaters have our utmost respect and we hope to continue to provide a professional auction, offering top quality show horses and prospects,” said James. The Hales have already secured the services of industry-leading announcers, auctioneers and many of the same familiar faces from Tattersalls.

“We plan to take advantage of technology and the Internet even more,” added Jackie, who maintains their own James Hale Stables website as well as the UPHA and Classics Incentive Sale websites. Each entry will have a full page on the website, www.southernsaddlebredsales.com, coming soon. There will be color photos, a link to the ASHA registry and show record, and a video clip (if provided) for each entry. “We plan to offer sellers better marketing and promotion of their horses for sale, and provide buyers with as much information as possible to make an educated purchase.”

The Friday/Saturday sale will also offer a “Meet and Greet” reception on Thursday evening preceding the sale. Consignors will be invited to bring their horses in on Thursday for a preview reception that night. Photos and videos of each entry will run on big screen TVs and buyers will have an opportunity to speak with agents. “We hope that this will encourage even higher-quality entries and give sellers a viable marketplace to sell top prospects and current show ring stars,” stated Jackie.

Consignments will be accepted beginning next month until March 31st. For more information, contact the Hales via email at [email protected] or call James at 205-478-1332 or Jackie at 205-862-8851.