This year, during the first week of November, five horses are ready to find their new homes thanks to the annual MU Online Horse Auction & Fundraiser.
For the 12th year in a row, people from across the country will be able to bid on APHA- and AQHA-registered weanling and yearling horses online. Their ages range from 6-7 months and 17-18 months, and all of them began training their very first week of life.
“One of the most unique things about our auction is that you can purchase youngstock that have had a tremendous amount of groundwork,” said Marci Crosby, equine instructor/Extension specialist in animal sciences. “Our buyers often report back that continuing their horse’s training was a breeze since they have such a solid start.”
The students who work at the MU Equine Teaching Facility are integral in the event’s functioning, just as they have been in every stage of the animals’ lives. The five horses up for auction (Jada, Jockey, Kali, Killian and Kirby), are not just any old horses. Each of them hold special connection to Mizzou, as they were all bred, raised and trained by the students in the MU Equine Program.
Each year, through three different courses taught in the program, MU students learn not only how to breed and train horses, but also gain experience in how to sell them. They do everything from creating advertising material, including professional photos and videos, to building each horse’s unique portfolio, which provides a thorough look into their medical history, strengths, weaknesses, etc. And if their efforts are proven successful, the funds raised through the auction will help ensure more students get the same unique opportunities in the future.
The sale average is typically around $2,200 with a range between $1,000 to $4,000 per horse, and all of the proceeds raised will be used to enhance the entire program, as the money will go toward purchasing supplies.
On Saturday, Nov. 3, at the MU Equine Teaching Facility, potential buyers will be given the opportunity to meet the horses in person as part of the Horse Sale Preview event. But the event is not limited to only those looking to purchase a horse. Anyone who wishes to support the students and their work, bid on silent auction items, or simply see the beautiful animals in person are welcome.
“It’s immensely rewarding to see the hard work of our students culminate in this event,” Crosby said.
But for those who are in the market for a new horse, the auction can be accessed at horseauction.missouri.edu. Bidding has now started and it will end on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. CST.
The MU Equine Teaching Facility is located at 4400 E. New Haven Road, Columbia, MO.