LIHUE — Silver Falls Ranch is opening its stables to showcase the finest in Kauai’s equine world. Which is a pretty sizable population. Because whether it’s for roping, rodeoing or trotting for pleasure, horses — and community that loves them
LIHUE — Silver Falls Ranch is opening its stables to showcase the finest in Kauai’s equine world.
Which is a pretty sizable population. Because whether it’s for roping, rodeoing or trotting for pleasure, horses — and community that loves them — has been a staple on the Garden Isle for years.
“There’s a very active and highly committed community of ropers here on the island — team roping mostly. Kauai sends some of the best ropers in the world to the national competition on the Mainland,” said Robin Kurtz, Silver Falls manager. “And then there’s a whole lot of pleaser horses — horses people like to have and ride on the trail.”
The ranch in Kilauea is hosting its second Horse Fair and Sale on May 9. The all-day event will feature presentations by experts in the equine community as well as a live auction. Around 20 horses are expected to be up for sale, starting at $500 and reaching upwards of $10,000.
“It’s not uncommon for people to spend $30,000 to $40,000 for a horse,” Kurtz said, although it remains to be seen what amounts the top prizes fetch. While the auction will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m., other horses will be on display where possible buyers will be free to negotiate a price without the fast-paced style of an auction.
A goal of the show is to bring all types of people in the equine world together to learn, buy and swap gear. Doors open to the show at 9 a.m. and presentations run from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Dr. Scott Sims, famous for his TV show, “The Aloha Vet,” will give a discussion on spotting and preventing lameness in the animal while expert roper Ross Farias will introduce people to the art of his favorite sport. Richard Costa will instruct on the proper training methods.
Last year, around 350 guests took part in the show at 2888 Kamookoa Road in Kilauea.
“We’d like it to be an annual thing,” Kurtz said.
Sellers are asked to pay $10 to show their horse and 10 percent of their sale proceeds up to a $200 maximum. Guests are asked to donate $5 to enter or $10 for a carpool.
“If they don’t feel like paying, we want them to come anyway,” Kurtz said
Info: Robin Kurtz 828-6718.
