Weisbord announced the plans for EquineCommerce.com in November of 2003, and the company began selling horses the following month. Equity partners in EquineCommerce.com were Keeneland, Coolmore, Eaton Sales, Lane's End, Taylor Made Farm, Thoroughbred Daily News (published by Weisbord), Three Chimneys Farm, and Vinery. The company had a stock exchange-type structure with members buying seats. Only members could buy and sell horses through EquineCommerce.com.
EquineCommerce.com, an Internet selling venture for Thoroughbreds, shut down Jan. 1. The company was only in business for a little over a year even though it was backed by Keeneland and a number of high-powered consignors and buyers."Personally, I was very disappointed," said EquineCommerce.com's founder and chief executive officer, Barry Weisbord. "We had a group of people that tried real hard to execute this concept. I think the rules were good. I think that the Web site was good, but it lacked product. At the point where some group is willing to ensure product, I think the concept would work. I think there will be a future for electronic trade in the horse business. I may take another swing at it."
