Demand Grows for Draft Cross Horses Ahead of Waverly Auction

The Midwest event will feature hundreds of horses and offer nationwide bidding access to participants

WAVERLY, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — There has been an upswing in demand for draft cross horses with buyers being drawn to their gentle nature and effectiveness for trail riding. Next week, the Waverly Midwest Horse Auction will feature 800 horses total, with more than 300 high-quality draft cross horses.

Leon Martin, company owner and president of Waverly Sales Company, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to offer a glimpse of what’s to come for the upcoming event.

In his conversation with RFD News, Martin discussed who the ideal candidate would be for the horses and why they are growing in popularity.

“They’re for a person that’s looking for a gentle, quiet-natured horse that’s stout and has a lot of energy and ability, especially out west in the mountains,” Martin said, “They’re just very quiet with that draft blood in them. They’re just fun to be around.”

The auction also has an in-house bidding platform that allows for remote participation.

“This allows people who are not able to be here to participate in the auction. There’s full video streaming of the auction,” Martin continued, “You’ll be able to hear the auctioneer calling animals. Hear the commentary about the animal and bid on them. We have a Coast-to-Coast audience, and we really enjoy that.”

Martin says that care for the purchased horse, as well as pickup or shipping, can be arranged afterward, regardless of location.

Related Stories
StockShowAuctions.com takes us to the Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas, where young producers are showcasing their dedication, skill, and champion livestock.
Brent Graves, auctioneer and mentor, shares his journey supporting youth in agriculture, livestock competitions, and how he is turning junior livestock auctions into a classroom for youth in agriculture.
Dr. Sally DeNotta with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides horse owners with guidance on the recent outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).
A leading Oklahoma veterinarian explains common symptoms of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) and warns owners to remain vigilant because it can spread quickly among horses.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
The Presley Family built Branson’s Original Show on the Strip. “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” was a smash hit, and people from across the country lined up every night for a chance to hear the country music and comedy the Presley Family loved to perform.
Analiese Gregory is taking one of the biggest risks of her life: she’s left her successful career as a restaurant chef and bought a century-old cottage at the bottom of the world, in pristine Tasmania, Australia. We share her journey of discovery as she gets under the skin of her new home – and learns to live seasonally off the land, by hunting, fishing, and foraging.
Hosted by Agriculture Broadcaster Brian Baxter, RFD Network’s popular series “Classic Tractor Fever” is a must-see for any tractor enthusiast. It’s the place to find the history, stories, and passion of collectors who preserve these beautiful and amazing pieces of our agricultural past.
This half-hour program showcases the finest traditional country music that America has to offer. Recorded live at the four-acre Circle T Arena in Hamilton, Texas, each episode of TruCountry features live performances by some of the nation’s most authentic country music artists, playing good-time songs to a jam-packed dance floor.
One of RFD Networks’ many efforts to showcase stellar American musical craftsmanship, “The Bluegrass Trail” showcases the greatest Bluegrass artists across the USA performing time-honored songs—many presented for the very first time. It’s a celebration of this nation’s musical roots right here on our Nashville stage!