The Sale’s History
The Ranchers Horse Sale was founded in 1993 by partners Mike and Linda Bentz, Jim and Alicia Bentz, and Dick and Hoot Raney with the mission to provide broke ranch horses. From the very beginning, the sale was based on the concept of integrity and honesty.
Consigned horses make up a large part of the sale’s offering so it has always been an important element. Some consigners have been with the sale from the very beginning, bringing quality ranch horses each year, or close to it.
It was originally hosted in Burns, OR under the name “Harney County Ranchers Horse Sale”. It moved to another location near Burns and ultimately to the Juntura valley in 2006.
Over time, the partnerships evolved, and today, the Bentz family continues on with the sale. The shared vision of the original founders is the core values we hold today.
Founding Principles
What the Ranchers Horse Sale was built on, thanks to the original founding sale committee.
Founding Principle// HONESTY
From the beginning, the sale founders put honesty first - sometimes brutal honesty. If the horse had a flaw, weakness or blemish, it was disclosed to buyers to help them make an informed decision. Consignors were selected on this principle and this is a core piece of the sale today.
Founding Principle // SUBSTANCE
This sale catalog introduction from 2000 says it about as plain as possible. The founders trusted in a buyers ability to ask the right questions and a consignors ability to give an honest answer and bring a product that has been proven on the ranch.
Founding Principle // QUALITY
A branding has always been the method to preview and show these horses. This was a way of selecting for a true ranch horse that has been exposed to the ranch and met the demands of that work.
