Buying from sales livery yard

[New-to-the-game]

Fed up of pressure tactics when buying from sales livery yards, they always say they’ve got a queue of people waiting to view the horse, always a viewing the next day so you have to decide and pay your (usually large) deposit on the day. Is this the norm? Are there really a queue of people waiting, or is this just something said to push you into buying?

When saying you want to think it over you get accused of not wanting the horse and being a time waster. I absolutely hate it.

On the other hand, another horse we decided we wanted was sold to someone else the same afternoon we’d viewed. So it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is.

What is your experience?

 

[MuffettMischief]

If the horse is genuine and a sought after type then yes there probably is a line of people waiting to see

 

[Bellaboo18]

If the horse is genuine and a sort after type then yes there probably is a line of people waiting to see

This. A sound, sensible type will be in demand. Try not to feel pressured and go with your gut.

 

[Sail_away]

Good horses will sell quickly. The last pony I sold I had viewings lined up for days, someone who wanted to leave a deposit unseen based off a phone call, and he sold to the first family who viewed.
On the buying side, I generally say I want the horse at the end of the viewing (if I do) or I’d call within an hour at least. If I’m not sure, the horse probably isn’t the right fit for me. This is understandably hard if you’re not used to buying and are feeling under pressure - have you got a friend/instructor you could take with you to help make the decision?

 

[New-to-the-game]

Good horses will sell quickly. The last pony I sold I had viewings lined up for days, someone who wanted to leave a deposit unseen based off a phone call, and he sold to the first family who viewed.
On the buying side, I generally say I want the horse at the end of the viewing (if I do) or I’d call within an hour at least. If I’m not sure, the horse probably isn’t the right fit for me. This is understandably hard if you’re not used to buying and are feeling under pressure - have you got a friend/instructor you could take with you to help make the decision?

Is that the norm now? To decide on the spot? All the advice I have read about buying is to have multiple visits etc - that’s just impossible! My yard manager can’t believe how quickly you have to decide!

Yes, we’ve got someone helping us. I guess I’m just not good at making on the spot decision and then the seller assumes it’s because we’re not keen, which isn’t the case, I just need processing time!

 

[nutjob]

Is that the norm now? To decide on the spot? All the advice I have read about buying is to have multiple visits etc - that’s just impossible! My yard manager can’t believe how quickly you have to decide!

Yes, sadly it is. I bought one last year and one 2 years prior to that. Plenty of people now buy unseen, even novice first time horse owners. Going on multiple visits and trying the horse in different situations, getting your trainer to go on second viewing used to be sound advice but you'll really struggle these days as someone else will just turn up, like the horse and deposit the same day. I found it impossible to buy from a private owner who was looking for the right home for their horse and I was looking for several months. The market looks like it's cooling off a little since last year and when the cost of feed, hay and bedding hit this winter the situation may be different.

I did find that after trying a few horses I really honed in on what I wanted / liked. I never made an offer on the spot as I went home, reviewed the videos my partner had taken and sent over to my trainer anything I was querying. I did make an offer same day or next day if I was interested.

 

[Traks]

Yep on the day is usually about right unless it’s mega bucks in which case you might have time to get X-rays or second views etc. if it’s under 10k then they do go on first viewings in my experience or there will be a string of people waiting

 

[New-to-the-game]

Yep on the day is usually about right unless it’s mega bucks in which case you might have time to get X-rays or second views etc. if it’s under 10k then they do go on first viewings in my experience or there will be a string of people waiting

Ones I have been looking at have been mid to high teens.

 

[Traks]

Ones I have been looking at have been mid to high teens.

Gosh really?! I’ve not bought anything for over a year so could well be out of date! I expect if it is a nice horse with minimal quirks and has done a fair bit then yes, there would be a queue waiting! Dreading having to buy the next horse for my daughter as we won’t be able to afford those sorts of prices!

 

[Red-1]

It was in 2021, but I couldn't even seem to get to actually view one! I was only working part time at the time, and could view the day the advert came out. So many times, I would call within an hour or so of the advert being put on the internet, would ask to come asap, and was cancelled either on the way, or even before setting off.

People were calling to buy unseen. This was mid to high teens, for a 15.3-16hh, kind, done a bit, nice but not high flyer.

In the end, I decided that I would have to take the plunge, but tried to cut down on risk the best I could. I went for a slightly 'colder' horse than I originally intended, a 4yo not long backed. To cut risk further, I bought direct from Ireland by video, as this meant it was a lot cheaper. Oh, and he was grey, as that seemed to be pretty much all that was on the market LOL.

I bought what would be a popular horse to sell on again, if he'd not worked out for me, and also lined up a sales livery yard who would school on and sell. I fully intended to keep, but wanted a get-out plan if he wasn't as described or simply wasn't nice for me, being as I'd never seen him in person. He had loads of video footage taken over several weeks. I also 5 stage vetted and spoke to the vet before and after on the phone, so he knew what I would or would not accept. It meant I paid under 10K, so room to not make an awful loss if he'd not been right.

It worked for me, the horse is great. I was offered stacks more for him after about 6 months, even though he was very much not for sale. But, I would not recommend it TBH, as it was full of risk!

