The public auction is the most secure your way to purchase horses. Selling or buying a horse privately is a headache with too much negotiation. While many auctions are moving online, live public auctions still represent the best way to purchase a horse. Below I’ll discuss how to find horse auctions, how they operate, pro bidding tips, how to get your dream horse in an auction, and my experience with horse auctions near me.
Map of Horse Auctions Near Me
For “Horse Auctions Near Me”, see below for locations…
How to Find Horse Auctions Near Me
Horse and Pony auctions are popular events across the US. A majority of these events are held in the summer and spring.
While many of these upcoming auctions are moving to online events some with live video streams, there are still plenty of live public horse auctions. These events occur at farms, race tracks, auction houses, horse shows, private stables, and other venues. You can bid on foals, broodmares, hunters, thoroughbreds, harness horses, trotters, dressage, quarter horses, mini ponies, jumpers, and more. Some auctions will specialize in one particular type like race horses or show ponies.
The quality of the animals will vary and some will be rescued. Horses are also auctioned at livestock auctions with cattle and other farm animals.
No matter the animal, each auction runs slightly differently, but the long and the short is, that the highest bidder wins. While many people are there to bid, some come for entertainment and socializing. If you are new to horses and ponies, you may not know how to find a live public auction. Here is a list of free resources that I use to find vehicle auctions near me:
Google Search and Yelp Listings
Google and Yelp are my typical go-to, where I look for “horse auctions near me”. You will find a mix of farms, auction houses, livestock markets, stables, etc. What I like particularly about Yelp though is that this is better at finding live auction events to attend in person.
Some of what Google presents may be online auctions. Another way to search Google is to look for “Horse Auctions in [Your Zip Code] on [The date you want]” This will bring up events in your area, like local horse shows that are running auctions. These are pop-up horse and pony auctions that don’t appear in your regular search results.
Pro Tip: One of my best secrets is using Google “Events” to find horse auctions in my locale. Most horse auction seekers aren’t aware of how to find these smaller events. That means you get less competition and you can look like the savvy horse auction show veteran. Google Events will list all the popular Horse auctions but also include smaller “pop-up” events. These are not run by big auction houses, they are smaller local venues and often are one-time events,
Try Google Events here: Horse Auctions Near Me This Week
Towns with Race Tracks
Race tracks present opportunities to bid on various types of race horses. If you have a local horse racing track, you can call and ask if they run auctions or where the auctions in the area are held. Some places will have auction blocks or auction rooms, while others do them right in the barn or paddock area. In some towns with race tracks like Saratoga Springs in NY, they have fancy auctions, where some folks even wear tuxes.
Local Stables and Farms
Finding your local horse stable or horse farm will also help you find horse auctions in your area. Some may hold auctions themselves, but if not, these folks tend to know where all of your local horse and pony auctions are run from. They are regular buyers and sellers of horses, some may even go to auctions to rescue horses.
Shows and Meet Ups
Horse shows, Rodeos, cattle shows, etc are great places to identify horse auctions in your area. Many auctions send personnel to these events to advertise and hand out flyers. Some auctions will also be sponsors of events like this. For example, the annual horse show in Nevada runs in conjunction with a Two-Year-Old Select Sale.
Newspapers
While you may think no one reads or advertises in the paper anymore, plenty of auctions still run classifieds. What I like about finding horse auctions in the paper is they are normally auctions with smaller marketing budgets, which means less competitive bidding.
How Do Horse Auctions Near Me Work
First I’d like to note, that many horse auctions are run very well and are kind to the animals, There are those that are not and you should check and read what the Humane Society has written about them, If you haven’t had the horse and pony auction experience, the first time can be overwhelming. There is a crazy auctioneer shouting gibberish saying and prices, that people respond to saying “Yep”.
Horse auctions have different varieties both in the types of auctions that are run and the types of horses that get auctioned. Some auctions are very particular so you will get an auction full of show jumpers, dressage horses, and hunters. This is very different from a livestock auction with horses, where you get good horses for riding around the farm.
How Auctions Work for Horse Sellers
Sellers get their horses and ponies ready by washing, clipping, and shod, prior to the event. They will consign the horse to the auction, provide a description, and pay an entry fee and 6-10% of the final sale price. Lastly, they need to have all the horse’s ownership paperwork and veterinary paperwork to hand over.
They drop their horses off, which get inspected for health prior to going to auction. If a horse is lame or is not healthy, they will be scratched from the schedule for auction.
How Auctions Work for Horse Buyers
There is a preview event prior to the auction, you should attend in order to assess the animals. This is the time when you can see your prospective horses or ponies in action working cattle, changing leads, show jumping, or whatever skills they are proficient in. It is critical to attend if you plan on buying a horse or pony.
If you plan on bidding, you need to register. This is where you are assigned a bid number. Requirements to register involve proof of identity and proof of financial ability to pay. This is also where you sign a terms and conditions agreement that makes a bid a legally binding contract.
Before the event starts you need to make sure you find a place where the auctioneer can see you. It’s important that you are in their line of sight so your body will not get missed. If you bid and win and you want veterinary work completed, you should tell the auctioneer before you leave the seller’s ring. There is costs associated with vet work, but it’s good to do before you take ownership.
