VA Sport Horse Auction

[fizzyfuzzybuzzy]

Anyone headed to the sport horse auction in VA? I was looking through the catalog, and was just wondering what other people are speculating as far as prices go. Some really nice horses, and I know that Davignport sold for $68K at the special sale over the summer. Is this sale becoming a high end auction? I always thought I would this fall (not going to work out, but maybe next year) as I found there were some nice horses to be had for some rock bottom prices. But not worth the drive if everything is going to sell for $5K or more!

[IronwoodFarm]

I have been going to this auction for years. The fall auction tends to have the lowest prices. People are trying to sell horses prior to the winter and there are some very nice horses to be had at good prices. I think you can leave with a good horse for less than $5K; maybe two horses.

On the higher dollar end of things, many of these horses no-sale. However, they have had exposure to prospective buyers and there are deals done in the barns post-auction.

Personally, I think the prices will be low this year. The economy is getting better, but has a long way to go yet. There should be some great bargains to be had. I would go to this auction if I were horse shopping right now.

[Trakehner]

There are always a very few high dollar horses...a smattering of the middle level horses and in the fall auction, you can get some amazing bargains (Frying Pan's sale is also notorious for some cheap sleepers).

[see u at x]

And there are always a few horses who make you go, "Huh????" when it comes to their prices. And I mean horses or ponies that don't seem like much, maybe were not ridden at all, or just in general seem to have something NQR about them, who sell for a lot more than what many people think they're worth. Really, really weird.

Like the above posters said, there are some great deals to be had. A friend of mine got a really nice gelding from there for less than $2,500 - he just needed to be reschooled over fences. Another friend of mine got a TB mare for $350 who looked like a total nut in the arena over fences, but she's turned out to be really nice...again, with some reschooling. I think that if you are a good enough judge to look past the way some of these horses are being ridden, you'll find some real gems.

[Sparky Boy]

I've bought two there over the years. The first mare, 7 yr old TB. Green over fences apparently was code for, she's going to kill you if you try and jump anything more than a pole on the ground. Not good. Second mare I got, was a 3 yr old WB x. Started out the first few months with some serious "quirks", even considered a "cowboy" for her, but after we worked through her issues, she's turned into a wonderful horse for me. I probably paid too much for her but turns out she's well worth it.

[arabhorse2]

I've often thought about going, but that's quite a trek for me, especially if the horses are out of my price range.

I've tried to find auctions closer to me, but haven't had any luck.

[Sparky Boy]

I've often thought about going, but that's quite a trek for me, especially if the horses are out of my price range.

I've tried to find auctions closer to me, but haven't had any luck.

I think someone may have said this but Fall seems to bring the lowest prices out of the three.

[scribbles]

the summer auction up there had very nice horses selling for much less than 5000. especially if you are willing to buy a yearling or 2 yr old... some selling for 1000, when just the stud fee to breed them is so much more than that!

[Artie]

I wish I could go, and I wish it wasnt on Halloween.... I was planning on convincing my parents to go and possibly get a nice project for next year and it looks like there is a pretty good group of younger horses and ponies

[hellerkm]

oh no don't tell me there are ponies there too?? I thought it was only horses, ( don't ask me why I thought this) UGH , my parents are taking a nice 5 yr old filly and hopefully coming home empty. Unless I tag along and look for a pony project, do you think my 5 yr old would give up trick or treating??
Going back into my cave now as I do not need another pony!!!

[arabhorse2]

Oh, it's on 10/31/09? Bummer. I have a previous commitment for that weekend.

[see u at x]

oh no don't tell me there are ponies there too?? I thought it was only horses, ( don't ask me why I thought this) UGH , my parents are taking a nice 5 yr old filly and hopefully coming home empty. Unless I tag along and look for a pony project, do you think my 5 yr old would give up trick or treating??
Going back into my cave now as I do not need another pony!!!

:lol: I think you should totally go....just to *ahem* watch...

[Catalina]

I have purchased three horses over the years from the VA Sport Horse Auction.

The prices tend to be across the board. Most anything from the Strain Family Farm sells for $$$$. Warmbloods that have any kind of mileage and that look good sell for $$$$$. [I saw a Holsteiner No Sale for $20,000 in 2001. :eek:] The ones that tend to go cheap are the older horses, the really young ones who haven't done anything- or don't have a stunning pedigree-, or the greenies that are 8 years old +. The rest, which tend to fall into the 5 to 10 year old range and who have done something, tend to sell for $4000+. If they have done something successfully, then the price goes up more.

But, there are bargains out there, you just have to deal with some issues most of the time (green, etc). I have been happy with all of the horses that I purchased through them and I would do it again :).

[YankeeLawyer]

I am sure there will be some good deals to be had there - there always are.