Advice on sending horse away

[Ashy]

Hi guys, Im looking for some advice please... I have arranged to send my horse back to the dealer I bought him from last year on the understanding that a) there is someone he knows at his yard that is very interested in buying my horse and b) if said person does not buy horse then dealer will take him away back down south to the original yard he came from in order for them to exchange him. I wont go into the reasons for the exchange or why I had an 'extended warranty' on him as that is not important right now. My question is do I need anything in writing with the dealer, the potential purchaser or the 2nd dealer to cover me legally while the horse is in their care, as officially until he is exchanged or sold, he is still my horse and my responsibility. I am worried in case something happens to him while I am not looking after him, he is treated badly, has an injury, or in case he 'disappears' or he goes away with no chance of a fair swap for something reasonable. Of course I also need to hand over his passport according to the new 'rules'. What if they try to charge me livery or costs for feed/ shoeing whilst he is away at inflated prices etc?? I guess anything could happen, but if I can get something in writing to cover me for all eventualities that is the best option, so what should it say?? Do I need to speak to my insurers - presume I should let them know he wont be in my care?? Will he still be insured?? I know some of you will say dont let the horse go, but if I dont it may not be as easy to exchange him/ sell him and in theory this could work out in my favour. He is supposed to be going over to the place on wednesday.... Anyone ever been in this situation before? What's the normal course of action??
Thanks!

 

[mineon]

I know you don't want to go in detail of your reasons, would it not be better to sell the horse your self private there for saves you the worrie of the what ifs??

 

[picolenicole]

I sent my Arab X back to dealer, and I must admit I did write up a contract saying that she was to sell him for X amount, any livery, feed, shoes ect were to come out of her pockect.

So as long as I got what I asked for she could sell him for what ever she liked to cover cost of keeping him. Worked out really well for me stop any arguments before they started.

 

[Ashy]

It was an extended warranty based on a suspected medical condition which now turns out to be present therefore I could probably not sell him on that basis without losing a lot of money and it would take forever in the current climate.

 

[Torryvald]

I would be very careful, and get a good legal contract. I have had a very bad experience with a dealer in your area and am very much out of pocket. I personally would never use a dealer again, it involves a leave of trust and respect that I found was lacking. At the end of the day, they are there for the money, particularly in these tough economic times