The American Saddlebred Museum and Gift Shop held its annual Equine Art, Antique and Rare Book Consignment Auction on Saturday, July 9 in the Showplace for Saddlebreds at the Kentucky Horse Park. Saddlebred, Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Hackney, Coaching and Draft Horse items in a variety of mediums, as well as bronzes, books and vintage posters were offered to the crowd of appreciative equine art lovers. Once again, works by George Ford Morris, one of America’s premier 19th-20th century artists, were well represented in the auction.

Prior to the start of the event, attendees were treated to a special performance by Justin the Artistic Horse just outside the Museum. Justin is a magnificent Friesian whose owner, Adonna Combs, places a paintbrush in his mouth, which allows him to create unique paintings on canvas. His appearance was a treat not only for auction attendees but also those enjoying a visit to the Horse Park.

Guests enjoyed food and drinks graciously sponsored by Bridget McNeese and Kenny and Ceil Wheeler as they previewed the offerings. Many took advantage of the Museum Gift Shop’s special 10% discount on most purchases for the day, with Musuem members receiving 20% off. The auction of 61 items began promptly at noon. Tom Biederman and Bill Carrington handled auction duties, ably assisted by Woodie Leavell, Ryan Teater and Tommy Glenn. Bids were accepted from patrons in person, as well as by phone through advance arrangement.

Obtaining the top bid was Lot 60, a1938 George Ford Morris oil on canvas entitled “Doc Flannery Driving Worthy Forbes and Worthy Matron, Champion Roadster Pair”. Featured on the auction catalog cover, the magnificent piece depicting R.C. Flannery driving the famous black matched pair of Standardbreds to wagon garnered strong interest and sold to the highest bidder for $90,000. This was the second highest George Ford Morris painting to sell at auction, with the Museum selling the highest priced piece for $125,000 at its 2005 auction. Lot 58, “Denmark Stallion”, featured on the back of the catalog cover, was the second highest selling piece of the day. An original charcoal and oil on board by George Ford Morris, this 1950 rendition of Morris’ personal ideal of a Denmark type of stallion sold for $25,000. Other pieces that garnered great interest included an oil on canvas of Wing Commander by Helen Hayse, a George Ford Morris oil of noted sire Welcome Dare, John Thomas Berry’s “Chestnut Saddlebred in Landscape’ oil on canvas, and one of six-time Five-gaited World’s Grand Champion CH My-My’s shoes.

“I never cease to be amazed by the wonderful, quality items that are presented each year for inclusion in this consignment auction,” says Kim Skipton, Museum Curator and event coordinator. “This year’s auction offered something for everyone in any price range, with pieces selling for $150 to $90,000. I am very grateful to those that support our event each year whether by consigning, attending, sponsoring, phone bidding or purchasing.”