Southern Saddlebred Sales, Inc. Announces Early Consignments, Free Webcast and Tack Sale
The two-day event scheduled for April 27–28 in Murfreesboro, TN is gaining ground and popularity. Early consignments include entries from DeLovely Farm, Don Judd Stables, Blythewood Farm, Lowry Stables, Burnscroft Farm, Happy Valley Stables, and Hillside Stables, just to name a few.
“Entries don’t close until March 20th, but we already have a nice group of horses on the website and more coming in daily,” said James Hale. “I’m pleased to see entries from across the country, not just horses from our immediate area.” Southern Saddlebred Sales aspires to be the show horse industry’s major, nationwide sale, and there is plenty of room to grow at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum.
Growing the business is also something that the Hales are focusing on with this new venture. “Moving the sale to Tennessee will allow us to promote the American Saddlebred to a new audience, “ said Jackie Hale. “We are also thrilled that we have partnered with the USEF Network to offer a free webcast of the sale. Being broadcast by USEF will broaden our viewer base and promote the breed outside of the Saddlebred industry, “ said Jackie. “We’ve got to look outside the box to insure the future of this business,” added James.
Answering the requests for a Tack Sale, Southern Saddlebred Sales has contracted with a Tennessee auction company to offer one on Friday afternoon, immediately following the horse auction. They will accept tack and equipment consignments beginning at 8am on Friday. “The Tack Sale is also being promoted locally – it could be huge,” said James. Contact Jimmy Smith at 615-479-5091 for more information.
“The response from buyers has been very positive,” said Jackie. “People are looking forward to checking out the new venue and enjoying the hospitality.” There will be a Preview Party on Thursday night preceding the sale; a time for buyers to Meet and Greet with agents while pictures and videos of consignments run on big screen TVs. The Miller Club restaurant/lounge will be catered Friday and Saturday by Five Senses, an award-winning restaurant in Murfreesboro, offering an upscale dining alternative to the concession stand. “We are not just planning a sale, we are planning an event – one that will attract top consignments and top bidders,” Jackie said.
In addition to the experienced auction team headed by Jim Price, and Tattersall’s former announcer, Bill Carrington, SSS has assembled a knowledgeable and experienced office staff. Lisa Duncan, President of the American Saddlebred Registry, and Karen Richardson, former executive secretary for the UPHA, will be joined by Brendan Heintz, former regional editor for Saddle and Bridle magazine, to work on pedigree research and production of the website and sale catalog. “We’ll work to provide each entry with thorough progeny and show record information,” said Jackie. “Brendan is a walking encyclopedia of the show horse industry and will be a key player in our marketing efforts.”
Murfreesboro, TN is located just 30 miles south of Nashville, easily accessible off major interstates and offers plenty of hotels and restaurants. Check out the Southern Saddlebred Sales website (www.southernsaddlebredsales.com) to view the Consignments, download an entry form, and learn more about the Spring Sale. The earlier you enter, the longer your horse will be promoted!
Contact James or Jackie Hale at 205-669-6649 or email us at [email protected] for more information.