Preparing For The Sales – Key Welfare Guidance To Remember
The sales complex can be a stressful environment for both horses and humans. Whether you're buying or selling, the TBA’s welfare guidance will help you prepare effectively and ensure the highest standards of care for all horses involved.
Here are four key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Sale entry and guidance
Take time to read the Conditions of Sale, which are published on each sales house’s website. These outline the pre-sale requirements for each lot, as well as the responsibilities of vendors, consignors, and purchasers.
- Preparation for the sale
Sales complexes can be challenging for horses, so proper preparation is essential to ensure they are presented in good health.
Make sure your horse is:
- Taught to stand correctly for physical inspection
- Fit enough to walk and have their action and conformation assessed
- Having their hooves trimmed regularly to prevent foot soreness
- Familiar with the horsebox
- At the sale
Any welfare concerns while on site at a sales complex should be reported to the welfare officer.
To support the horse’s well-being while at the sales:
- Monitor vital signs daily, particularly after long-distance travel
- Provide at least one 30-minute rest period during each full day the horse is at the sales complex
- Following the sale
After going through the sales ring, horses should be left with plenty of hay and water, and their headcollars should remain on.
For sales held during the winter months, if the horse no longer has a rug but one is required, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to provide one.
A few important reminders:
- Transfer of ownership must be processed with Weatherbys within 30 days
- Isolation and health testing are strongly recommended before introducing a newly purchased horse to others
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