Need proof that the economy is on the mend? Check out the results from Western Bloodstock’s 2012 NCHA Futurity Sales.

“We had the highest overall average and the highest overall percentage of horses sold since 2007,” said Milt Bradford, of Western Bloodstock.

The bottom line for the cutting industry’s largest and most prominent sales event was: 745 sold from 924 offered, for an average of $16,420 and 81% completed sales.

“The highlights of the sales were horses under saddle,” said Western Bloodstock’s Ben Emison. “Two-year-olds and older show horses were in high demand. Breeding stock seemed to be off somewhat from previous years, but good yearling prospects with clean radiographs were really hot.”

“The public made good use of the repository this year, with 30 percent more x-rays available,” Bradford added.

The final sales session, the NCHA Futurity Seasoned Cutting Horse Sale, held on December 15, the morning before the Open Finals saw 99 horses sold from 115 offered for an average of $24,466 and 86% completed sales. Olenasduallyfeather and Chita Blue Star, Lots 6004 and 6005 were the high sellers of the session at $150,000 each.

Five-year-old Olenasduallyfeather, 2011 NCHA Super Stakes Open champion, consigned by Lisa Hewitt, is in training with Clint Allen. Seven-year-old Chita Blue Star, consigned by Jeremy Barwick as agent, sold with two 2012 foals by Metallic Cat and High Brow CD, as well as an embryo by High Brow CD for 2013.

For complete results, in lot order, go to: www.westernbloodstock.com