USEF Network

Aiken Event Horse Sale Returns to South Carolina as One of the Premiere Eventing Horse Sales

RELEASE: January 8, 2009
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Emily Daily

The second annual Aiken Event Horse Sale (AEHS), a fabulous event designed to bring together event horse sellers and buyers in one convenient, enjoyable setting, is the perfect time of year for horse shopping. Buy your new equine partner early in the season and have plenty of time to establish a wonderful relationship. Soon you’ll be out eventing in no time.

“We hope that the sale will prove an effective way for buyers and sellers to come together. We also hope that if nothing else, the sale will prove a great opportunity to see a vast number of beautiful horses in one place,” said Craig Thompson, organizer of the AEHS and an advanced level eventer.

Format of the Sale
Last year nearly 70 horses were presented, and many horses were sold within days of the sale. Horses ranged in age and ability from young horses just starting their eventing careers to experienced three-star competitors.

Owners can list the horse’s breeding, age, height, sex, and performance record in the catalogue, as well as a reserve price to give buyers a general idea. Prices ranged from $4,500 all the way to $150,000, with the bulk of the horses being in the $15,000-$40,000 range.

Horses arrive the first day to check in at the office and are allowed ample time for schooling and getting used to the grounds. After they’ve settled in on the second day and the crowds have arrived, the first group of sale horses are presented in-hand, followed by an under-saddle demo by their riders. Trial rides on the horses are available all afternoon, but buyers must sign up to give the owners adequate notice. Pending number of entries, the second group of horses will be presented the second day, and likewise, trial rides will take place during the afternoon.

Opening date for registration is January 12, 2009, and closing date is a few weeks later on February 6. Sellers pay a $225 registration fee per horse. Stabling is available on site for an additional fee. They will also pay a 3.5% transaction fee to Aiken Event Horse Sale, LLC, if the horse is sold within 45 days.

Great Opportunity for Buyers
Buyers have the opportunity to sign up and try out horses for sale. Schooling areas will have a variety of show jumps and cross-country jumps, including water, ditches and banks. There is a sand arena and a grass jumping field and both will be used for the sale.

Buyers, take note: this year you do not have to register prior to the sale. Just come to the office on the day of the sale, sign a release, get a "Buyer" armband, and start trying horses. Or just enjoy watching a range of event horses strut their stuff. Admission is free, so bring a few friends and make a day out of it.

This year’s catalogue will be released on February 11.

New for 2009
Though all the excitement, comradery, and great opportunities you’d expect from a top-class sale will return this year, there are a few new changes for 2009.

Photos will be an option in this year's online sale catalogue, giving buyers the opportunity to have a "sneak peek" at the horses available. Simply send them along with your application, or email them to aikeneventhorsesale@gmail.com.

Registration forms can be submitted online—a great perk for busy professionals who don’t have access to a printer, especially at their winter training grounds.

Stabling is provided on grounds this year for a small fee, making it convenient for buyers and sellers alike.
Also, all buyers and spectators are invited free of charge this year to the sale. Come by for a great chance to meet and greet fellow eventers and perhaps even find your next eventing partner.

Testimonials
Buyers, sellers and spectators from all over the country showed up last year for the AEHS, including top eventers such as Mike Huber, Sharon White, Nadeem Noon, Will Fau