Revised:  05/22/2008

Highlights of the 5^th Annual NAERIC Yearling Auction

            We couldn’t have asked for a better warm-up than this year’s Ag-Field Day. Between the picture-perfect weather and the focused efforts of our students, the filly and mare showings were a resounding success. This year’s group of fillies and students was easily the best we’ve ever had. Auction Day’s cloudy dawn belied the excitement in the air as the expectant bidders milled between the stable and show pen, commenting on their favorites with approving smiles and nods. The fillies and mares were sparkling thanks to many extra hours of "elbow grease" applied by their students, who sported T-shirts with "their" horse’s headshot and name on the back.

            Over 200 people and 30 bidders came to admire the 12 yearlings and 5 mares. A special treat was the wonderful video put together by students Sarah Grossman and Kim Pastva. The video features research footage from North Dakota, where the fillies were selected as foals, and Rutgers University, along with memorable music from the experience. If you’d like your own copy of this “scrapbook” video, please contact ralston@aesop.rutgers.edu for information.

            At long last, the auction began. The fillies behaved wonderfully as they were led to the Round House and shown by their students, only spooking a little when thunderous applause filled the antique pavilion to its rafters.

            RU Amaretto and RU Rolex were the first two fillies to go through the ring, but attracted no bids despite the clever encouragement of auctioneer Col. Dennis Cassidy. So they were temporarily withdrawn, and the crowd was promised that they’d be back later in the auction. A bidding war soon broke out for the next filly, RU Cinnabon. She netted the highest winning filly bid of $2,500, earning her devoted student caretaker a spot in next year’s trip to North Dakota. Also notable was the purchase of RU Rick’s New Edition for $750 by an anonymous bidder, who then gave her to her dedicated student.

            It started to rain just as the last fillies were brought to the Round House. Then Amaretto and Rolex were presented again, this time selling for above their minimum bids! Next on the block was RU Chicane, a 5-year-old mare sold in our first auction in 2000. Up for sale on consignment by her owner, “Chica” had attracted a lot of attention at Ag-Field Day when she was shown to be very well-behaved under saddle. Within moments, Col. Cassidy was boisterously fanning the flames of another bidding war, and the Handicapped High Riders emerged victorious with a $3,500 investment in a great therapy horse.

            Dodging raindrops, the bidder crowd moved back into the Red Barn to view the remaining mares. Nyla went to a fantastic home where she will be trained to ride and drive, Vonnie was purchased by student Kim Pastva’s parents for her as a surprise graduation gift, and Electra was sold to her student handler. The elated students’ tears of joy threatened to outpour the raindrops! The mood was only slightly broken by Bessie’s lack of bids, but with assurances that a suitable home would be found for her, the auction concluded on a happy note. Both she and Allie, held back from the auction due to a potential soundness issue, have since found wonderful, loving homes.

            The auction proved once again to be a huge success: everything ran smoothly, old friends reminisced and new friends were made, each horse went to a good home, and one student landed a summer job with the purchaser of two of the fillies. After expenses, the auction raised about $14,000 for the program, with $1,070 as the average price for the fillies.

            We are definitely holding another auction next year! In August we will travel back to South Dakota to select six fillies and six colts (but no mares). Be sure to check back for pictures of the new babies once the auction approaches on May 1, 2005.

            The Equine Science Center and the NAERIC program wish to thank the following individuals and organizations for their support: Joanna Barnis, Mr. and Mrs. Danzeisen, Hiatt Farm, the Ginolfi Family and Conselina Feed and Supply, Hill Billy Haven Feed and Supply, Margrit McCrane and the McCrane Foundation, Millstone Liquors, NAERIC, the New Jersey State Equine Initiative, Jim Noe and Kelso Construction, Nutrena, Joe Pastva and Scarecrow Desktop Publishing, Mr. and Mrs. Raccioppo, Diane Rogers, Lou Taddevo and Edison Motors, Rick Wills and Rick's Saddle Shop, and Wyeth.

For information on the NAERIC Incentive program visit www.NAERIC.org.