It is quite possible to buy a good horse for a low price at an auction, but there are often more problem horses than good horses so you need to be able to tell the difference. At most auctions, horses are sold 'as-is' and without guarantee, so if you find a problem afterwards you likely won't be able to get your money back. Therefore, you need to do your homework in advance to pick out which ones meet your criteria, after eliminating the potential problems (e.g. injured, sick, bad habits, or behavioral issues).
The first step is to arrive well before the auction starts, so that you have sufficient time to look over the horses. Watch the horses are they are being unloaded and walked to their pens. The horses should display overall good condition and walk easily, without any sign of lameness. Given the noise and strange surroundings, it is normal for a horse to be alert and somewhat nervous; if they appear indifferent they may well be drugged or too sick to care.
If a person unloading a horse is its owner, their behavior will give you some useful hints about the horse. If they are gentle with it and appear sad to part with it, the horse has likely been well treated. However, if they are abrupt or rough with the horse, perhaps even hitting it, then it may well be an abused or neglected horse, with the associated issues.
When the horses are put into their pens, you can look (without entering the pen as that can be dangerous) at them for scars or other marks. These can indicate previous injuries or abuse, which could have left permanent issues.
By now, if it is a typical general horse auction, you will probably have removed most of the horses from consideration and are left with a few possible candidates. Ask around for the owner of each of these and when you find him, ask him to tell you about the horse. Enquire what injuries or illnesses that the horse has had. Ask if it has any bad habits, behaviors or other problems. Ask what the horse has been fed, how it has been kept and what it is used for. Finally, politely ask why it is being sold.
If you are still interested in a horse at this stage, ask the owner if he can remove it from the pen so that you can examine it. It is much better to examine a horse on its own, as it allow you to concentrate on the horse without the distractions or possible accidents associated with being surrounded by strange horses. Start by closely looking over all parts of the horse. Then run your hands over the horse, feeling carefully for any bumps or other irregularities, with special attention to the legs. Carefully examine the hooves, especially underneath. Check that no teeth are missing and that there isn't excessive wear or other issues (be careful of your fingers). With two fingers, press down on both sides of the spine, moving down the entire length of its back, watching if the horse displays any discomfort or pain at any point. During the entire examination the horse should be alert but should not be aggressive or fearful.
If you discover anything unsatisfactory during the examination, ask the owner to explain it. Unless that you are happy with the explanation and believe it, remove the horse from consideration. Remember that it is better to go home without a horse, than return with a problem horse that you later regret buying. Set a maximum price for each horse left on your short list, so that you don't go over budget in the excitement of the bidding.
Prior to the start of the auction, you should also ensure that you have facilities to keep the horse and someone to transport it there. If you haven't made arrangements, discuss with the auction staff if they can do this or if they know a reputable person that can. - 29953
The first step is to arrive well before the auction starts, so that you have sufficient time to look over the horses. Watch the horses are they are being unloaded and walked to their pens. The horses should display overall good condition and walk easily, without any sign of lameness. Given the noise and strange surroundings, it is normal for a horse to be alert and somewhat nervous; if they appear indifferent they may well be drugged or too sick to care.
If a person unloading a horse is its owner, their behavior will give you some useful hints about the horse. If they are gentle with it and appear sad to part with it, the horse has likely been well treated. However, if they are abrupt or rough with the horse, perhaps even hitting it, then it may well be an abused or neglected horse, with the associated issues.
When the horses are put into their pens, you can look (without entering the pen as that can be dangerous) at them for scars or other marks. These can indicate previous injuries or abuse, which could have left permanent issues.
By now, if it is a typical general horse auction, you will probably have removed most of the horses from consideration and are left with a few possible candidates. Ask around for the owner of each of these and when you find him, ask him to tell you about the horse. Enquire what injuries or illnesses that the horse has had. Ask if it has any bad habits, behaviors or other problems. Ask what the horse has been fed, how it has been kept and what it is used for. Finally, politely ask why it is being sold.
If you are still interested in a horse at this stage, ask the owner if he can remove it from the pen so that you can examine it. It is much better to examine a horse on its own, as it allow you to concentrate on the horse without the distractions or possible accidents associated with being surrounded by strange horses. Start by closely looking over all parts of the horse. Then run your hands over the horse, feeling carefully for any bumps or other irregularities, with special attention to the legs. Carefully examine the hooves, especially underneath. Check that no teeth are missing and that there isn't excessive wear or other issues (be careful of your fingers). With two fingers, press down on both sides of the spine, moving down the entire length of its back, watching if the horse displays any discomfort or pain at any point. During the entire examination the horse should be alert but should not be aggressive or fearful.
If you discover anything unsatisfactory during the examination, ask the owner to explain it. Unless that you are happy with the explanation and believe it, remove the horse from consideration. Remember that it is better to go home without a horse, than return with a problem horse that you later regret buying. Set a maximum price for each horse left on your short list, so that you don't go over budget in the excitement of the bidding.
Prior to the start of the auction, you should also ensure that you have facilities to keep the horse and someone to transport it there. If you haven't made arrangements, discuss with the auction staff if they can do this or if they know a reputable person that can. - 29953
About the Author:
The topic of Horse Care is Duber Stewart's favorite subject and part of his Horses for Sale website.
