Do I need a contract when purchasing a pony?

[Myma81]

Good morning to you all

I am having a potential pony vetted tomorrow and if all goes well I will make the purchase. I have read about sales contracts to be arranged by a solicitor. Please can I have your thoughts/opinions on whether or not this is a necessity?

Many thanks
Gemma

 

[ycbm]

You just need a receipt naming you and the seller and identifying the pony and the price, signed by the seller and dated.

Why did you think you might need a solicitor involved?
.

 

[Myma81]

You just need a receipt naming you and the seller and identifying the pony and the price, signed by the seller and dated.

Why did you think you might need a solicitor involved?
.

It's just something I read on a website so I wanted people's view.
So as long as I have something in writing that should be fine?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Absolutely not! Get a receipt as above. I would also keep a copy of the advert, just in case of a problem in the next few weeks. The only time a contract would be appropriate is if it is a lwvtb or staged payments, which is unusual.


ETA, in law horses are considered to be 'goods', you wouldn't sign a contract when you bought a washing machine, or a bar of chocolate.

 

[ycbm]

Why wouldn't it be? If the purchase is more complicated than pony X for pounds Y, then I wouldn't buy the pony.
.

 

[Myma81]

Why wouldn't it be? Solicitors don't draw up a contract when you buy a second hand car. If the purchase is more complicated than pony X for pounds Y, then I wouldn't buy the pony.
.

Okay that's good news - thank you

 

[Myma81]

Absolutely not! Get a receipt as above. I would also keep a copy of the advert, just in case of a problem in the next few weeks. The only time a contract would be appropriate is if it is a lwvtb or staged payments, which is unusual.

That makes perfect sense - thank you

 

[The Xmas Furry]

On the receipt it should say along the lines of:
Date
Name and address of seller
Received the sum of £xyz being full payment for Fluffy, a 10 yr old grey 14hh mare. The above payment also includes (insert as appropriate, bridle, saddle, rugs etc).
The pony has been seen and tried by purchaser and with/without veterinary examination. Fluffys passport was checked by the purchasers vet and her microchip* matches to this.
Fluffy is fully vaccinated with next booster due on xyz date.
Fluffy was last wormed with xyz on xyz date.
Signed.......

The above is v similar to what I used to put when selling.
*definitely get chip checked by scanner to prove purchase matches passport.

 

[Myma81]

On the receipt it should say along the lines of:
Date
Name and address of seller
Received the sum of £xyz being full payment for Fluffy, a 10 yr old grey 14hh mare. The above payment also includes (insert as appropriate, bridle, saddle, rugs etc).
The pony has been seen and tried by purchaser and with/without veterinary examination. Fluffys passport was checked by the purchasers vet and her microchip* matches to this.
Fluffy is fully vaccinated with next booster due on xyz date.
Fluffy was last wormed with xyz on xyz date.
Signed.......

The above is v similar to what I used to put when selling.
*definitely get chip checked by scanner to prove purchase matches passport.

Absolutely love this post, so helpful. Thank you very much

 

[ycbm]

Receipts for every horse I have ever sold said.

Received from XYZ the sum of £x for the colour height sex known as name on passport.

My name and address
Date

The only addition once was 'title does not pass until payment has cleared into my account' because I took payment by personal cheque.

I didn't get one for my latest purchase, the owner just signed over the ownership in the passport.

 

[Shay]

Just watch out for a receipt that says "sold as seen". Its often used as a dodgy dealer effort for a "get out of jail free" card. Doesn't always work of course - but can be a red flag it you were not expecting it.