HORSE AUCTION BUYING TIPS - WARNINGS
THE BIG FIVE CONSIDERATIONS (WARNINGS)
according to the article published on the internet by Katherine Blocksdorf on
www.horses.about.com are as follows:
1. horses may be drugged.
2. not as well broke as they appear.
3. may have vices or other issues.
4. horses may have health issues.
5. little chance to try before you buy.
She has an interesting site and useful info.
I agree these issues must be addressed if you purchase a horse at an auction. The horse auction serves several purposes. these include :
1. the convenience of a one time yearly production sale for a ranch. Most of these folks are concerned about their reputation and the reputation of the horses they breed and sale. This saves time and advertising cost. To assist you in making a purchase you should get the sale catalog and review the ranch history. the buyer saves gas and time by making one trip to the horse store.
2. Some persons do use the auction to sell horses that are not saleable at home because of vices or defects known to their neighbors and fellow horsemen or horseladies.
3. My suggestion: first time horse buyer you need to try to buy a horse you know or from a neighbor you can trust . If you do go to auction take an older horsetrader with you to help you see through the "B.S." The neighbor or private owner advantage is the opportunity to ride and see if the horse fits you and has the character and disposition you want. you can have a vet check and more information about the horse and see how the horse works in a less stressful situation(FOR YOU AS WELL AS HORSE). This is a mandatory rule to me when the rider is a young cowboy or cowgirl. no excepions !! the adults have the sole responsibility for the health and safety of young folks.!!
4. Most auction sales are "as is" and you have little or no redress.
5. Private sales do have some warranties and redress.
6. IT IS RECOMMENDED YOU REVIEW THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE BELOW.
THIS IS STRICTLY A PERSONAL OBSERVATION.
In trying a horse notice whether or not the horse keeps eyeing the rider. this indicates to me the horse has been repeatedly struck and is overly sensitive. the horse focuses more on the rider and not where he is going.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2ND 2009