The Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA) was founded in 1983 by the six leading Thoroughbred auction houses in the Northern Hemisphere.  The principal aim of SITA was to create a forum for the discussion of issues of mutual interest and concern.  The original members represented Thoroughbred sales in Canada, England, Ireland, France and the USA.

The list of SITA members has expanded over the years to include several more European sales companies as well as the principal auction companies in Australia and New Zealand.  Current members are listed from a section within our home page.

SITA’s business is conducted by a council which meets at least twice a year.  The council comprises a senior representative (generally the managing director or president) from each member company.  The council appoints a chairman and vice-chairman, those appointments rotating to represent the international interests of SITA’s membership.

SITA members from most of the countries represented by this group are appointed to the International Cataloguing Standards Committee, which is responsible for the standards and integrity of information published in an annual “International Cataloguing Standards” book.

While each SITA member runs its business independently and competitively, members maintain similar standards and procedures in their auctions.  Thoroughbreds are an international commodity and clients find comfort and security in buying and selling when standards are in general conformity.  The information provided in catalogues for sales organized by SITA members complies with the requirements of the International Cataloguing Standards Committee.

What does this website do and what information does it contain?

Among its pages you will find a calendar for all international sales conducted by our members.  There is general information on your responsibilities as a seller or buyer prior to participating in a sale.  There is live video and audio of auction sales so you may enjoy an auction experience without leaving your home.  There are links to the websites of all our members.  Most SITA members now offer a video/audio link on a real-time basis for their major sales.  You may also contact individual SITA members by email.