Meet Bristol & Sutton – two of your September Auction Saves
These two paint mares came out of one of the toughest pens at auction — a group of about 15 horses that both the brokers and the auction staff called “crazy” and “wild.” Horses in that pen were terrified and reactive: some tried to jump out, some kicked at handlers, and many did everything they could to bolt past people and get away.
More than once, we were warned not to bid on them out of concern for our safety.
But when we looked closer, we saw something different.
Bristol, the lighter mare, stood calmly in the arena, watchful and aware, but not shut down.
Sutton, with more dark spots, was more reactive — spinning and trying to get away — but she never tried to fight or jump.
They aren’t dangerous. They are scared, confused, and unhandled — and they deserve the chance to learn what kindness feels like.
In fact, when we asked about purchasing Chester from the broker, he offered to trade Sutton instead, making it very clear he believed she and her friends had no future except a one-way trip to Mexico. We couldn’t let that happen.
Now, both mares are settling in. They’ve shown no aggression, no attempts to challenge fences — just curiosity and a willingness to start trusting. Every day they relax a little more. We’ve given them a smaller pen to feel safe, and they’re already responding to quiet voices and good food.
We’re excited to see them through quarantine and start their gentling this winter. With time and patience, we hope they’ll even be ready for next year’s Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge.
And if you’re a trainer interested in taking on a Long Haul project for the Showdown, reach out — Bristol and Sutton could be great candidates.