AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
The Augusta Futurity wrapped up its weeklong
event at the James Brown Arena on Saturday. Final events included a horse
auction which saw a decline in attendees this year.
Curtis
Chester looks forward to the Augusta Futurity every year, especially the horse
auction. This is the second year in a row he has not left empty handed.
"We just bought a Little Trona Mare, a real
nice cutting mare," said Chester.
Chester and his wife bought a horse last
year at the auction and are proud to take home one more.
"We
will take her home and play on her a little bit and see what she can do,
hopefully come back down here next year with her," said Chester.
Augusta
Futurity continues to bring back loyal visitors from 30 different states and
considered to have the second largest economic impact on Augusta following the
Masters.
However,
According to Futurity Chairman Billy Morris, this year's impact may not be as
significant.
"We're down slightly but the whole horse
industry is down because of the recession," said Chairman Morris.
One buyer shared with FOX54 the difference in
the auction from years past.
"It's
not as crowded as what it has been," said Kip Davis.
Fewer
crowds means less people were there to buy.
"It's
certainly affected the horse business, people don't have as much discretionary
income," said Mark Herron, advertising manager at Cutting Horse magazine.
Chairman
Morris says there is nothing to worry about because the Futurity will be here
again next year.
Those
that were buying are already making plans for 2014.
"I'm
going to take him home and try to bring him back next year," said Davis.
About
70 horses were up for sale. Buyers are
eligible to bring their horse back in four years to compete in the 2018 Augusta
Futurity.
Copyright 2013 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WFXG, a Raycom Media Station.
