Looking for answers about the Top Gun Horse Sale? Our FAQ page has everything you need to know about Alberta’s premier annual horse auction. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or participate online, this guide covers the most frequently asked questions about bidding, registration, event details, and more.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to assist!
General Sale Questions
Am I able to stay on the grounds or camp in my trailer between the preview and sale?
The Calnash AG Event Centre has camping rates – please contact them for more information.
Can I arrive early?
The doors open at 9AM both preview and sale so please do – reach out to the the sellers and schedule a private showing, ask questions, etc.
Can you let me know next year’s sale dates?
To be notified of next years sale dates, and other sale news, please sign up to our mailing list .
Will each horse have a box stall?
All horses consigned to the sale have a box stall, 2 bags of shavings and hay. you are required to bring your own water pail.
Will the sale be canceled for bad weather?
The sale will not cancel everything is inside rain or shine.
Will there be team roping cattle in the preview?
There will be team roping cattle at the preview on Friday night to rope for all of the rope horses entered in the catalogue.
Horse Sellers
Can I put a reserve on my horse?
Yes anyone can put a reserve on there horse. If the reserve is not met there is a $300 buy back fee.
To place a reserve please see Jordan Dodds on the night of the preview or by 10am on sale morning.
How do I sign up to consign horses?
You have to sign up for a new account each year and phone Jordan Dodds to have your account approved for this year’s sale.
I have signed up but I can’t seem to consign a horse
All accounts must be authorized before you are able to submit horses for consignment. Phone Jordan Dodds to have your account authorized.
I’m having trouble logging in as a consignor
All accounts must be approved and authorized by speaking with Jordan Dodds over the phone before you are able to submit horses for consignment.
If you have forgotten your password you can reset your password.
What are the rules on registration papers?
All original registration papers must be at the office with a correct signed transfer – no exceptions (otherwise horse will be sold as grade).
What happens if my horse doesn’t sell?
If a horse is not sold there is a $300 buy back fee.
What is the consignment cost of each horse?
A catalogue fee is required for horses to enter the sale:
- $125 per horse
- $175 for Rope Horses
- $250 for Horse Teams
What is the sale commission on each horse?
The sales commission on all horses is 10% – read more about our sales terms.
Online Bidding
Can I see the online sale bids without bidding?
Yes you may create an account at the VJV auction website for free and view the current bids.
How do I register to bid online?
On the date registration is open we will post a link to the auction site – if you would like to be notified when the auction website is live please sign up to our mailing list.
You must be pre-approved at 50% of the maximum amount you’re wishing to spend. This amount is held on your credit card to ensure the seriousness of buyer. The full amount will be charged if successful in bidding and refunded if you do not win the auction.
We must ensure buyers money is in place prior to any horse being sold.
Is there a video stream of the event?
There will be a live video stream of the event – get more info at our online bidding and viewing page.
What payments do you accept for buying a horse online?
Method of payment is credit card only (Master Card and/ or Visa) and a 3% buyer fee and GST will be applied to all purchases.
For more information please see our online bidding page and read our sale terms.
Horse Buyers
Do you accept phone bids?
Do you post the results of past sales?
We don’t post results. We feel that information is between the buyer and seller and the people that chose to be in attendance. That being said some news sites have covered our past events and have included a few prices:
- 10th annual Top Gun Horse Sales event in Ponoka sees record number of bidders
- High seller at Top Guns Horse Sales goes for $55k (2022)
- Manitoba horse fetches top price at Alberta sale (2021)
- Top Gun sale a big success (2020)
- Top Gun Horse Sale in Ponoka corrals large audience (2018)
- The Top Gun Horse Sale in Ponoka brought big crowds (2017)
How do I register to bid?
On the day of the preview or sale head to to the information desk and register to bid by providing a valid government issued ID.
To bid online registrattion is required – please visit our Online Bidding page for more information.
I live in Alberta, what happens if I buy an out of province horse?
The sellers are required to transport their horses to Ponoka at the end of the sale or the buyer and seller can make alternate arrangements.
Contact us and we will recommend a trailer service or you may arrange your own.
I live outside of Alberta – can I buy a horse and arrange a trailer?
You are welcome to buy a horse from anywhere in North America as long as you deal with any required border fees and taxes.
We’ve recommended a few livestock trailers or you may arrange your own.
If I pay by cheque do I take the horse home that night?
Yes but you will not get the papers until the cheque has cleared.
Is there a buyers fee when we purchase a horse?
When you purchase a horse from the sale you are charged the purchase price plus 5% GST and there is a 3% transaction fee when paying by credit card.
What payments do you accept for buying a horse in person?
Methods of payments are Cash, Cheque, Debit or Credit Card (3% office processing fee will be added to all purchases on Visa or MasterCard).
For more information please read our sale terms.
When do I have to pickup the horse?
We would like you to pickup the horse the night of the sale – if not there is a charge of $30 per night. The Calnash AG Event Centre gets rented out for different events so you need to pickup your horse by the Monday following the sale.
