10/20/2024
Sue and I had the highest bid of all the c**ts at the Horseman’s Mission Sale… $10,900! But, technically we didn’t win. I traded the title and the prize money for something better.
As horse owners and competitors, we sometimes have to make a choice between a prize and what’s best for the horse. When I have to make that decision, I will always choose the horse. It’s just who I am.
Since that bid didn't actually meet the reserve I had set ahead of time I had the option to no sale and I decided to exercise that right and not accept the sale. By doing so, I forfeited the contest.
Sue had a really hard weekend. The pressure and the schedule at this event was really intense. He truly gave me everything he had and I am so proud of him. It was so much pressure for any horse to handle, especially a three year old. He really deserved to get to come home, where he is comfortable, and take a break.
After the sale I had a conversation with Sue Bourque, who has been following his story since almost day one. We settled on terms and I am thrilled to announce that Sue (the horse) has a new mom! I am incredibly grateful to know that he is going to the best home a horse could ask for with someone who will love him like I do. As an amazing bonus, he will be staying in my training program until spring.
Thank you again to my tremendous sponsors for this journey. Thank you, Centerra Co-Op and Triple Crown Feed for your feed sponsorship these last five months. I will be continuing to use Triple Crown feed as he has done so well on it. I’m also very grateful for all of the support and encouragement from AMW Equine Services.
I also want to extend a very special thank you to Cyndi Lamb for all of her encouragement, support and miles on the trail. I never would have done this without her! And lastly a sincere thank you to Dr. Alissa Wilhelm, DVM, who helped keep Sue feeling his best.
Jesse Westfall, Stacy Westfall and BJ Grimmett - I hope you all know that I wouldn’t be who I am today without you. Thank you for all the advice, encouragement and never ending support.