$1,700,000: Crosby Ray Von Shatters Records

Solo Select and the Relentless Remuda made history when Crosby Ray Von, a 3-year-old mare by Stevie Rey Von out of MA Crosby by Valiant Hero, sold for $1.7 million at the Old West Rope Horse Futurity Sale in Heber City, Utah on June 20, 2025.

The sale marked a new record for the highest-priced Western performance horse prospect sold at public auction—and solidified rope horses as a driving force in the Western performance world.

The team behind $1.7M High Seller Crosby Ray Von

The buyers? Allan and Melessa Jones of Cracklin J Ranch in Borger, Texas. While new to the performance horse world, the Joneses—ranchers and business owners—are no strangers to high-stakes decisions. Allan runs a successful manufacturing company and manages an 11,000-acre cattle ranch. Though he doesn’t rope himself, Allan recognized the significance of this moment and the team behind the mare. The mare will be eligible to return next year to compete for a substantial sale-side pot, plus a $1 million bonus awarded to the top 4-year-old futurity graduate from the Old West Sale.

Trevor Brazile and Miles Baker purchased Crosby Ray Von and her full sister in September of their yearling year, partnering shortly after with Ty and Melanie Smith of Solo Select. Dakin Allred and BJ Avila started Crosby Ray Von as a 2-year-old before she entered Miles Baker’s program in October 2024.

“Our partnership is like lightning in a bottle,” Melanie Smith said. “Each of us brings something unique—and unmatched—to the table. Ty Smith has quietly been behind some of the most significant sales in Western performance horse history: he was a partner on Hott Twice, the $1.5 million Hottish colt who previously held the record for highest-selling prospect at auction; the buyer of Woody Be Tuff, the high-selling cutting stallion at $1.3 million; a partner in the record-setting $850k sale of Blackkout at the Pink Buckle alongside the Relentless Remuda; and part of the highest-selling embryo ever offered publicly at $180,000. No one puts a deal together like Ty—his relationships in the industry are unmatched, and buyers trust him because he consistently delivers results.

"Trevor Brazile, with 26 world titles, brings GOAT-level vision, execution in the show-pen and experience. Miles Baker has shaped some of the winningest rope horses in the game—including Relentless PYC and Pride And Joyy—turning raw talent into proven champions through relentless work. And I bring the marketing machine that makes sure the right eyes are on the right horses. We’re all great on our own, but together, we’re the best of the best. I’m so appreciative of what each of us brings to the table. Individually, we could get it done, but not at the level of success we’ve been able to achieve together.”

For Solo Select owner Melanie Smith, the sale was deeply personal.

“As a 10-year-old girl, I just wanted to be around horses,” she said. “To now be part of a moment like this—selling the highest-priced Western performance horse prospect ever at public auction—it’s beyond my wildest dreams.”

Ty Smith has been integral in the Solo Select string of success over the last few years, Smith added.

“Ty has an unmatched eye for a great one, whether it’s a baby in the pasture or a 2-year-old just getting started," Melanie said. "He spent years learning from his mentor Doug Carpenter, and it shows in how consistently he picks winners in every single discipline. He’s the definition of a horseman, and while he’s usually behind the scenes, his fingerprints are on some of the best horses in the business. His instincts and quiet influence have been a driving force in the success of our program.”

The mare remains in training with Baker and Brazile and is eligible for a $1 million bonus at the 2026 4-year-old futurity. But for the Joneses, it’s about more than just prize money.

“You take a mare like that with the potential she has, and then throw in the people behind her,” Allan said. “It wasn’t just talent that sold us. It was the team.”

As the rope horse industry continues to gain ground in prestige, this record-setting moment marks a new era.

“I’ve seen some negativity on social media about this sale, with people saying it prices out the ‘normal guy,’” said Melanie Smith. "I couldn’t disagree more. Team roping, in my opinion, is one of the most accessible and wide-reaching sports in the entire horse industry. It’s multi-layered—there’s truly a place for everyone. A blue-collar guy can take his rope horse to a World Series roping and win six figures. You don’t have to keep your horse in full-time training to be competitive, and there are great, affordable horses out there.

The beauty of this industry is that you can raise a prospect, send it to one of the many incredible trainers out there, and have a real shot at huge futurity money—and then still go ride that horse yourself. It’s a perfect storm of opportunity. This filly set the precedent today for what a truly great prospect is worth, but the magic of team roping is that you can compete and win at any level you choose.”

Melanie Smith also gave credit to those behind the scenes who made the event possible.

“Quincy Probst, Redgie Probst, the Richard family—every single person who worked tirelessly to pull this sale off in just 45 days deserves recognition," Melanie said. "These guys don’t need our money, they don’t need the spotlight—they did this because they love the rope horse industry and want to see it grow. To say that we at Solo and Relentless are appreciative is an understatement. They’re playing a huge role in changing the game, and we’re proud to be part of it. The future of this sport is bright."

Jared Whittwer and PDI Diesel allowed Solo and Relentless to use their 3-year-old spot for Crosby Ray Von, giving the mare a chance to exchange hands publicly to begin with—a key factor that made the whole thing possible.

Crosby Ray Von

“Happy Goodson and Ronnie Rose stepped in at the sale, Gracie Lou Holman and Preston Brown keep Trevor and Miles in line every day, and Daci Baker does more behind the scenes than most people will ever know,” Melanie continued. “Our entire social media team at Solo Select understood the assignment and overdelivered beyond measure. I could write an entire article about the people who make this machine run. Every single one of them is absolutely critical, and a simple thank you or mention could never express how important they truly are."