BUYER FEATURE
Carolyn Day
We caught up with return buyer, Carolyn Day, to hear how her horses have been working out, learn about her background, and get her advice for other buyers. We’ve enjoyed getting to know her and Brett over the past several years and always look forward to seeing them at Sale time!
“I was fortunate to grow up on ranches owned by my father and grandfather in Smith Valley, Nevada and Bridgeport, California. No doubt my love for good horses started right then and there. We started riding at a young age, always well mounted and participating in all the ranching activities. I look back now and realize I really had a magical and special childhood. I always hoped I would end up with a ranch, but that is not how things played out. However, I have been very blessed to always be able to have a horse and stay involved with others in the ranch world.
At this point in time, my husband Brett Reed is the Ranch Manager for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. They run a herd of commercial cattle, which we take care of, based in Carson Valley. Our horses need to gather in different terrain, sort cattle in the corral, participate in branding, and be versatile. We also help several ranches that run cattle on permits in the Sierras in the summer. That requires horses that can travel in rough country, are comfortable being alone, and have no issues with water crossings and downfall.
We have been coming to the Ranchers Horse Sale for about 5–6 years. In 2023, we bought a Spur Brand horse, “Bob,” a 5-year-old. Britt Bentz was riding him and I felt he was the horse for me. He reminded me of a big bay gelding my father used to ride—quiet and solid. We have been very happy with him, with the exception of his 6-year-old year when he felt a bit full of himself—not unexpected as they grow up. All is well now.
In 2024, we bought another Spur Brand horse, “Ace,” also a 5-year-old. This was an unexpected purchase—we had planned to just come and visit—but Brett had his eye on him. He has been exactly what we apparently needed: very willing, kind, and mostly laid back. This past fall we put our 12-year-old grandson, who is just learning to ride, on him and he did great.
In 2025, when the catalog came out, I immediately knew that “Dunny,” a 4-year-old consigned by Seth O’Crowley, was absolutely the horse I needed. How many horses do I need, right? As much as Bob and Ace fit our program, Dunny really checked all the boxes. I am 75 years old and plan to ride into my 90s—he is that horse. I would run out of words to describe how awesome he is. Seth and his boys did themselves proud with this one.
All three of these geldings fit our program because they are sound in body and mind and have been exposed to and trained in the environment we need to use them in. We have been very pleased with all three purchases. They’ve also all become “cookie monsters”—curious, interactive, and fun to be around.
“I am 75 years old and plan to ride into my 90s—he is that horse.”
Carolyn and Brett using their RHS Purchased horses; Bob, Ace and Dunny.
We have so much confidence buying from the Ranchers Horse Sale because of the strict selection process for consignors and horses. The transparency and standards are impeccable. Being able to reach out and talk to consignors before and during the sale is very important in our evaluation.
When we are buying a horse, we look first and foremost at conformation—good strong bone and feet, a gentle slope to the shoulder, an athletic front end, and a big hip. Then comes temperament. For us, at advanced ages, that means gentle and willing. At five years old, horses still have a lot of gas and go, but you can usually sort out the ones who know how and when to use it. Must-have traits are trainability, a kind and gentle demeanor, willingness to be a partner and please, and athleticism.
My advice to buyers—study, study, study the catalog. Watch the videos carefully. Call and talk to the consignors ahead of time. If you have the opportunity to ride the horse before the sale, take it. Know what you want and what you will be using the horse for—some may or may not be a good match depending on your needs.
On sale day, get there early for the previews and talk to everyone. Watch the horses you are interested in and compare them to your impressions from the catalog and videos. Pay attention to how they move, how they handle pressure, and how they are handled throughout the day.
I wouldn’t buy a horse anywhere else. I do think the addition of radiographs is a very valuable tool. We’ve not had any issues, but especially with older horses—and occasionally younger ones depending on use—it’s good information to have.”
