There is a shift in livestock auction sales in consolidation of live markets and movement toward virtual marketplaces. We examine buyer preferences for nonracing stock-type horses sold through virtual auctions to better understand how animals are sold and their valuation. A shift towards online sales of equine has impacted the number of potential buyers through increased exposure to sale horses. Using data collected from online auctions, we estimate factors influencing propensity to sell as well as price determinants in this market platform. We find many factors contribute to the likelihood of a horse selling and to the final sale price.

Racehorse welfare is a prominent, public issue which affects nearly every aspect of the racing industry. Thoroughbred care after race career completion has garnered increasing attention from the equine industry, general public, and animal welfare groups alike. As the average racehorse’s career lasts just 4.5 years, owner demand for thoroughbreds is essential for post-race careers and acceptable welfare standards. This study utilized data from and hedonic pricing models to analyze buyer demand for thoroughbreds sold in online auctions held from 2012 to 2020. The results indicate buyer preferences for age (p < 0.01), sex (p < 0.05), and organization registration (p < 0.05), with bid price premiums for age and registration status (USEF, USEA, USHJA, etc.) and price discounts for mares compared to geldings and horses listed for non-competition careers (trail, p < 0.01). The results of this study confirm and quantify the value potential buyers place on thoroughbreds offered for sale in sport disciplines. The findings may help non-profit organizations charged with rehoming off the track thoroughbreds and reduce the number of unwanted thoroughbreds by illustrating the desired traits and skills within the equine market, thus improving welfare optics overall.

Equine boarding facilities provide critical care for a large portion of the U.S. equine population, yet rising input costs challenge facility owners’ ability to maintain services without adjusting fees. Understanding how facility owners perceive boarders’ willingness to pay (WTP) for increased boarding costs is essential for balancing equine welfare with business sustainability. This study aimed to 1) assess equine facility owners’/managers’ perceptions of how boarders would respond to increased boarding rates, and 2) identify factors influencing those perceptions. A 26-question online survey targeting equine boarding facility owners and managers (n = 112 completed responses) was distributed via Extension channels and social media between July and August 2020. Facility owners reported average monthly board rates and answered a double-bounded dichotomous choice WTP scenario based on a hypothetical increase in care costs. Interval regression analysis was used to estimate perceived WTP, controlling for facility size, boarding type, region, income, and demographic factors. Overall, facility owners perceived that boarders would tolerate a 14.28% (P < 0.01) increase in monthly boarding rates. Full board clients were perceived to have slightly lower WTP (13.42%, P < 0.05); however, due to higher baseline costs, this translated into a greater absolute monthly increase ($69.78) compared to other board types ($34.85). Owners with higher household incomes perceived greater boarder WTP (P < 0.05), while facility size and geographic region were not significant factors. These results suggest that although equine owners may tolerate modest rate increases, larger absolute increases for full board may require additional justification through service value. Understanding owner perceptions of boarder WTP can help boarding facilities make informed pricing decisions that support both business viability and equine welfare.