Contemplating making an offer to buy unseen

[Ceriann]

I am on a short list to view two horses. Both are in the RC/PC sweet spot so fully priced but tick all my boxes - nice flatwork, safe to hack incl with big traffic, steady view of life (I don’t want a buzzy forward mount!), easy to do etc and perfect size wise. I am second to view one and third to view the other. I missed out on one a couple of weeks ago - less talented but cheaper and he was bought unseen. I missed out on another as sold to first home. One is with a dealer (who I can find no negative feedback on) and one is private. Both have sent me decent videos of flatwork, jumping and x-c. I am seriously contemplating asking if one will take an offer to buy unseen subject to vetting and confirmation no history of vet issues. Am I mad?! I was ok with my mare not being able to do much over winter but I am now really missing riding and what I want is what a lot of people want so it’s massively competitive.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Just do your research very carefully,.check the Dodgy Dealers group on Facebook.

 

[Ceriann]

Just do your research very carefully,.check the Dodgy Dealers group on Facebook.

I have and nothing on the dealer - also googled. I’ve also placed a post to see if I can get any feedback. The privately owned one has bags of history on an IG page I found and all stacks up. Horse looks well loved too having plenty of time off after a season of eventing (at 80/90 not 2*!) etc.

 

[Ratface]

I would advise having a five stage vetting by a reputable equine veterinarian before buying. You could always negotiate a refundable deposit to hold before you buy.
Good luck.

 

[Ceriann]

I would advise having a five stage vetting by a reputable equine veterinarian before buying. You could always negotiate a refundable deposit to hold before you buy.
Good luck.

It would absolutely be subject to a 5 star vetting and confirmation of no meaningful vet history. Thank you

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Buying unseen worked out great for me! I also had a fairly pragmatic attitude - I was buying a very sellable horse and I would have simply sold on if we didn’t click. She was a good price so it did not really feel that much of a risk.

 

[Red-1]

I did... BUT I bought from a dealer with a good rep and with lots of video taken over months. Also, as I decided I would buy unseen, it didn't matter where he was located, so I bought from Ireland. He was therefore cheaper than he would have been in England.

I had a full vetting and a sales livery yard on standby. Because he was cheaper, I would have been more likely able to move him on if he were not what I wanted.

I don't think I would buy off a private buyer, especially a horse who had a long time off after eventing. People are often economical on their social media and you have fewer rights from a private sale.

 

[Peglo]

I also bought unseen (although with a fraction of the knowledge the above posters have) and I absolutely adore her. She is everything and more I could want. I think she also would’ve sold on easy enough if it wasn’t right as she’s an interesting breed but even if I couldn’t ride her she would be going nowhere.
I’m not sure I would do it again and did go and view my recent purchase but was very fortunate the seller held her for me so we could arrange the viewing as getting off the island takes a bit of planning. Her seller wouldn’t sell unseen though so it worked well.

 

[Quigleyandme]

I did... BUT I bought from a dealer with a good rep and with lots of video taken over months. Also, as I decided I would buy unseen, it didn't matter where he was located, so I bought from Ireland. He was therefore cheaper than he would have been in England.

I had a full vetting and a sales livery yard on standby. Because he was cheaper, I would have been more likely able to move him on if he were not what I wanted.

I don't think I would buy off a private buyer, especially a horse who had a long time off after eventing. People are often economical on their social media and you have fewer rights from a private sale.

I have a super four year old on sales livery with this very honest and reputable dealer that Red-1 recommended to me. She’s a talented rider who will give him a very sound education, assess his ability and potential and carefully find the right home for him. He has been there a week and is quietly being taught not to be behind the bit and behind the leg in a country where if it isn’t jumping it isn’t riding. I’d buy unseen from her in a heartbeat and she is 45 minutes down the road from me.

 

[lamlyn2012]

I went to view one a few weeks ago. It was with a dealer with a good reputation but I wouldn't say it was absolutely as described and wasn't very pleasant to ride.
Definitely not for me and I'm so glad I tried it.

 

[Caol Ila]

I also bought unseen (although with a fraction of the knowledge the above posters have) and I absolutely adore her. She is everything and more I could want. I think she also would’ve sold on easy enough if it wasn’t right as she’s an interesting breed but even if I couldn’t ride her she would be going nowhere.
I’m not sure I would do it again and did go and view my recent purchase but was very fortunate the seller held her for me so we could arrange the viewing as getting off the island takes a bit of planning. Her seller wouldn’t sell unseen though so it worked well.

What is she?

 

[Peglo]

What is she?

Haflinger. She’s the only one up here (since I lost Peggy Sue.)

