Contacts
Our team of staff have all been chosen for their depth of experience, knowledge and expertise in their own individual equestrian discipline.
- Eventing and Dressage Sales
Sally Harris
sally.harris@ips-auction.com, Tel: +44 (0) 7912 354133 - Pony club/all rounders, Affiliated Showing and Tradestands
Tamsin Jessup
tamsin.jessup@ips-auction.com, Tel: +44 (0) 7765 900958 - Young/breeding stock
Sally Harris
sally.harris@ips-auction.com, Tel: +44 (0) 7912 354133 - General enquiries and Masterclass tickets
Head Office
info@ips-auction.com, Tel: 01248 422386 or +44(0) 7918 056214
Helpful hints
Nervous about buying at an auction? Don’t be !
Here is the IPS quick guide to how an auction works and top tips for finding and bidding successfully on your “must have” horse/ pony.
Don’t forget members of our helpful and knowledgeable team will be on hand to guide you through the simple process.
In order to bid you must register at the head office (01248 422386) – please ask for a buyers registration form or download one here
- Search the catalogue either on-line or the printed version for the type of horse/pony you are looking for. They are categorised by type (all-rounder, showjumper, showing etc) height, age and sex.
- Mark or make a note of the Lot numbers that match your requirements and read the descriptions and information carefully.
- On the preview day (Saturday 13th November) make sure you arrive in good time to see the ponies in the stables, being prepared for the show, talk to their owners and riders. This will help you get a better picture of the pony’s temperament and capabilities. You may be offered a chance to ride it yourself.
- Get to the Arena in time to see it being worked in before its turn in the main ring. Watch the performances carefully to ensure your choice is suitable.
- Make your shortlist of the ones you really like – have a well earned bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
- Return for the evening Masterclass with Carl Hester - see the elite auction lots
On Sunday arrive in good time, check with IPS staff what time your lots will be in the ring. (Lots will be sold in catalogue order, but are subject to change)
- Take a seat or stand by the ring and watch how lots enter the ring.
- Their number will be announced and the bidding will start. Familiarise yourself with the process so by the time your lot comes you will feel confident
- Set your bid ceiling for each lot - auctions are very exciting and you need to limit yourself to your maximum bid – remember to include the sales commission (See Terms and Conditions)
- You may bid by catching the auctioneers’ attention simply by raising your hand or with a definite nod - make sure you have eye contact with the auctioneers. They are very experienced, so do not worry if you think you may have bid by mistake.
- If the bidding gets heated and the price rises rapidly, don’t worry as you will have a chance to bid before the final fall of the hammer, when the auctioneer will check for any extra last minute bids. If it is below your ceiling GO FOR IT!
- Once there are no higher bids the lot will be knocked down- the hammer will fall and you will be the new owner ! You will be asked if you wish to have the pony vetted, and an IPS representative will take your details.
- When vetting etc is concluded, please come to the Sales Office to pay for purchase and obtain the necessary documentation which will allow you to take your pony away.
- Once there are no higher bids the lot will be knocked down- the hammer will fall and you will be the new owner ! You will be asked if you wish to have the pony vetted; we advise you to include a blood test and an IPS representative will take your details. When vetting etc is concluded, please come to the Sales Office to pay for purchase and obtain the necessary documentation which will allow you to take your new horse or pony away.