The Rise of Futurities

Talented young horses are a driver for the growing horse market

Anyone even casually involved in the horse industry is aware of the massive growth in the market. Horses once priced in the low-tomid four figures are easily clearing five figures at every avenue for sales.

Auction barns, consignment sales, invitational sales and private treaties have all seen a rise in prices across the board for every class of horse.

While there are multiple reasons this may be the case, there is no denying the rise of futurity and other aged events across the Western industry have been a major driver in the price of horses in recent years.

With a spotlight on the Western industry as a whole, aged events have been given the spotlight in areas where they have not been as popular in the past.

Finding a niche

Jay and Lindsay Wadhams started the American Rope Horse Futurity Association (ARHFA) nearly 18 years ago with the goal of promoting growth in the roping horse industry.

According to their website, “ARHFA was formed to bring attention to futurity-aged horses in the same way the cow horse, cutting and