Working Ranch April/May 2025

ranch horse ranch, a strong ranching background is one of the key factors in a good horse. A horse that’s been used on the ranch, has a job, and knows what’s expected of it is going to be more reliable. Gentleness comes from experience, and a horse that’s been exposed to different situa tions and handled right is more likely to take care of a young rider.” Additionally, inquire about any guarantees. Some auctions offer lim ited soundness guarantees or a satis faction guarantee. It’s rare that there is a money-back guarantee available but at times a breeder will offer credit in the next sale. Be upfront about your questions on this. On sale day, arrive early to walk through the pens and locate the horses on your list. Observe their behavior — are they calm? Do they have good ground manners? Are they standing tied quietly? Watch for any signs of nervousness or behavior that may not be a match to what you are looking for. By the time you approach the owner, you should already have background information on the horse. Due to lia bility concerns, most auctions do not allow prospective buyers to ride horses on-site, which is why arranging for a test ride in advance is a good idea.

Tanner Anderson “never buys a “kids horse” with someone else’s guarantee.”

BIDDING STRATEGIES When the auction begins, be alert and ready to act. Here are key strate gies from Auctioneer Nick Bennett for successful bidding: • Register in Advance: Ensure you are registered and have your bidding number. • Choose a Good Spot: Sit in sight of a ringman and/or the auction eer — ringmen are the people who stand in the front and relay bids to the auctioneer. Ringmen are there to help facilitate the auction, turn in your bids to the

auctioneer and can assist you if you need assistance. • Listen Carefully: The auctioneer often starts with a high asking price to appraise the horse. If no one bids, the price will drop. If you’re unsure, wait for the first bid, but don’t hesitate too long — bidding moves fast. • Be Confident: Place your bids clearly and decisively. If you hesitate, you might miss out. Pay close attention to the auctioneer; when he slows down or pauses, he’s close to ending the bidding. • Know When to Stop: Stick to your budget. It’s easy to get caught up in a bidding war, but exceeding your financial limit can lead to regret later. Once the gavel drops, the sale is final — no second chances. AFTER THE SALE If you win the bid, be prepared to finalize the transaction promptly. Know what types of payments the auction accepts and have your funds ready. Additionally, make sure you’ve arranged for transportation to get your new horse home safely. Bidding on a horse at auction is a thrilling experience, but it requires careful planning and execution. By setting a budget, conducting thorough research, asking the right questions, and bidding strategically, you can increase your chances of bringing home the perfect horse. Happy bidding!

78 I APRIL / MAY 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.