Press Release

January 8, 2009 – 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 Faudree, Lauren and David O’Brien, Maley Coombs, Will Coleman, Jenn Simmons, and many more. Here are just a few testimonials from satisfied customers.

“The Aiken Event Horse Sale is a logical way for buyers and sellers to meet at one location. Last years’ sale was professionally run and was the first of hopefully many successful sales.” – Phillip Dutton, Seller

“The Aiken Event Horse Sale proved to be an excellent way to showcase my young event prospect. He was sold just days after the sale to a contact I made with a registered buyer. It was a well run and enjoyable two days.” – Robert Costello, Buyer/Seller

“From start to finish, the Aiken Event Horse Sale was a fantastic experience. The website was accurate, informative, and up-to-date. The sale was run efficiently and on time. The staff was friendly and extremely helpful. Even lunch was great. But the best news of all is that I found my next equine companion! Many, many thanks to Craig Thompson and Sarah Heffron!” -Cady Erickson, Buyer

“I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Aiken Sale. Everything was done in a very professional way. I could never have given my young horse so much exposure in one day on my own. He not only came away from the day more educated, but he also found a new home. The sale was a great place to give any type of horse great exposure in a safe environment that was both buyer and seller friendly. It was also fun to renew old contacts as well as create new ones. I would highly recommend the Aiken Sale for anyone looking to buy or sell a horse.” – Jennifer Dougherty, Seller

“It’s a great place to showcase what you have for sale. I found it very worthwhile as my horses received a lot of attention, and subsequently I sold one for what I considered to be top dollar. Unintentionally, I also bought one, as a good horse is a good horse, and you never know where it might come from next!” – Jennifer Simmons, Buyer/Seller

“I brought two horses to the Aiken Event Horse Sale, and I appreciated the atmosphere and facilities made available to us for presenting the horses . It was also a very interesting and educational experience for my students who came along. Critically evaluating so many horses in close proximity can be a great tool in developing your eye and lets you prioritize the qualities that you really need in a good event horse.” – Nadeem Noon, Seller

“Craig and Sarah did an excellent job and after speaking to them this fall, they have made improvements in last year’s event. I would DEFINATELY take horses there again, and will be bringing clients to the sale for sure…We brought four horses varying in prices from $15,000-$45,000. We came from Texas too!!! Our horses got lots of play. We sold one, and made some good contacts on the others. You will not regret this experience.” – Angela Grzywinski, Seller

Visit aikeneventhorsesale.com to find out all the details on the sale, including seller registration forms, entry information, directions, hotel accommodations, local restaurants, and more.

Stay tuned for more exciting details of this innovative event.

For more information, visit the Aiken Event Horse Sale website or email aikeneventhorsesale@gmail.com or call (631) 252-4892 or (803) 634-0379

Thanks to Our Sponsors

The Aiken Event Horse Sale organizers extend a heartfelt thanks for our wonderful sponsors for contributing to this exciting event: Aiken Saddlery & Banks Mills Feeds, Craig Thompson Eventing, Deirdre and Michel Vaillancourt, L’Apogee, The Barn Works, Alan Berardo of Omega Farrier Associates, Southern Equine Services, T’s Heating and Cooling, and Virginia Field Hunters.