Highlife Farm Auction

[traklover]

I also saw the required 5 k deposit. I too have an issue with this. Frankly I dont know the auction company or their credit rating so have zero comfort level wiring 5 k before I know if anything will sell at a price level I am willing to spend.

Its a shame nice older mares than deserve good homes to have one or two more foal (maybe at) I wonder if this deposit will prevent anyonelse from registering or if I am just paranoid about giving out funds and banking information online.

Curious for other peoples reactions. I more inclined to wire money to a friend in the south and send them shopping their in person

[Sheila_A]

I have an issue with the deposit as well, especially since there is no indication of when the money will be returned if you do not purchase. I have been checking flights/airfare to Orlando but it is not looking good for me so far. I have a feeling the terms will make some of these horses a better bargain than they otherwise would be. Good luck to those who are bidding.

[nancylpr]

You never know, they could still come out smelling like roses.
I have been a Realtor in Florida for over 16 years and when I see these types of properties go to Auction they, more often than not bring jaw dropping prices. We have a LOT of foreign money coming into our state looking for opportunities so we will see.
I know of one renowned trainer who used to work at Highlife but they got rid of him for very good reasons, so though I never knew these people, I would not be so quick to judge them.

http://www.ratemyhorsepro.com/learn-more/articles/update-dressage-trainer-kenn-acebal-arrested.aspx

http://www.gadailynews.com/news/68915-driving-dirty-alpharetta-man-ken-acebal-arrested-driving-nude.html

[jmjhp]

Is there anywhere you can see a video or records on the horses for sale? If I am am going to put a 5k deposit down I want more than a picture.

[hluing]

Was anyone able to see the horses today. My understanding is they will only be shown Monday-wednesday prior to the auction and you need an appointment. This is a pain for me since I do work full time, lol.

[Sakura_Hill_Farm]

Heather, Monica had indicated that she and some friends were going- I have a call in to her, so will ask her to post when she returns my call if they all went.

[2tempe]

[QUOTE=jmjhp;6438802]
Is there anywhere you can see a video or records on the horses for sale? If I am am going to put a 5k deposit down I want more than a picture.[/QUOTE]

Go to YouTube and search for Highlife Farm Auction. There are three videos from 2010 which had many of these horses on them; each is a short clip in the round pen; some trot and a bit of canter. Then you have to do the mental calculation as to how the horses are two years later…
There are some lovely horses on there. But the whole thing is a bit vague, ie not clear that they are current on shots, etc; who is working under saddle, who not. Any health papers? I understand that owners liked all of them to be backed a bit, but who know if that was happening on the younger ones.

I’m likely to go to watch, will be sitting on my hands when GRP colt/stallion is up. Would love to have that guy…BUT not practical…

[Sakura_Hill_Farm]

The report has it that the horses can be seen on 22 and 25 July, by appointment.

[2tempe]

Has anyone been to look at the horses? Thoughts/opinions?
I’m scheduled to look at two under saddle on Monday, just curious what the general impressions are.

[hluing]

Monday is the first day they are being shown.

[2tempe]

[QUOTE=hluing;6447503]
Monday is the first day they are being shown.[/QUOTE]

Yes, that’s true, but several people posted that they were goint to the Sunday previews, which I presume included the ability to see the horses at least hanging in their stalls or pastures…just looking for general impressions, vibes, etc.

[Broadreach]

If you look on the website for the auctioneer, most of these horses don’t have any reserves. Does anyone have any experience with these type of auctions and what some of the younger breeding mares are likely to go for? Once an auction is in place like this can you ever negotiate a sale before the auction opens?

[Kwill]

The $5K deposit will certainly keep a lot of buyers away, which is probably the idea.

I don’t think you can negotiate before an auction, but you never know.

The fact that they have no recent videos or many good pictures makes this really strange. Or did they put some up? Sounds like people are showing up to see the horses, so their reputations preceed them and maybe they didn’t need to put anything on the web.

[Noms]

I don’t think there is anything shady going on. This is a forced auction of all of Highlife’s property including horses. The auctioneer is probably very knowledgeable at selling real estate, but not horses, so i think this is why there is little to no info on them. The Sims are not in the picture any longer and I believe they are not getting any $$.

The horses are all very nice, have been very well cared for and if you get one for $5,000, you are getting a bargain.

[hluing]

I agree. This is not an auction company used to selling horses. I disagree that all the horses/ponies/minis are worth $5,000. There are several aged broodmares that however high thier quality, have not foaled in many years. The mini’s I would think are essentialy worthless as far as monetary value. It will be a very interesting auction. I suspect some will sell for very good money and some may not even sell.

[mbm]

i am pretty sure the 5k is earnest money - ie to prove you are serious about bidding and more importantly - paying if you win.

i would assume you will get the $$ back if you don’t bid/win?

[traklover]

The problem I personally have as it does not specify in their agreement when you get the 5 k back. It also reads to me like their is also a buyers premium of 1500 per horse.

So if some buys one of the aged mares or mins for under a grand they might be happy if they have to pay the 1500 on top.

I have no problem with providing a letter of credit from my bank, but not keen to pony up 5 k in cash not knowing when I will be reimbursed if I do not subsequently buy anything at the sale

[2tempe]

The first page of disclosures says there is NO buyers premium on the horses. And the $1500 reference is to closing costs on the property parcels.
There is an 800 #; you could call and ask re the return of the $5k…

[GingerJumper]

I love Highlife Lucena. Really interested in her, although I need another horse like I need a hole in the head.

[Roisin]

[QUOTE=GingerJumper;6449913]
I love Highlife Lucena. Really interested in her, although I need another horse like I need a hole in the head.[/QUOTE]

Please do get her! A friend of mine who posted here earlier owns Lucena’s daddy, and I know she would be happy for that particular girl to end up in a good place!