About the 2024 ASPCA Makeover Marketplace

The Makeover horse sale is not an auction; it is better described as a marketplace. All sales are private contracts between the buyer and seller. The RRP is not party to the transaction and does not receive any commission. The RRP strictly serves as an organizer for the Marketplace by putting together shopping resources, aiding trainers in the marketing of their horses, and creating a venue to make this possible. Contributions from satisfied sellers and buyers, however, are encouraged and appreciated. They are tax-deductible and are used to fund the RRP's programs to promote and facilitate placement of these horses.

The online listings will include stabling locations and ride times (added later in September) so that you can watch and meet horses that interest you. Use the mobile phone numbers listed to reach sellers if you can't find them at their stalls. Look for green icons throughout the weekend to identify Marketplace horses on their stall cards, online entry lists, stickers on their bridle numbers, and in the event program.

Trial rides are allowed at seller discretion, generally only after a horse has finished Makeover competition. If you plan a trial ride you must first sign a release at the Information Desk in the Covered Arena and then show the release verification wrist band. The Walnut Ring warm-up arena is set aside for trial rides throughout the Makeover.

Prices may or may not be negotiable, and in some cases may increase based on performance or other factors. Sellers are encouraged to screen buyers to facilitate appropriate matches. Don't be offended if they ask you about your riding background or goals.

The RRP encourages buyers to invest in pre-purchase exams before purchasing. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute (859-255-8741) has veterinarians on call to conduct exams during the Makeover. Keep in mind that it is the veterinarian’s job to evaluate the current condition of the horse, and it is the buyer’s decision whether to purchase the horse.

Sellers will have their own transfer of ownership agreements. All sellers have agreed to include in those agreements the following language or something equivalent:

1. Buyers agrees to make a reasonable effort to notify Seller when the horse is made available for sale in the future.
2. Buyer will not knowingly sell the horse to a “kill buyer” or allow the horse to be sold at public auction for less than $1,000.

It should also be noted that any horse in the Marketplace that is being offered by a non-profit aftercare organization may require an additional adoption approval process.

A free basic bill of sale is available for download.

The ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Barn will include Right Horse partner organizations and their Thoroughbreds available for adoption. Horses will range from recently-retired Makeover prospects to older horses looking for their next partners. For more information about the Adoption Barn click here.