The first thing you’re
going to want to do is to find out not only where the auctions
are, but specifically where horses may be auctioned. There
are several ways to do this. One is to use Wisconsin Auctions’
auction search page using the
keyword “horse”. Depending on whether or not
there are any horses listed on the site at the time of search,
you may get a list of results. Read through the results
for details.
Other ways to find horse sales is to read through the various
horse magazines that are readily available at most bookstores,
or subscribe to one online. Horse sales are also usually
performed at some point at horse shows. You can also call
a local rancher and ask them for their advice as to where
to go to find a good horse auction.
Make sure you show up to the location
of the auction plenty early. Find out when the horses to
be auctioned will be arriving, where they are coming from,
and take notice of how the current owners treat the horses
post-arrival. It’s also not a bad idea to bring a
veterinarian with you, being that they are typically well
informed and are good judges of the health of particular
horses. You see, you can’t rely on the current owners
to report any ailments the horse may have prior to the auction
being that they are attempting to receive top dollar for
the horse. If you can’t get a vet to go with you,
find a trainer. Anyone with more experience than you is
going to be an asset to the purchase. It is quite likely
that whoever you bring, whether it be a vet or a trainer,
is going to want some money for their time (don’t
worry about this, it’s well worth it).
Once you’ve found some horses
that you believe you may be interested in, make another
loop of the sales area and speak with each of the owners
individually. Ask any questions you may have, especially
those pertaining to bloodlines.
Once you believe you’ve found
the horse that you want, it’s time to closely observe
the horse’s behavior. Pay close attention to the way
the horse moves and the way it reacts to it’s surroundings.
This will give you a preliminary idea of the horse’s
disposition at the very least. If the horse is not too young,
it is worth a shot asking the owner if you may ride the
horse as well. This will give you an even better idea of
how the horse will be once it comes home with you.
As is with all auctions, it’s important
to set a bidding limit. This is basically the maximum amount
that you are willing to spend on the horse that you choose.
It’s very important to stay at or under this limit
because as we all know, it’s easy to get carried away
in a bidding war at the auction. This way you are making
a hopefully wise, informed, and profitable purchase.
It’s also a good idea to let
the bids “settle” a bit before jumping in on
the action. Often times the asking price will come down
several times before the bidding even starts. It doesn’t
make sense to pay more on an opening bid than what you would
have had to pay if no one is bidding against you.
Once the bidding is closed, you’ll
want to get your check or payment method prepared so it
goes quick and easy. With most horse auctions, it’s
typical that they would ask for a 10% down payment as well
as the sales commission which goes to the auctioneer. Once
this is squared away, you’re ready to leave with your
brand new horse.
Auctions
are great places to purchase horses and livestock as well
as a multitude of other farm animals, equipment, and machinery.
However, it is very important to understand what you are
getting yourself into before deciding to do so, especially
in regards to the purchase of a living animal such as a
horse. 
