By Barbara Turner
Whatever you do, do not miss this year’s Gallop Stallion Service Auction presented by Rhodes River Ranch and held at Northern Quest Resort & Casino on Sunday, January 31st. Doors open at 11am, and the event will begin at 12 Noon PST. This gives plenty of time for both our National and International bidders to call in their bids! All stallions & auction items will be displayed on 30’ screens inside the Pavilion at Northern Quest. Plus, the auction will be broadcasted live on our website,
www.GallopAuction.com so bidders can call in their bids and talk to an operator.
Gallop would like to congratulate their Top High Selling Services from the 2020 auction. The Highest Selling Service (for his second consecutive year) was AQHA/APHA Stallion, Spooks Gotta Gun. His service was purchased for $2,900 by Mikel Marbach of Clarkston, Washington. Second Highest Selling Service was Lazy Loper. His service sold for $2,450 to Larry & Lori Wilkerson of Kennewick, Washington. Gallop’s Third Highest Selling Service was No Doubt Im Lazy. His service sold for $2,400 to high bidder Karen Havens of Bebit, Wisconsin. And Gallop’s Fourth Highest Selling Service was HF Mobster at $2,000, purchased by Phina Philipson of Spokane, Washington.
Gallop would also like to thank all the owners of the 2020 lineup. Their support and dedication to Gallop’s mission has helped the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest continue to help families in crisis, who have travelled to be near their child in a hospital and need a place to stay. Gallop thanks all the breeders who have participated in bidding on their fine stallions!
This is your opportunity to help a family in need! Be sure to attend one of the Nation’s most successful equine fundraising events, either in person or online! Gallop is ranked as one of the best events (and causes) to purchase Stallion Services in the country! Each year the Stallion line-up gets better, and new stallion owners join the ranks! This year Gallop has stallions from Washington, Texas, California, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, Alabama, and Idaho.
Stallion breeding fees range from $500 to $4100 per service. “We like to keep a pocketbook range so everyone has a chance to be a part of the Gallop event and helping our mission. As well as raising the bar of their breeding program” explained Gallop Event Coordinator, Barbara Turner.
This year’s event offers 39 World Champion stallions! Many others are Reserve World, Congress, NCHA, NSBA, and NRHA Champions. There are three stallions that are five to nine times World Champions!
Many will recognize the stallion names, as they are leading sires of their breed and have produced multiple World and Reserve World Champion offspring. You will have the opportunity to purchase services to some of the finest Halter, Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat, Working Cow, Cutting, and Reining stallions in the world! The 2021 stallion line-up is complete, and the website is being updated daily with additional non-service auction items. This is a great time to do your homework on transported semen costs, mare care facilities and breeding procedures for stallions and ranches that are of interest to you. It also gives you an opportunity to research the stallions. If you are considering transporting semen, make sure you research the process and contact the stallion owner to confirm costs and what their “Live Foal Guarantee” consists of. Those costs will be between the successful bidder and the stallion owners or breeding farms. Visit our website for more information, www.GallopAuction.com.
You need not be present to bid on the services. Pre-bidding is currently being accepted, or you can bid on the day of the auction in the Pavilion or by calling Gallop’s toll-free number and speaking to an operator, starting at 11am (PST). Watch the event live on your computer at our website, www.GallopAuction.com and have your credit card ready! Be sure to call in your bid one or two services prior to the service you are interested in.
Not going to be near a computer? On the road, working or hauling home from a horse show? Do not worry, let Barb Turner know and arrangements can be made for your bid prior to services hitting the auction block!
Gallop would like to acknowledge their event underwriter, Rhodes River Ranch, who is proudly presenting the auction for their 21st year. Rhodes River Ranch is located at the foothills of the Cascades, just an hour and a half north of SeaTac in beautiful Arlington, Washington. The Ranch is dedicated to breeding, raising, and training future World Champion performance horses, and providing top quality service to their clients. They also offer some of the finest performance prospects with bloodlines such as, Peptoboonsmal, High Brow Cat, Smart Chic Olena, Dual Rey, Gunner, Smart Little Lena, Topsail Whiz, CD Olena, Soula Jule Star, Nic It In The Bud, Starlights Joy, Shine By The Bay, TR Dual Rey, CD Lights, Shine Like Hail, Magnum Chic Dream, and their top AQHA World Champion Reining stallion, Whizkey N Diamonds. They welcome visitors to tour their site and contact them for more information regarding a service, one of their stallions, sales or just to visit! To learn more about the ranch, go to www.RhodesRiverRanch.com. The Gallop Charity Auction is indebted to Jean Rhodes for presenting the Gallop Event along with all other sponsors for making the Gallop Auction possible.
