February, 2023 • The WRANGLER • 45
and steadfast in their honest approach, and it is paying off.
After four years, they have seen steady growth, and their
2023 sales are scheduled for Jun. 16 and Sep. 22.
Legend Buttes Sale in Nebraska and The League of
Legends Sale in Montana are both spearheaded by horse
training couples. "It's not always easy, but what better
business partner than someone you love and respect,"
says Scherbarth. In a similar origin story, each sale began
when the founders decided they would like to create the
best place to market their own horses.
Eight years ago, Chad and Paje Turner of East Helena "had
an array of really nice horses on hand." With the market in
a stable position, it was a great time to start a sale of their
own. Two decades in the performance horse business was,
and is, their solid foundation. "Our reputation is the brand
behind League of Legends Horse Sale," she says. They
brought with them business connections, previous buyers,
and high quality horses: the perfect recipe for success.
For several years, The League of Legends has been the
Leading AQHA Gelding Performance Horse Sale in the
country, breaking nationwide average and high-selling
records. Last year's sale average was $68,338.00, with
the high seller at $310,000, and the second high seller just
$10,000 behind.
Much the same as the first sale, Turners provide 50% of
the consignments in order to quality control. The other half
are consigned by invitation-only from approved sellers,
providing buyers with only the best quality possible. One
might say they are the "stuff of legends."
Though geldings do spectacularly well, the sale is not
limited on sex or age. Last year, their first stallion was
sold, and they have always featured top-notch mares. A
great asset of Turner's sale is that consigned horses are
versatile, capable of not only performing in the arena,
but also knowing a day's work outside. Each horse must
participate in the first two events of the preview, including
ranch horse and trail horse, followed by the optional events
of team roping, barrel racing, and calf roping.
The "Casual Friday" of their preview is unique and
memorable. With the consignors' permission, anyone from
the public can meet and ride horses they are interested in
buying. "There's not a horse for every rider, but there's a
rider for every horse," says Turner.
Besides the Turners' full-time job training and competing,
Paje also manages her marketing strategy year round.
Their print advertisements and regular social media
updates work wonders–their Facebook page alone
boasts 30,000 followers–but like Scherbarth, they find
the greatest interest and loyalty comes by word of mouth
advertising, which speaks the loudest about their well-
earned reputation.
turnerperformancehorses.com
crawfordlivestock.com
For more info on the League of Legends Sale visit:
For more info on Legend Buttes Horse Sale visit:
