Buying from sales/ auctions - any tips?

[Sunny08]

As title says really, we are potentially looking at buying a youngster from sales. I am confident in my ability and that of my companion to judge confirmation, nature, health, suitability etc as far as possible on the day but wondered if there were any other words of wisdom as never brought from sales/ auctions etc?? Are there anythings to particularly look for or pitfalls to avoid?

 

[trickivicki]

decide your maximum bid and stick to it!!

if (like me) you are likely to get caught up in the moment and bid away, take a trusted/ responsible friend leave them with your budget and bidding card and go and have a (very nerve- wracking) coffee when your lot is in!!

good luck!

(remember- dont feel you have to buy something on the day just because you are there! and know what the animals you are looking at are actually worth sometimes on a sunny day after a good bath particularly in school holidays auction prices can be surprising!)

 

[Miss L Toe]

Go along on a dry run, listen to the other buyers and don't be afraid to ask for advice. Remember you will have to pay straight away and at some sales you will have to lodge cash with the auctioneers.

 

[jhoward]

dont let dealers load a horse that isnt keen.

ive bought one from exeter today, the the poor sod, granted he was be a dick but he was shaking at one point and he took a hammering .

i think old alli is hte one to listen too., dont bid until the end when the bidding has calmed down,

look at horse from all angles poke and prod, check teeth. and check the autioneers conditions, aswell as what ned is being sold as.. ie if u can buy one that says sold as sound and vice free.

get it home, and dont bother with the let it settle do as much as you can, as if there is a problem chances are you have 48 hours to declare and possibley get shot of horse and your money back.

i always believe horses end up at a sales for a reason, of course you get the good apples but chances are theres a hell of a lot of bad apples out there.

 

[Boxers]

Don't let the regular dealers see how interested you are because they may bid against you to up the price. Don't put your bid in until it looks like it's all finished (just before the gavel drops).

Horses in the later lots may be cheaper because if for instance you have looked at the catalogue and chosen say 3 that you would like to go for, but you are successful with one of them earlier in the day, then there are less buyers at the sale later in the day (does that make sense?).

Look at the passport in plenty of time and if you can go and google for any further information you have seen on there.