Just as outstanding as the breeding services are the nonservice packages! These items are auctioned in-between breeding services and are a chance for anyone to get involved, not just those in the equine industry! Non-service auction items will be posted to the website right up to the event, so check the website frequently!
Some of the non-service items donated include a one-night, two-day all-inclusive Dude Ranch vacation at K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch located in Republic, Washington. Professionally framed artwork donated by the Picture Peddler; a Hells Canyon Wild River Jet Boat tour for two donated from Killgore Adventures; a weekend getaway package at Northern Quest Resort & Casino including a one-night stay, dinner at their five-star restaurant, and a companion massage at their spa.
Are you due for a vacation? Maybe you would be interested in an adventurous South African big game hunt? This epic big game hunting trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Hunt tens of thousands of acres of Veld (grassland) in the Limpopo Province of South Africa on this exciting adventure. Enjoy lodging with all the amenities of home including gourmet meals, laundry service, Wi-Fi and more.
Glamping getaway anyone? Camping in an Airstream is like living the American road trip dream without sacrificing any comfort. Enjoy modern and luxurious accommodations such as a queen-sized memory foam mattress topped with plush linens, pull-out couch, television, full bathroom, and private outdoor area. Choose the Russian River site located in a grove of Redwood trees near Guerneville, California or outside Yosemite National Park, 40 minutes from the western gates.
Back by popular demand, you will have the opportunity to bid on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Enjoy an ocean view stateroom for two for a (4) or (5) night cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, available year-round! The ocean view stateroom includes two twin beds, which can be converted to a queen, vanity area, private bathroom and picture window or porthole. Details on all these vacation packages are located on our website at www.GallopAuction.com.
Calling itself truly “The Last Best Place,” The resort at Paws Up is offering you a chance to stay at their 5-star rated resort! This vacation package will include: a certificate for two adults. Certificate includes lodging taxes and resort fee. Three day, two-night complimentary stay in an exquisitely appointed Meadow Home for two guests. Complimentary daily meal plans for two guests. Certificate includes on property transportation during your stay and one complimentary half-day activity for two guests.
Are your plans to transport semen to your mare this breeding season? Is your veterinarian hospital accomplished in the reproduction knowledge of transported cooled and frozen semen? At McKinlay & Peters Equine Hospital, Dr. Jed McKinlay takes pride in leading their Reproduction Center. Their business was built largely around reproduction and Dr. McKinlay’s specialty continues to be a mainstay of their practice. The Reproduction Centre is in Colbert, Washington and is state of the art for breeding stallions, mare coverage and foaling out offspring. Dr. McKinlay offers exceptional quality reproductive services. McKinlay & Peters Equine Hospital utilizes the most up-to-date techniques in caring for mares with fertility issues. Year after year, many mare owners return to have their mares artificially inseminated with transported fresh cooled or frozen semen. Their Reproduction Centre’s excellent results and professional care is second to none in the northwest. They are a Select Breeders Services Affiliate Lab. This affiliation holds them to the highest standards in semen preparation, handling, and storage in the industry. McKinlay & Peters has joined the ranks in their compassion for families who need to be with their child while receiving medical aid in a hospital. They will be offering a special breeding package in Gallop’s line up of non-service auction items. This breeding package will include: (7) Days Mare Board; All Ultrasound Exam Fees; Insemination Fees; Uterine Culture Fees; Prostaglandins; Ovulation Induction Drugs; Caslicks if needed; and Pregnancy Diagnosis st (14) Days. Gallop is indebted to MPEH Reproduction Centre for their continued compassion and support!
The excitement does not end here! There is always our silent auction too! Items on the tables will include: gift baskets, dining certificates, North 40 gift cards, a $525+ pair of top of the line Hawthorn’s Rancher boots from White’s Boots, multiple Valentine’s gifts, jewelry, Pendleton throw, soft weighted blankets, western purses, South Western décor, limited edition art and much, much more!
