I didn’t sleep very well overnight and neither did Janet. It really hit us yesterday as people were walking around admiring the horses that there is a definite possibility that we may loose Hercules if we can’t go high enough. I have really come to love this big guy and will be heart broken if I loose him. I send Janet out to get a good seat. As I spend time with Hercules he is acting very nervous and I think he is just picking up on my anticipation and nervousness.

We are the third to last to go up for auction. Many of the trainers are not even taking their horses out under saddle as they are trying their best to take them home. I just want to do right by my horse and show off how far we have come. If it is meant to be he will come home with me if not then there must be something better in store for him. After I introduce Hercules and the bidding starts I really start to get nervous as I can hear the price going up but yet I don’t see Janet doing anything. The bidding goes crazy for what seemed like an eternity and then all of a sudden just quits. The auctioneer says “sold for $3,000”. I am scared to look at Janet but as I turn and give her the thumbs up sign she gets a huge smile on her face and gives me the thumbs up back. He is really mine. It is all I can do to get out of the arena. As soon as we are out in the tunnel I hop down and give the big guy a big hug with tears in my eyes. He just gives me a big hug right back like he knew it was going to be ok the whole time.

I take him back to his stall and untack him and give him some treats. We are all exhausted so we make the decision to stay one more night and head out first thing in the morning. Richard Sewing who came all the way from Utah to give us his support takes us out for a congratulatory early supper. After we drop Richard off at the hotel we decide to go see the Stockyards. There were only a few shops still open but we were able to get a few souvenirs.

Rick and Kitty ask if we are still willing to haul Ranger back to Utah so they can take their kids and do some sightseeing which we are more than happy to do. Jamie Thomas also needs a ride for her horse so we haul Patriot to Utah as well and then Rick and Kitty will take him on up to their place in Oregon.