How to Select A Suitable Horse Before The Bidding Begins
Editor’s Note: This is the second installment in a two-part series explaining the ins and outs of the Verden auction at the Hannoveraner Verband, one of the most highly acclaimed European sport horse auctions in the world. This second installment explains what the process is like for prospective buyers at the auction. Read part one here.
I took some time to investigate the customer service aspect of the Verden auction, realizing that customers often needed help navigating the process to pick out suitable horses to potentially purchase.
I spoke with Daniel Fritz, who heads customer service at the Verband. When asked how they aid customers find the right horse, he simply stated that, “We try to have a horse for everybody in the collection. Different types, sized and a range of quality.” Every aspect of the horse is evaluated, and the collection of horses as a whole is meant to meet the needs of all types of riders, from professionals to hobby enthusiasts.
Once the buyer has viewed and selected some potential horses on the auction website, Daniel and his team get to work on ensuring these buyers have all the information they need about the horses before the auction day. Those that physically come to Verband can ride horses on trial before the auction day.
“The customer can choose the horses they would like to ride, (but) I help them to choose the right horse,” Daniel explained. “I ask what the plan is for the horse…. Is it for leisure riding or competition? If they want to compete, what are their goals?”
Having a well thought-out plan helps buyers make an informed decision, he reiterated. The only factor he and the rest of the staff cannot control is the sales price of the horse. That of course, is decided by the highest bidder on the day of the actual auction.
“Of course we do not know the exact price at the auction, but we have an idea,” Daniel admitted. “If a client gives me a price range, I can advice them based on previous knowledge.”
This ensures horses that may fall out of budget are not the only horses being considered to be purchased, he explained.
Watching the customers ride the horses on trial also plays a role in how Daniel and the team advise prospective buyers. “Sometimes people choose a more difficult or a green horse. If I know that they do not have as much experience, I can be prepared to suggest more appropriate options,” he said.
Horses at the auction range from three to seven years old, so there is a variety of ages and stages of training to offer.
Considering the suitability of horse and rider is what sets up the partnership for success, Daniel said. And that of course, is the goal at the end of the day.