A highlight to this event is Gallop’s Opening Ceremony at Noon. Witness the stage come alive with entertainment that will astound you! You will not want to miss these talented recording artists at the kickoff event at Noon!
Gallop welcomes back actress, singer, and recording artist, Valerie Jeanne! Valerie is a powerhouse vocalist! She started her singing career at age three and has been captivating listeners ever since. She is a Nashville charting artist with her hit single, “Rainbow After The Storm.” The song hit # 1 on The Christian Music Weekly Country Chart, written by Michelle McCammond and Mellad Abeid. Being a cancer survivor, Valerie’s story and singles have appeared most recently on KSPS Northwest Profiles that aired throughout last summer & fall. It played leading up to the documentary on the ‘History of Country Music’ by Ken Burns. She has also been featured on KHQ, KREM 2, KXLY, & Fox 28 ‘Good Day Gotta Hear This,’ additionally appearing as a guest artist on ‘The Morning Stampede on K102 Country. Being on a regular rotation on 89.9 KYMS, Valerie is a very versatile vocalist who covers many genres. She headlined for the Vegas Style Show “Showstoppers Live,” performing tributes to vocal giants, Celine Dion and Carrie Underwood in Las Vegas. Throughout the year you will find Valerie hard at work on stage, in the studio, making appearances on television networks, and doing live radio interviews and production shows. Gallop is excited and honored to have Valerie Jeanne returning to the stage for her 19th year! When it comes to this artist … you know instantly that she is grateful to God to be alive and has a new song in her heart!
Participating in her fifth year, Gallop is honored in welcoming back the incredibly talented recording artist, Christy Lee. This girl can sing! She placed in the top-three for the Inland Northwest’s “Best Of.” The gritty texture of Christy Lee’s voice is one of the best you will hear! She has lived in Nashville, recording and performing regularly in music venues and on Broadway. Over the years, Christy Lee has been in and out of Nashville pursuing her music career, touring, and sharing the stage with the likes of Rascal Flatts, Randy Houser, Frankie Ballard, Hunter Hayes, Bryan White and Blake Shelton! Music is not a hobby for Christy, it is a career, filling her days, and a family affair that began at the urging of her beloved father. She wows audiences wherever she performs.
Back by popular demand, singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist, Nick Canger returns to Gallop! Nick recorded and released an old Tim McGraw song that was written by Tommy Barnes called, “When She Wakes Up and Finds Me Gone.” To date, Nick has played with Gary Chapman, Michael Peterson, Jason Michael Carroll, Luke Yates, and many more. You can hear Nick singing on the radios and on the tongues of his fans young and old. His music can be followed on iTunes, YouTube, Facebook, Reverb Nation, and live at this year’s 2021 Gallop Event! Nick leaves his talented mark on stage every time he performs. If you have not heard him yet, do not miss out on one of Country Music’s best acts at the 2021 Opening Ceremony of the Gallop Stallion Services Auction!
Back again for Gallop’s 2021 Opening Ceremony comes well noted singer, writer, drummer, and composer Jesse Quandt. Jesse started playing guitar and singing at the age of four. Being strongly influenced by classic, outlaw country, and classic rock, he thrived in learning from the greats. Adding drums to his repertoire, Jesse became well versed in jazz as well as classical, but never let go of his country roots. Shortly after the start of the war in Iraq, Jesse put his musical aspirations on hold and joined the Army. He served just shy of ten years. No matter the post, he never went anywhere without his guitar. On his final overseas tour, Jesse began writing and composing his own original musical works. Within weeks of returning home to the States, Jesse was booked and performing professionally. From being billed in small bars, state fairs and music festivals, Jesse has gone on to open for award-winning artists and national touring acts and has developed a devout following. His music follows themes of the blue-collar worker, heartache, life, and love. Jesse’s energetic style of blending country with rock, blues and soul always gives astounding, energy-packed live event.Jesse Quandt never fails to deliver true entertainment. Gallop is excited to have him back helping Ronald McDonald House Charities families!
