The advantages of the auction are that many horses can be viewed and compared in a shorter amount of time and less mileage. Also, the true market value is evident because people publicly bid, and the horse sells for what the market would bear that day. The auction environment can rush an inexperienced person into quick decisions that they did not intend to make or cause buyers to go beyond their spending limit in the height of emotion. Unless there is an expressed warranty on the horse, for example, this mare is due April 1, the horse X-rayed clean, the stallion is fertile for breeding, there are no guarantees, and the sale is final. Private sales allow the buyer a calmer time to think, to be more cautious, and to get acquainted with the horse.
Private sales allow the buyer to purchase horses from known reputable people.
Shopping for horses through private sales takes a great deal of time and money to travel. Owners, and especially breeders, tend to think their horses are worth more than true market value. Emotional ties of the horse and seller will also cloud many private sales. Purchasing through private sales with the advice of an experienced horsemen usually is best for the first-time buyer. Regardless of the method of marketing the horse, don't be in a hurry to buy one.