What I am saying is that I feel your bewilderment and frustration. I thought times were tight, but horses are seemingly still flying off the shelves. It is a lot of money to risk, hence me changing my plans.

 

[New-to-the-game]

Gosh really?! I’ve not bought anything for over a year so could well be out of date! I expect if it is a nice horse with minimal quirks and has done a fair bit then yes, there would be a queue waiting! Dreading having to buy the next horse for my daughter as we won’t be able to afford those sorts of prices!

It is a horrendous process tbh. Unless you’re lucky to find a genuine private seller, but we’ve been looking for a very long time and not found one yet.

 

[New-to-the-game]

It was in 2021, but I couldn't even seem to get to actually view one! I was only working part time at the time, and could view the day the advert came out. So many times, I would call within an hour or so of the advert being put on the internet, would ask to come asap, and was cancelled either on the way, or even before setting off.

People were calling to buy unseen. This was mid to high teens, for a 15.3-16hh, kind, done a bit, nice but not high flyer.

In the end, I decided that I would have to take the plunge, but tried to cut down on risk the best I could. I went for a slightly 'colder' horse than I originally intended, a 4yo not long backed. To cut risk further, I bought direct from Ireland by video, as this meant it was a lot cheaper. Oh, and he was grey, as that seemed to be pretty much all that was on the market LOL.

I bought what would be a popular horse to sell on again, if he'd not worked out for me, and also lined up a sales livery yard who would school on and sell. I fully intended to keep, but wanted a get-out plan if he wasn't as described or simply wasn't nice for me, being as I'd never seen him in person. He had loads of video footage taken over several weeks. I also 5 stage vetted and spoke to the vet before and after on the phone, so he knew what I would or would not accept. It meant I paid under 10K, so room to not make an awful loss if he'd not been right.

It worked for me, the horse is great. I was offered stacks more for him after about 6 months, even though he was very much not for sale. But, I would not recommend it TBH, as it was full of risk!

What I am saying is that I feel your bewilderment and frustration. I thought times were tight, but horses are seemingly still flying off the shelves. It is a lot of money to risk, hence me changing my plans.

Sounds like you were lucky! I have thought about doing the same but am a big wimp. It’s unbelievable. I probably would never have started if I’d known how stressful it is. Already lost £££ over failed vettings, been lied to, issues not disclosed etc. I hope the one I buy is the right one because I’m am not keen to do it again!

 

[Red-1]

Sounds like you were lucky! I have thought about doing the same but am a big wimp. It’s unbelievable. I probably would never have started if I’d known how stressful it is. Already lost £££ over failed vettings, been lied to, issues not disclosed etc. I hope the one I buy is the right one because I’m am not keen to do it again!

I would have recommended the person I got mine from. She was honest and the horse as described. However, she is sick of people mis-representing themselves and expecting horses to be machine-perfect and has stopped selling! She now just does producing and schooling. A pity when one of the good ones gives up.

 

[Traks]

Actually I know a few people who have bought directly from Ireland it seems to be the only affordable way now. 2021 was peak buying season I remember as we got my daughters first pony around then and it was bloody awful!! Things have definitely settled down since then but it’s still not easy!

OP why don’t you try the Ireland route? Perhaps take a trip over to reputable people and try a few? I’m sure people on here can recommend some sellers!

 

[New-to-the-game]

Actually I know a few people who have bought directly from Ireland it seems to be the only affordable way now. 2021 was peak buying season I remember as we got my daughters first pony around then and it was bloody awful!! Things have definitely settled down since then but it’s still not easy!

OP why don’t you try the Ireland route? Perhaps take a trip over to reputable people and try a few? I’m sure people on here can recommend some sellers!

I think they’re usually youngsters? We’re looking for something a bit older, but I might consider doing it if we are still looking in a month!

 

[eahotson]

It was in 2021, but I couldn't even seem to get to actually view one! I was only working part time at the time, and could view the day the advert came out. So many times, I would call within an hour or so of the advert being put on the internet, would ask to come asap, and was cancelled either on the way, or even before setting off.

People were calling to buy unseen. This was mid to high teens, for a 15.3-16hh, kind, done a bit, nice but not high flyer.

In the end, I decided that I would have to take the plunge, but tried to cut down on risk the best I could. I went for a slightly 'colder' horse than I originally intended, a 4yo not long backed. To cut risk further, I bought direct from Ireland by video, as this meant it was a lot cheaper. Oh, and he was grey, as that seemed to be pretty much all that was on the market LOL.

I bought what would be a popular horse to sell on again, if he'd not worked out for me, and also lined up a sales livery yard who would school on and sell. I fully intended to keep, but wanted a get-out plan if he wasn't as described or simply wasn't nice for me, being as I'd never seen him in person. He had loads of video footage taken over several weeks. I also 5 stage vetted and spoke to the vet before and after on the phone, so he knew what I would or would not accept. It meant I paid under 10K, so room to not make an awful loss if he'd not been right.

It worked for me, the horse is great. I was offered stacks more for him after about 6 months, even though he was very much not for sale. But, I would not recommend it TBH, as it was full of risk!

