Published: January 06, 2010 12:57 pm      

This weekend’s horse auction in Hawkinsville canceled due to deep freeze

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has postponed this weekend’s horse auction in Hawkinsville.

With a deep freeze projected by weather forecasters over much of the state, conducting an outside horse auction may not be conducive to the best showing of horses or attract the number of interested buyers that will make the sale a success, Irvin says.

The horse sale, at the Lawrence L. Bennett Harness Training Facility, will be rescheduled within the next 45 days. More than 24 equines that includes grade mares, fillies, geldings and one AQHA registered gelding will be sold to the highest bidder at the rescheduled sale.

“As soon as possible, we are going to inform the public about the newly scheduled date,” Irvin says. “These auctions are a win/win for everyone. The public is able to purchase a healthy horse, the impounded horse gets a fresh start at a new loving home and our rescue program obtains much needed funding to continue its efforts.”

The Georgia Department of Agriculture equine impound program receives no state funding. The program, staffed by unpaid helpers, is funded by volunteer contributions and periodic auctions.