In today’s digital marketplace, buying a horse no longer means driving to sales barns or shaking hands over a fence rail. Online horse auctions have made it possible to browse and bid on horses from across the country—and even internationally—from the comfort of home. While this convenience opens up a world of options, it also comes with legal risks every buyer should understand.
Look for her article in the September/October issue of OklahomaHorses Magazine, where equine attorney and horse breeder Mary Westman breaks down the legal advantages, such as written terms and digital documentation, and the pitfalls, including limited buyer protections, jurisdictional challenges, and fraud risks. She also shares practical steps to protect yourself—like requesting a pre-purchase exam, reviewing terms carefully, and securing a written bill of sale.
Whether you’re new to online auctions or an experienced buyer, this will prove essential reading before you click “Bid.”