What I am saying is that I feel your bewilderment and frustration. I thought times were tight, but horses are seemingly still flying off the shelves. It is a lot of money to risk, hence me changing my plans.

I bought a 4 year old simply because the type I wanted i.e at least 9,been round the block a few times,sound and sensible.I wanted a 14.2 ish heavy weight cob .Just none on the market.If I wanted to sell mine now she wouldn't go on the open market as too many people know her and want her!

 

[New-to-the-game]

I bought a 4 year old simply because the type I wanted i.e at least 9,been round the block a few times,sound and sensible.I wanted a 14.2 ish heavy weight cob .Just none on the market.If I wanted to sell mine now she wouldn't go on the open market as too many people know her and want her!

I think that’s what happens with all the good ones!

 

[Red-1]

I think that’s what happens with all the good ones!

That's what happened with one I didn't even get to leave the house for. Saw the advert within about 20 minutes of it going live but then a friend of the girl found out the horse was for sale and bought it then and there.

 

[gallopingby]

I think that’s what happens with all the good ones!

I’ve people prepared to wait until September for one that’s been out and about, he wouldn’t have gone on the open market.

 

[Traks]

OP summer isn’t a great time to look to be fair, lots of championships and camps etc going on in August and people hang onto horses till September. I bet come September or October there will a lot more on the market! I know a few people hanging onto horses for the summer who will be selling after championships and camps etc x

 

[maya2008]

If you don’t get off the horse full of joy knowing it’s the one for you - then it isn’t. I have always put a deposit down same day (or politely said no - usually at the viewing tbh).

Deposit gives you time for vetting and second viewing on/before vetting day. First viewing in today’s world is really the videos though - second one is going to try them.

I have sold good ponies privately and recently loaned one. They go to the people who drop everything and come asap then decide on the day. Those who want to come in a week or two always miss out. As a seller, a bird in the hand is more than two in the bush. If I have someone here with deposit wanting to buy, I’m not going to wait to see if the pony likes the people who want to come in a week (and may never turn up) better.

So yes - unless you are looking for young/quirky then you need to get there and make a decision before someone else does!

(From a buying pov our last ones: 1x took the trailer, 2x gave deposit at viewing and went back the same day - we are experienced enough to spot a sound pony and not worried about quirks but that’s the speed they go at!)

 

[New-to-the-game]

OP summer isn’t a great time to look to be fair, lots of championships and camps etc going on in August and people hang onto horses till September. I bet come September or October there will a lot more on the market! I know a few people hanging onto horses for the summer who will be selling after championships and camps etc x

I did wonder about this.

 

[Sail_away]

Is that the norm now? To decide on the spot? All the advice I have read about buying is to have multiple visits etc - that’s just impossible! My yard manager can’t believe how quickly you have to decide!

Yes, we’ve got someone helping us. I guess I’m just not good at making on the spot decision and then the seller assumes it’s because we’re not keen, which isn’t the case, I just need processing time!

It does depend on the horse - but if you’re looking for safe, sane and established, the genuine ones are vanishingly few and there’s huge demand.
It’s perfectly ok not to say yes on the spot, but if you like the horse I’d just let the seller know you’re interested at the end of the viewing and when you’re going to call them back.
It might help to find out as much as you can prior to the viewing? Having a list of questions to ask when you call up might be useful. There’s less uncertainty then about whether or not they might suit. Obviously sales yards won’t have as much information on their horses as private sales.
My older competition mare, we’d found out enough before viewing her that we knew if she was sound, we’d buy her. She’s been a great horse so no regrets there.

 

[Red-1]

In the past, if I've really liked one, I've left a deposit (10%) subject to a satisfactory vetting. I have made clear that satisfactory is what is satisfactory to me, rather than just a simple is/is not suitable.

I would then attend the vetting and ride for the vet. If the horse were to Jekyll and Hyde me, I would say that was not satisfactory!

 

[Abacus]

If leaving a deposit, as we have seen previously on here, it is very important to be absolutely clear on the agreement around the deposit. I would insist on having something in writing that says something like - 'if the horse is deemed unsound, unsuitable, unfit for purpose or is deemed to have potential issues as a result of the findings of a vetting then the deposit is to be refunded in full' (ideally with a time period of say 3 days). This both covers the seller if you just change your mind, but also accounts for vagaries in the vetting, as there is often some lack of clarity in a pass or fail. If they bring something up that isn't definitely a 'don't buy this horse' but that is sufficiently offputting to you, then you are covered.

 

[Traks]

If leaving a deposit, as we have seen previously on here, it is very important to be absolutely clear on the agreement around the deposit. I would insist on having something in writing that says something like - 'if the horse is deemed unsound, unsuitable, unfit for purpose or is deemed to have potential issues as a result of the findings of a vetting then the deposit is to be refunded in full' (ideally with a time period of say 3 days). This both covers the seller if you just change your mind, but also accounts for vagaries in the vetting, as there is often some lack of clarity in a pass or fail. If they bring something up that isn't definitely a 'don't buy this horse' but that is sufficiently offputting to you, then you are covered.

Very true x