 

[Ceriann]

I did... BUT I bought from a dealer with a good rep and with lots of video taken over months. Also, as I decided I would buy unseen, it didn't matter where he was located, so I bought from Ireland. He was therefore cheaper than he would have been in England.

I had a full vetting and a sales livery yard on standby. Because he was cheaper, I would have been more likely able to move him on if he were not what I wanted.

I don't think I would buy off a private buyer, especially a horse who had a long time off after eventing. People are often economical on their social media and you have fewer rights from a private sale.

The horse in question had a month off from competing etc last winter so not full time off (still hacking) and I’ve seen tons of videos of comps etc as well as at home. Horse is always impeccably behaved and just seems a lovely sort. Comp history plays out too. I would request vet history as well as a vetting - I think it’s getting more common to ask for history.

 

[Kaylum]

Have you put a post on dodgy dealers asking about the horse.

 

[Hackback]

Not wanting to be difficult and this is a genuine question as I've never sold a horse. Why would the seller choose to sell to you rather than wait and see if they got a better offer or someone who just wanted to buy straight away without vetting etc? Maybe because they wouldn't have the hassle of showing the horse to different people?

 

[Barton Bounty]

Because there are 10 times more time-wasters than there is general decent buyers!

You get the ones coming along for the joyride, no interest in buying.

 

[Ceriann]

Not wanting to be difficult and this is a genuine question as I've never sold a horse. Why would the seller choose to sell to you rather than wait and see if they got a better offer or someone who just wanted to buy straight away without vetting etc? Maybe because they wouldn't have the hassle of showing the horse to different people?

Sale is a sale and if you are confident your horse will pass (and at the market prices now that should be a minimum req) it’s much more straightforward than lots of viewings.

 

[honetpot]

Not wanting to be difficult and this is a genuine question as I've never sold a horse. Why would the seller choose to sell to you rather than wait and see if they got a better offer or someone who just wanted to buy straight away without vetting etc? Maybe because they wouldn't have the hassle of showing the horse to different people?

I have sold to someone who never saw the horse in the flesh, even a video, but it was a young horse. I look for a knowledgable home, its often more important than the money, they pay on collection, and I have nothing to hide. I do not do DM or text, if they can not phone me, not interested in selling, not interested in sending videos, extra photo's. I am not a dealer, I perhaps sell a young horse every three years, buyers that are unsure in any way they are told it's not for them. Never had trouble selling, never asked to take one back. Now selling ponies is a nightmare, I would rather keep them than have the hassle.

 

[ycbm]

I have both bought and sold unseen and never been disappointed either way. From your description of what you've found out about her and the rareness of the breed that you want, , I would go for it.
.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I just bought unseen but he is an unbacked 3yo (and arrived with two sarcoids not mentioned that also could have popped up on the way over due to the stress, who knows). I probably wouldn't buy a ridden unseen personally, but if I had my own land or the ability to have on cheap DIY I might consider it in a pinch.

 

[Kaylum]

Make sure you ask everything via WhatsApp or messenger. Something you can produce as proof if things go wrong. Good luck

 

[Ceriann]

Deposit paid, so horse bought subject to vetting. I have finally found what seems a bit of a unicorn . Vetting to go .

 

[Baywonder]

Ooohh this is exciting news! Good luck with the vetting!

<<Opens biscuits and waits for photos to be posted>>

 

[Ceriann]

Ooohh this is exciting news! Good luck with the vetting!

<<Opens biscuits and waits for photos to be posted>>

No photos until vetting is passed. Been here before unfortunately

 

[Baywonder]

No photos until vetting is passed. Been here before unfortunately

A very sensible thing to do @Ceriann

I have everything crossed for you.

<<Goes off to buy extra biscuits>>

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Eeeek. Exciting!

I bought a 3yo ISH unseen a couple of years back and recently my friend bought a 4yo ISH unseen to - for 10k! She was fed up of travelling hours, trying wrongly described horses or horses failing the vettings. She also missed out on a couple, good ones sell fast. We saw tons of videos, she was exactly as described and flew the vetting.

 

[Quigleyandme]

Yay!

 

[PSD]

Everything crossed for you, I’m too much of a worrier to buy unseen.

Looking forward to the updates!

 

[Bobthecob15]

Best of luck, let us know how it goes!!

 

[Lexi 123]

Best of luck I hope the vetting goes well please keep us updated. My opinion is you are taking a risk buying an older horse unseen most people buy young horses unseen but if really want this breed then go for it . Unfortunately with a waiting list there is a chance someone will buy the horse before you.