If you plan on bidding, you should plan on winning, so come prepared. Bring a trailer and back home have space ready for your new animal.
Flow of the Event
First is the preview period, followed by registration. The preview may be the day before or hours before the event. Registration lines can get long, so get there early, so you don’t miss the horses you wish to bid on.
At the start of the auction, the auctioneer will explain the bidding rules. Then announce a description of the first horse or pony and what level the bidding price will begin at. Potential buyers raise hands, paddle, or make callouts in order to bid. Each bid is raised in ascending order until the highest bidder is determined. At that point, the auctioneer says “Sold” and slams the gavel
Tips for Buying Horses At Auction
First, you need to understand you are buying horses and ponies in “As-Is” condition. If you have questions about the animal is sound, you need to work that out prior to bidding. You can even ask if they have X-rays available prior to the event,
Second, you need to speak to contact the owner directly. Ask them questions…”I don’t know” is not an acceptable answer. Depending on the type of horse, you probably want to ask:
- How much training has this horse had?
- What experiences has it had like shows, fox hunting, working cattle, rope?
- How’s the past health history? Has the horse been lame?
- How long have they had the horse?
- What makes the horse spook? Is there anything it does that quirky?
Thirdly you need to arrive early and watch the previews. Pay attention to how the horse is ridden, behaves, and it’s health. If you can see it with different riders that’s even better news.
Fourth if you have never bid at a horse auction, then attend one and watch first. It’s good to see the flow of the event. Watch how the experienced bidders bid. Are they only bidding on horses from a certain stable? What they bid on could be just as telling as what they don’t bid on.
What to Do Once You Have Won
When you have the highest bid and the auctioneer says sold, you take ownership of the horse. To finalize the end of the sale, you need to sign the paperwork and pay the final hammer price. You will get a bill of sale, which you will need to present in order to load your horse in your trailer.
Make sure you pick up all of the paperwork for the animal including the vet documentation for vaccinations. These will be important to account for any current or previous health issues for each horse so that you can continue any treatments they may be currently receiving.
Online Horse Auctions vs Public Horse Auctions
Both types of auctions offer advantages to both buyers and sellers. Buyers can save time by seeing several prospects at once, talking to many owners, at once, and possibly getting the horse or pony below value. For sellers they get a fixed time frame for sale, a final sales date, marketing and promotion, and negotiations made easy.
Today many auctions or switching to online auctioning. It is convenient for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can bid from home and sellers can reach a broader prospectus market. Some of the online auctions are semi-live, where they have live video streams and staff that act as proxies for online bidders.
While I love the idea and ease of online auctions of any kind, nothing can compare to evaluating what you are purchasing in person. No one has ever bought anything on an eBay auction and said “Wow, this is nicer than they said”! My point here is going to a live auction is critical so you can see what you are getting. The pre-inspection period is paramount in order to view the animal in action and evaluate its health. Just looking at descriptions, videos, and pics online is not nearly as effective as live viewing.
Legal Aspects of Horse Auctions
Contracts and Warranties
When participating in a horse auction, it’s crucial to understand the legalities involved, especially regarding contracts and warranties. A contract is a binding agreement between the buyer and the seller. It typically outlines the terms of the sale, including the price and condition of the horse.
Warranties, on the other hand, are assurances given by the seller about the horse’s health, pedigree, and performance capabilities. It’s important to login to the auction house’s website or contact their representatives to get detailed information about these aspects. This step ensures that you are fully aware of what you are agreeing to when you bid on a horse.
Understanding Liabilities
Liabilities in horse auctions can be complex. As a buyer, you need to be aware of any legal responsibilities you are taking on. For instance, if the horse causes damage or injury after the purchase, you might be liable. Therefore, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your liabilities before you join the bidding.
Often, auction houses have specific terms and conditions entered into the contract that address these issues. Make sure to read these terms carefully and ask for clarification if needed. Remember, once you place a bid and it’s accepted, you are legally bound to that agreement.
State and Federal Regulations
Horse auctions are subject to various state and federal regulations. These laws are designed to protect both the buyer and the seller, as well as the welfare of the horses. Regulations might include licensing requirements for the auction house, health and safety standards for the horses, and specific rules about transporting animals across state lines. It’s advisable to email the auction house or check their website for information on these regulations. Being informed about these laws helps in making a responsible and legal purchase. Additionally, if the auction is held on a Saturday or in January, check if there are any special regulations applicable on those days or in that month.
In conclusion, understanding the legal aspects of horse auctions is key to a successful and lawful transaction. Always ensure that your password and personal information are secure when dealing with online auctions, and stay informed about the legal requirements to make your dream of owning a horse a reality. Remember, a well-informed buyer is a smart buyer.
Horse Auctions Near Me
Horse and pony auctions are a lot of fun. If you have never been it is good to check one out, before you go to one to bid. If you are not an equestrian expert, then you should consider bringing one with you like a rider or a trainer.
Once you bid, it is a legally binding contract, so do your homework and only bid on horses you are ready to own. What is most important is bidding on animals in good health that fit the requirements and budget you have. This is what I have learned from the horse auctions near me.