Elders : WA Elite Horse Sale gallops into Coolup

After last year's inaugural event was a resounding success, this year the team promised an even bigger weekend for the WA equine community.

After campdraft events took the spotlight on Friday and Saturday morning, across open, quilty, junior and juvenile categories, the main event, being the Elite Horse Sale, kicked off at lunch time on Saturday.

29 lots were sold at the sale, at a great average of $12,155.

The top price stallion was sold by Sunny Mia Performance Horses, to A & R Morgan for $38,000. The top price gelding went to Scott Lawrence for $33,000 and was sold by G & H Parnham. The top price mare, sold in the ring, was sold by Triple R Farm to Bambi Pty Ltd for $13,500.

The sale was followed by presentations for the campdraft winners, top price horses, jersey presentation for polocrosse teams and a corporate sundowner event.

Following the presentations, spectators were treated to a polocrosse spectacle under lights, featuring Australian junior and senior player representatives in a Future Goal game and a Super Goal game.

Between games a charity auction took place, which raised $11,475 for Dolly's Dream and RFDS WA.

Event coordinator and Elders livestock agent Wade Krawczyk said he enjoys the fact that the event is more than just a sale, but rather an opportunity to celebrate Western Australia's equine sector.

"We've encompassed all the different aspects of horse sports and have tried to bring it together in one area," Wade said.

"We are so pleased to have built on last year's event; it just synergises with everything we're trying to do at Elders, namely supporting our clients and communities.

"We are also delighted that this year we were able to again raise funds for our two chosen charities - Dolly's Dream and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)."

Elders Moora livestock agent Clint Fletcher, who also helped run the event, said the horses available at this year's sale were outstanding.

"There was truly something for everyone, from genuine plant horses to top-level competition horses in multiple disciplines," Clint said.

"Travelling all the way from Geraldton or Esperance, there were some quality horses which boast excellent breeding, making this year's selection particularly impressive.

"There were a few stations who are made the trip down from the Pilbara and Kimberley and secured some high quality horses at this sale.

"Though the sale is still in its infancy stage, we expect it will continue to build, and there was plenty of opportunity to buy very good horses at affordable prices."

Elders Manjimup and Pemberton agent Brad McDonnell said the campdraft also had a very successful year, with solid numbers of competitors across all categories.

"The nature of campdrafting provides an environment where the whole family can get involved," he said.

"We had hundreds of nominations for this year's events, which indicates a growing interest in campdrafting across all age categories."