The Gifford Chronicles - Final Episode

The Gifford Chronicles

Gifford Comes Home

In Part III, Buddy had been sold at auction for a disappointing price.  It was getting close for Gifford to be sold.  As you are reading my husband's account of what went on next, remember, I am back home worrying and fretting, waiting to hear of the outcome.  It was at a time when we had no cell phones.  So Paul had to find a phone to call me and give me the final outcome.  This was a difficult day for me!!!

One hour later, Gifford was about to enter the arena. My heart was thumping. Although I had told Gary I might bid on Gifford, I intentionally did not tell him our maximum price.  It was not high and I did not want to influence in any way Gary’s possible "no sale" decision.  As Gifford was led into the arena, Gary was stationed behind the auctioneer, ready to provide additional information if necessary. I was out in the bleachers, sitting directly in front of one of the spotters so I could not be overlooked. As his handler ran Gifford up and down the narrow strip, the bidding started with my bid of $1,000 - I guess I was nervous because I didn’t have to start that high.

After a few others had jumped in, I increased my bid to $1,400 and later tried to raise it to $1,450. Fortunately, the spotter waved me off, informing me with humor I was already in at $1,400 and no one else had raised the bid. Right, I thought, bidding against yourself is even more stupid than bidding against your wife.  The gavel fell and I held my breath waiting for Gary to say "No sale!"  Silence.  Gifford was ours!

I found Gary a few minutes later and told him that I was the successful bidder. His reaction was a big smile. He simply said "Jesus!" and laughed.  I know he was disappointed at the price but equally happy Elaine and I now owned Gifford.  He knew how attached we were to him.

I had told Elaine I would call her immediately after the sale.  In the event Gifford had been sold to someone else, I already had rehearsed a story for Elaine: Gifford was going to a very nice (non-Amish) owner I had met after the sale who planned to use him as a trail riding and show horse. Fortunately, that lie was not necessary.  Elaine was overjoyed.  The "Giffster" was coming back to Silver Mark Farm and we were now owned a registered Belgian draft horse.

After eating (more gravy), paying the auction and re-registering Gifford in our name, we loaded him and a stallion Gary had purchased on behalf of a friend, and we returned the 625-odd miles to Pennsylvania.  We arrived at Gary’s farm around midnight and I left Gifford to be retrieved the next day.  We had a loaner horse at the farm to keep Pharaoh company (a mare named Judy) and making the exchange at night would have been troublesome.

I returned the next day to find an exhausted Gifford spread out in a stall.  Once awakened, Gifford’s new shoes were removed [all horses sold at this auction were supposed to have shoes and come with a new halter, although many had neither].  The shoes were removed because Gifford  has huge feet and it would be too dangerous for Pharaoh in the field if he remained shod.  We loaded Gifford into our own trailer and I took him home.  I had brought the mare Judy back to Gary when I came for Gifford.

Nobody was happier to see Gifford arrive and Judy (his replacement barn buddy for Pharaoh) leave than Elaine.  Judy, a pretty filly and away from home for the first time, possessed few, if any, of the qualities that had so endeared us to Gifford.   She bites, refused to go into her own stall, constantly annoyed Pharaoh in the field and was a real bitch most of the time.  Bottom line – she drove Elaine nuts.  Gifford and Pharaoh greeted one another like long lost buddies.  All was well again at Silver Mark Farm.

In total, Gifford had traveled over 1,280 miles to end up exactly where he had begun his journey.  We love him and he was worth it.  So ends the tale of Gifford’s totally excellent adventure to the Topeka Draft Horse Auction.

Gifford being ground driven for the first time!

Addendum:  Since then, Gifford turns 12 this year.  He has been trained to drive a cart and drive a "team" (2 horse) vehicle.  Here are some photos of him in training.



Gifford's first time "under cart" and he is as calm as they come!



Since we handled Gifford so much in the months we had him, he had plenty of experience with gizmos and equipment.  His training went well and was relatively easy.  Hope you enjoyed the Gifford Chronicles!

Aarrooooooooooo!