Chapter 8The Great Stud Tarhe
By 1799, James Sage had sold wagon and buggy horses to farmers throughout Southwest Virginia and had built one of the best horse farms in the state. But that summer General, his prize stud, died when struck by lightning. In the fall he left with Samuel and James II with three breeding mares and a matched team of geldings for the Lexington, Virginia annual horse sale. Even though young Charles would be of little assistance, he begged his father so much that James also let him come. James’ plan was simple: to sell the horses for a good price and buy the best stud between Lexington, Virginia and Lexington, Kentucky. He dreamed of the day that rich gentleman driving expensive carriages would travel to Elk Creek to buy horses from him and his sons.
The trave
