Horse seller thrives in new environment

What was a Clovis-based horse selling event organizer is getting an incentive from the state of Texas for moving its events to Levelland in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clovis Horse Sales made its home at the Mallet Event Center and Arena in Levelland in 2020 after 20 years of it being held in New Mexico.

The move came during the COVID-19 shutdown when Texas had fewer restrictions than New Mexico for hosting big events.

Levelland now hosts four sales a year, which brings in over 800 people to Levelland from 22 states and countries, according to a news release from the city of Levelland.

On Thursday, the Chamber of Commerce Tourism & Lodging Committee, and the city of Levelland presented a check for $17,262 from the Office of the Governor's Economic Development and Tourism Office to Steve Friskup with Clovis Horse Sales.

The funding comes after the Chamber of Commerce Tourism & Lodging Committee had applied to the state's Events Trust Fund (ETF) Program, which assists Texas communities with paying costs related to preparing for or conducting an event in Texas. The program permits local governments and local organizing committees to apply to the state for the establishment of an event trust fund to help pay for certain eligible costs associated with the conducting events to the state. The program is funded through event-generated taxes. ETF's awards are distributed on a reimbursement basis following a review from the Governor's Office of submitted costs after completion of a qualifying event.

"The Clovis Horse Sales in Levelland makes a significant impact on our local economy," said Mary Siders, president of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce. "Per the Office of the Governor Tourism Division, a guest coming for an overnight stay in our community spends an average of $127 per day. That multiplies locally seven to eight times. Any time we are able to bring guests into Levelland it adds to our local economy. This event makes Levelland a destination four times per year. It is a great opportunity and event for our community, and it is our honor and pleasure to have Steve Friskup and his horse sale in our community."

Friskup said the organizers are pleased to be hosting the event in Levelland and have been impressed by the staff at the Mallet, along with the community.

"Everybody has come together to make it all happen, they treat us like kings around here," Friskup said.

"We're glad to be here. We wake up and pinch ourselves every day."

When asked Friday if there was any chance the sales would return to Clovis, Friskup said, "not that I can foresee."

According to its website, Clovis Horse Sales strives to provide quality horses for all types of rider. With each sale, they have different events featuring different types of horses. These include team ropings, cowhorse futurities, and ranch horse competitions.

Editor Kevin Wilson contributed to this report.