For the past 25 years, the Return to the Remuda horse sale, hosted by the Four Sixes Ranch, has showcased registered American Quarter Horses (AQHA) of various ages from six renowned historic ranches: Four Sixes Ranch, Beggs Cattle Company, Pitchfork Cattle Company, Tongue River Ranch, Wagonhound Land & Livestock, and King Ranch. Each of these ranches has earned the prestigious AQHA Best Remuda Award, a testament to the strong foundation their horses have provided for the American Quarter Horse breed. Beyond offering some of the best horses in the industry, the sale has also become the informal annual reunion for American Quarter Horse enthusiasts. 

After attending the 2024 Return to the Remuda sale, held September 27-28th, I considered how to “sum it all up.” From a factual perspective, there are a few things I could share: 

I could share how the sale prices hit new records this year, signifying a very strong equine industry. (The high seller at this sale was a 2012 ranch gelding for $120,000!).

High seller Smart Ingredient “Hot Wheels,” carries the American flag into the sale ring to kick off the 25th Return to the Remuda horse sale. 

I could share how impactful it was to witness the tremendous, year-long effort that was clearly made by everyone across all the participating ranches, cowboys, and consignors involved - including the loved ones who supported these efforts. 

I could share how there seemed to be attendees from a wider selection of the country than ever before. This year, I met attendees from Virginia, Washington state, Alabama, and South Dakota for the first time!

I could share how the horses at this year’s sale seemed even more jaw-droppingly impressive than past years (if that is possible), providing continued evidence of the top-notch breeding and training programs across all consigning ranches. 

I could certainly stop there or elaborate on any point above and that would be enough to indicate to you that the equine industry is not only alive and well, but continues to thrive. 

However, what I want to share and what really stands out to me, is how after spending just two days at the Four Sixes Ranch, you feel like your blood receives an infusion, chock full of the spirit of the American West. 

In the middle of Guthrie, Texas, it does not matter so much who you are, but it does matter how you are. 

Do you smile, introduce yourself, hold the door open, and wave to the rancher’s kids who are roping in the parking lot all day? 

Do you say ‘yes’ to dancing on Friday night with Boots O’Neal, a Four Sixes cowboy who is a legend in his own right? 

Do you lend a hand with what needs to get done, no matter if it is yours to help with, because it is simply the right thing to do? 

There is something that happens to the human spirit in Four Sixes country. The Ranch brings out the best in people, which seems to translate to the horses passing through the fence line too. 

Anyone who ends up on Dash for Cash road is committed. It is certainly not the most convenient place to visit or live. Even the closest commercial airport is a 90 minute drive, and the closest motel is between 30 and 60 miles away, unless you are lucky enough to camp out in The Sixes’ lot. 

Maybe the infusion begins here, by reminding us that almost nothing worthwhile in life is convenient. 

It is not convenient to develop quality relationships, raise kids, start a business, or follow your passions. It is certainly not convenient to ‘sales prep’ 161 horses, which all require high-quality nutrition, the utmost training and conditioning, extreme attention to detail of each animal, and a comprehensive care team. In fact, everything worthwhile is always full of challenges, requiring grit, devotion, and lots of wet saddle blankets. These are the very qualities that make up the Ranch’s heritage. 

A heritage that started with the horse. In fact, when we pick up any history book or old drawing signifying the American West, the horse is front and center.

The horse has always had a unique gift of bringing humanity together and reminding us of our long list of similarities, while simultaneously minimizing our differences. 

The horse’s role in our history and in our livelihood is just as important today as it was 150 years ago, when the Four Sixes was founded. In a seemingly divided world, we all gather at the iconic Ranch once a year because of the horse. 

Suddenly, we are all singing along to Jake Hooker and The Outsiders on Friday night, post-sale demonstration. 

Suddenly, we are immersed in a respectful environment that is safe and fun for all ages, from toddler to ninety year olds. 

Suddenly, we are shaking dirty, dusty hands with both working cowboys and city slicker business executives. 

Suddenly, we realize that The Four Sixes Ranch is not solely legendary because of its history, which is something to behold, but because it brings the legendary alive inside of you when you’re on the land. 

Suddenly, we feel inspired once again to be living in the land of the dreamers, and to have made the journey to this year’s Return to the Remuda sale. 

All of this because of the horse. 

You have to wonder, are the horses here to remind us of our collective humanity, of our shared history - the stories that make up our bones and our very DNA? 

Do the horses watch us come together for the sale and joke with one another that they’re here again walking through the sale ring, putting up with the noise and commotion because of the infusion benefits their humans receive? 

If so, they certainly fulfilled their jobs this year. 

Congratulations to all of the consignors, new horse owners, participants, employees, families, and volunteers associated with the 2024 Return to the Remuda sale. Your efforts were noticed and appreciated, and what this sale meant for all of us is more necessary than ever before. 

We received our annual infusion of the spirit of the American West, and until next year, we will be sipping on all of those Four Sixes nutrients.