Gail Bennison
Fort Worth Business Press
Norma Sanders, 81, a pioneering professional female livestock auctioneer, kicked off the 2013 National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Summer Spectacular Sales, Summer Select Yearling Sale, Fri., Aug. 2 in John Justin Arena, Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth.
Sanders auctioned off the first horse of the sale, Some Kinda Kat, a sorrel stallion owned by Shelly Burmeister Mowery. She and her husband, Rick Mowery, own and operate a top cutting horse facility in Weatherford. Shelly is a cutting horse competitor and has been a top American Quarter Horse Association breeder of 30-plus years.
Eighty-eight elite cutting-bred horses were to be auctioned at the Yearling Sale. The sale is produced by Western Bloodstock LTD, of Weatherford.
Close friends Sanders and Mowery are honorees in the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame; Sanders was inducted in 1989; Mowery in 1990.
Known as “America’s Only Cowgirl Auctioneer” during the 1950s and 1960s, Sanders of Texico, N.M., overcame prejudice against women in the arena and became one of the most popular auctioneers in the country. This is the first time Sanders has served as an auctioneer at a livestock auction in 23 years. “I’ve always admired Norma for her accomplishments as an auctioneer,” says Mowery. “I’m confident that she will get top dollar for my horse, and I appreciate everyone who has helped make this possible.”
Says Sanders: “I still have my rhythm; it’s a part of me. I hope I still have my magic touch.”
Sanders said before the auction that Mowery’s sorrel stallion will “go for a whole lot of money. It means a lot to me to have the honor of selling my close friend’s yearling. I’ve never seen such a pedigree in my life. He’s royally bred with lots of confirmation.”
Some Kinda Kat, (Cat Man Do x Jewels For Ceasar, by Lenas Jewel Bars,) was nominated to the NCHA Super Stakes. His granddam Miss Ceasar Solano was fifth in the NCHA Open Derby, and Reserve Champion of the Bonanza Open Challenge. She produced five money-earners, including leading sire, Lena My Way.
“Anyone who buys that colt will get it all in one package,” Sanders said prior to the auction. “All he needs is a little training. Like I was born to be an auctioneer, he was bred to be a cutting horse.”
