Consignor Stuart Morris Focuses on Recovery

Stalwart consignor Stuart Morris returned to the sales ring at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale after suffering a stroke Dec. 23, 2022; not one to RNA, the consignor has continued to be present at every major sale since the hospitalization. Wrestling with numerous issues in the aftermath of the stroke, his body is telling him it's time to focus on recovery.

"First and foremost, I want to thank everyone in the industry, friends, strangers, and professional peers who have been selfless in supporting me; it's been a big part of my recovery," Morris said.

Morris has decided to take a year off and spend time making his health the foremost concern while navigating the needs of his clients and delegating as fit to peers.

"I have learned the stress and demand of our industry, and what I do with the sales company is too challenging for me to maintain a consistent approach with my health and recovery therapy," explained Morris. "During the September Sale, my liver got out of whack, and I ended up missing six weeks being laid up and sick from the stress of the sale. It's too much strain on my body to do the entire process (of a sale); when you do this your whole life, you don't realize how much it takes out of you.

"After having my stroke, I didn't realize how much of a challenge it would be for me to recover and maintain my workload, and properly run a consignment. I don't regret how I have tried to do it, but I have learned taking a step back is imperative to my recovery, for whatever that can be. My doctors tell me I have until Christmas; by then, it will be what it is."

Morris has been exploring traditional and non-traditional therapies to do everything imaginable to get back to as normal as possible and be pain-free.

Read: Stuart Morris Suffers a Stroke; GoFundMe Set Up

The consignor sold 86 horses in 2023 for gross receipts of $4,902,200, down 47% over the previous year when he sold 152 head for $9,181,500.

"I'm not going away and will stay with my clients and help them as much as they like, try and advise them on which sale to go to, and direct them to a consignor I think will work with their way of thinking," Morris added. "I have been flattered by some dear friends and peers who have offered to help me manage books and keep things moving in the right direction.

"I'm keeping all the doors open while taking this time to get healthy and am open to all offers for what may arise."