Horses can be much more affordable at an auction than from a dealer, but there is also risk involved. It is important to know what to look for at horse auctions. Most reputable horse dealers would strongly discourage you from buying at horse auctions. If you are determined to try your luck, however, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of success. Just as you would with any other major purchase, it is important that you do your homework and make important decisions prior to attending the auction. It can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of bidding, or to console yourself for losing out on a particular horse by bidding on an animal that may not really be what you’re looking for.
Always make sure you do plenty of research on the breeds of horse you are considering buying at horse auctions. It is important to always keep in mind that the auctioneer’s job is to sell animals, not to ensure you get the right horse for you. Caveat emptor, or “buyer beware,” is good advice to keep in mind when you are looking at a horse auction. The more you know about the typical health, common problems, and training issues of a particular breed of horse, the better you will be able to see beyond the seller’s hype and carefully evaluate an animal.
Be aware that many horse auctions have no requirements regarding vaccinations or other testing of animals that are being sold. You are getting the horse you buy “as is,” which could be disastrous if the animal you bring back to your stable is sick or infected with parasites. Be sure to have any horse you buy at an auction examined by your veterinarian before exposing him to any of your other livestock.
Buying at horse auctions can be a positive experience for some buyers. It can also, however, be a recipe for disaster. Keep in mind that you know nothing about the animal except what you are seeing in front of you, and you should be a little skeptical of anything you are being told about the horse. There are no returns when you are buying at horse auctions, so bid carefully. Try to find out as much as you can about where the horse came from and why it is being sold at auction. When buying at a horse auction, keep in mind that if a horse seems like it is too good a deal to pass up, there could be a good reason for that.
Set a budget before attending the auction and stick to it. Refrain from making impulsive decisions that you may later regret. If you are not already extremely familiar with horses, consider taking along some who is. It can be very helpful to have an impartial third party with you, preferably one who knows what to look for at horse auctions. Although buying at horse auctions is always a risky proposition, knowing what to look for at horse auctions - and leaving your emotions and impulses at home – can help you be more successful.
