23-06-2025
Australian performance horse breeders excited by record $2.65 million sale
It might have happened on the other side of the world, but the recent sale of a western performance horse could change the lives of Australian breeders.
Three-year-old filly, Crosby Ray Von, sold for $US1.7 million ($2.65 million) at the Old West Rope Horse Futurity Sale in Utah at the weekend.
It was serious money for a thoroughbred, and a world record for a performance horse "prospect" not yet tested in competition disciplines such as roping and cutting.
"To now be part of a moment like this … it's beyond my wildest dreams," said US breeder Melanie Smith.
Crosby Ray Von is the product of renowned stallion Stevie Rey Von, whose genetics have been imported to Australia.
Lynda MacCallum, a professional cutting horse trainer at Walcha in northern NSW, said it was potentially "life-changing" news for the local industry.
She said with many Australian-bred performance horses already selling for six figures, the sale would only make those with Stevie Rey Von's bloodline more valuable.
"We have access to these genetics … we really do have the potential to breed elite horses here and infiltrate the western sports and our camp-drafting market," Ms MacCallum said.
"I do believe we will see a great increase in what our horses are bringing here in Australia.
"America are always a little further ahead than what we are, however often we do follow in their footsteps."
Ms MacCallum said it could be a turning point for young breeders and trainers just starting out.
"When horses can make six figures and beyond for us here in Australia, that does become life-changing money," she said.
"I know a lot of young people and couples who have sold horses for good money and put that money together and bought investment properties … that's how they're getting ahead in life.
"It becomes more of a business or a profession, rather than a hobby."
