I was at the sale the entire time, too. I was a bit disappointed in the prices, but not surprised.
I took a few horses that I loved very much but hubby said if horses come in someone has to go out. I just bought a couple of driving filly prospects from Riverdance so some hard decision had to be made.
What I was most happy about was that both of my geldings went to what appears to be great homes. My tiny little chocolate palomino went to a lady that takes her minis to handicap camps. That's perfect for my little guy. A few treats and children to fawn over him and he thinks he is in heaven.
The my stunning bay gelding with a nice trot went to a gal that by the end of the sale had become a friend. I have no worries about the home he went to. They have children and he would make a perfect youth gelding.
Was I happy with what they sold for?
The stud fee on the chocolate palomino was $500. I had him gelded and he was totally current on his fall vaccinations, hoof trimming and worming. (All my horses were) I had trimmed him and he was cold, so I insisted his new owner take his blanket with him. That means that I had about 1000 dollars in him this year. He sold for $375
So, no, I didn't make nearly as much money as I had hoped for, but that isn't nearly as important as feeling confident that they went to people that will love and take good care of them.
Besides.....you know how to make a small fortune in the mini horse business???
Start with a large one.
Barbara Kilkenny