Gallop’s welcomes back Justine Griffin who was unbelievably entertaining last year. She is a classically trained violinist. Justine is a local violinist born and raised in Spokane. Justine started playing the violin at the age of ten-years old. She played for the Spokane Youth Symphony as a child and Gonzaga University Orchestra during her junior year in High School. Her passion is playing improvisation with a little fiddle and a wide range of genres from rock, to country, to pop.
Gallop is honored to welcome back acclaimed Emmy-Nominated Songwriter, Guitarist, Musical Director, Arranger, and Producer, Mellad Abeid. He has been lead guitarist for God Spell, Rock of Ages, Trailer Park Christmas, Footloose, Hairspray, Hello Dolly, and has been awarded Independent Celtic Album of the Year, Instrumental Celtic Song of the Year, and multiple other acclaimed awards. He is amazing!
Returning for his fourth year is Guitarist, Ben Rose. Originally from Kansas, Ben began playing guitar at age 17. He attended Spokane Falls Community College and the Musicians Institute where he was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Stylist’ award upon graduating. He currently teaches music at Learn to Burn Music in Spokane, Washington and plays with various groups around the area.
To complete this amazing group of entertainers is percussionist, Nick Halpin. Nick has opened for Lone Star & Craig Morgan. His band ‘The Last Chance Band,” has a new single out called ‘Dirty.’ They are a top band in the Northwest, and we’re excited to have him with us at the Gallop Event this year! Gallop is honored that he has come back to perform with a heartfelt belief of our mission in helping the families of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest!
All this excitement and support helps the Gallop Stallion Services Auction meet its primary goal of raising funds to help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest continue their mission of helping hundreds of families. Check out all of these performers on Gallop’s Facebook page, or on our website, www.GallopAuction.com.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest provides temporary lodging, comfort, and support for families with children accessing medical services. They additionally support related efforts to improve children’s health. The Ronald McDonald House is much more than a room to stay in. When families are close to the hospital, this facilitates more time with their child and more frequent interaction with their clinical care team which helps them better participate in care decisions. Additionally, families staying at the house have free laundry facilities, shuttle rides to and from the hospital, frequent meals prepared by volunteers through the Make-A-Meal program and much more. The Ronald McDonald House is a shelter in the storm, providing over 8,000 nights of lodging each year. Over 60% of the families who stay there had no idea that they would need Ronald McDonald House Charities services until just 24 hours prior to arriving. Many arrived via helicopter or ambulance. Approximately 57% of the families staying at the house are there with a premature infant or newborn with complications. Those needing specialized oncology treatment for their children runs about 17% and 26% is due to trauma or another illness. Families can stay at the Ronald McDonald House free of charge thanks to the generosity of events like Gallop supporters. The average length of stay is 26 days.
Even children being treated are appreciative of being able to stay at the House with their family. Such is the story of nine year old Steven, who is undergoing treatment for recently diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). He donated $500 to the Make-A-Home program to help provide meals for Ronald McDonald House Charities families. His hometown raised money to help his family cover the high costs of cancer treatments. Steven saw that Ronald McDonald House Charities was running low on meals and chose to donate a portion of his cancer treatment money to help feed families there. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest was overwhelmed to receive such a selfless donation from a child undergoing treatment himself at the House!
Another nine year old Lane was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. He and his parents checked into the House so Lane could be closer to the Sacred Heart Hospital to receive his medical treatment. A month after check in Lane’s little brother, Logan, finally got to join him at the house. Logan’s first stop on Lane’s ‘House’ tour was the famous magic toy room where he chose a giant stuffed alligator to keep him company in this new environment.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest is grateful to Gallop’s sponsors, donors, committee members, stallion owners, and bidders for their support in both the Ronald McDonald House Charities purpose and Gallop Auction. Since the start of the Gallop event in 1983, the auction has raised $2,193,397.80 in its mission of supporting two charities. You can be a part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities family too and make a direct impact on the life of a child today. Remember that the money raised from the Gallop auction helps fight the separation, isolation, and loneliness Ronald McDonald House Charities families often feel as they travel for their child’s medical care.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest looks forward to seeing you all at the Gallop Stallion Service Auction on Sunday, January 31st, at Noon for a “Fun”-raising event. For more information about Gallop, or the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest, please contact Barbara Turner at 509-990-4167.