Purchasing a Horse

PLEASE READ THE CONDITIONS OF SALE

1. WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE

We suggest that you arrive on Thursday. That will allow you to be at the Horse Center early on Friday to visit the stalls, view the horses, and talk to the consignors. You will be able to watch the horses riding and demonstrating in the covered arena. This will also give you time to inspect the horses, and try the ones you are interested in.

2. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO SEE

We highly recommend you attend the seminar that will be given on Friday at 12:00 pm on “How to Purchase the Right Horse for You and Your Family”. It will cover many of the questions you may have about purchasing a horse. We will go into detail and give you lots of information necessary in making a good decision and purchase that is right for you. Please try to attend! You will want to watch the Star H Equine Insurance Ranch Horse Competition at 3:00 in the main Coliseum and the evening events of Friday night at 6:30 pm, including the Grand Entry, Gaited Horse Show Off and the $2,000 Trail Horse Competition for sale horses. Saturday at 9:30 am is the Finals of the Trail Competition, with the top 10, high scoring horses returning to compete on a more difficult trail course. They will also be allowed a 2 minute “freestyle” opportunity after their completion of the trail course. You don’t want to miss this exciting event!

3. WHAT DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A HORSE

You will need to come to the sale office and obtain a Buyers Number before bidding. Go into the Anderson Coliseum, to the sale office located near the front doors on the concourse. There you will sign up for a buyer’s number. You will need to show your driver’s license for current identification. You will then be given a card with a buyer’s number that you will use for bidding on a horse. All purchases must be made through the sale company at the office.

4. HOW DO I BID ON A HORSE

If you find a horse or horses you like and you want to bid on them, have your buyer’s number ready. When the horse you like comes into the sale ring, raise your hand when the auctioneer calls for a bid. Watch the ring man in your seating area and he will let you know when you have been out bid. If you are the last bidder and the auctioneer says SOLD, he will ask you for your buyer’s number, you may call it out to him. Please stay in your seat, and a ticket clerk will come to you with the buyer’s ticket for you to sign. Read the ticket and sign your name, at that point you have become the new owner of the horse. You may go to the office at any time to make your payment. There is no rush, but there will be a line if you wait until the end of the sale. If you feel you may need assistance, go to the sale office and tell them what you need help with, and they will be glad to help you.

5. HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY HORSE?

You may pay by cash, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card. We will use PayPal for the credit card payments. Credit cards will have an extra charge for a handling fee. You will need to show a current driver’s license for identification. If you pay for your horse with cash, you will be given all of the original paper work to take with you. If paying by check or credit card, you will be given the coggins paper, copies of the registration papers, and the original paper work will be mailed to you within 10 banking days. You will also be given a check out sheet that will allow you to remove your horse from the VHC facility.

6. WHEN DO I HAVE TO REMOVE MY HORSE?

You become responsible for your horse when you sign the buyers ticket. This means for water, feed, hay, hauling etc. After your horse is paid for, you may leave at any time. You may want to talk with the consignor and make arrangements for them to possibly leave feed and hay if you will be staying overnight and leaving Sunday morning. Check out time is Sunday 9:30 am. If you need to stay later, you must make arrangements with the stable office of the Virginia Horse Center. If you need buckets, halter, etc. we have vendors selling everything you will need for your new horse.

7. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A TRAILER WITH ME?

We have an equine transporter who has a booth set up by the sale office. If you do not have a trailer, or didn’t bring one, you will need to talk with him before purchasing your horse to discuss his availability and where you will need your horse delivered. You may consider contacting him before the sale to get more detailed information to help with your decision. His information is located on the Vendor page of our website.

8. WHAT DO I FEED MY HORSE?

Talk with the consignor about what brand and type of grain and hay your horse has been eating. Also ask about the quantities, so you will know how much he is used to eating.A smooth transition helps prevent possible digestive problems down the road.

9. I NEED HELP!

We are here to help you in any way we can. We want you to have a good experience at The Great American Ranch and Trail Horse Sale. If you need any help, or have any questions while at the sale, please go to the sale office and our sales staff will be glad to assist you.

10. BUY A GREAT HORSE AND HAVE MANY HAPPY TRAILS!

Remember, you have moved your horse to a new home, give him time to adapt to you and his new surroundings. He just came from having a big weekend, be patient and understanding.