Red Bluff: Ranch horses, livestock dogs sold; bull sale today

Today is the day when more than 400 prime registered bulls of a variety of breeds will make their way into the auction ring to be sold for top dollar.

It's the final day of the 72nd annual Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale.

On Friday, top-notch ranch horses and working livestock dogs were auctioned off after a week of sifting out the less-than-best, judging which was best, and competition to show just what the best could do.

Cathy Tobin, owner of Oak Knoll Herefords in Flournoy, brought two of her registered bulls to the sale.

The two Herefords made it through the sifting process on Wednesday, when judges and veterinarians marked the bulls that weren't good enough to be in the nationally renowned Red Bluff livestock sale.

Later that day, Tobin watched as her bulls went into the judging and grading ring, both handled by Big Jim Vietheer.

"They both graded 89," she said. "I'm pleased; really happy. Now I just have to wait and see how they do at the sale."

Tobin will be sitting in the bull sale stands today, along with dozens of others hoping for the best sale prices — be it seller or buyer — and some will be both.

As the bull sale winds down the trade show will be packing up its goods which have been on display since Tuesday. Throughout the week sale visitors had a cornucopia of Western merchandise to browse through and purchase, from tractors to chaps and cowboy hats to cattle feed, there was a little of just about everything country.

Some of those who bought a new horse, dog or bull will be taking them home today.

Others will be gathering later this evening in the fairground's Pauline Davis Pavilion for the Red Bluff Buckin' Best Bull Riding event starting at 7 p.m. when top roughstock riders will go head-to-head with some of the toughest bulls and broncs available.

A party/dance will follow wild rides. Tickets at the door are $25.