Embarrassing myself - contacting sellers!

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LittleGinger

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So I am looking for a lovely little horse to compete with :)
It's very exciting - I've been planning it for quite a while now and have made up lists of 'must have' features, 'would be nice' and 'don't touch with a bargepole if...'. I've saved up a reasonable budget and now am starting to get in touch with a number of sellers whose horses match my criteria - thing is, I haven't bought a horse in years as I've had my gelding for ages and have had others on share/loan/full loan agreements all through word of mouth, so have never actually had to reply to any adverts!

I am chatting to one lady now online and really, really like the look of her horse so am keen for it to go well so we can arrange a viewing. However, I feel like I am coming across like a total numpty - I'm waffling a bit cos I'm nervous! :o:p

Someone whack me over the head with a stirrup leather and tell me to be sensible! :D
 
You sound just like me. All my previous horses have been hand me downs, charity cases or through word of mouth so when I started looking recently I found it really daunting.

I can't offer much advice as I've just agreed to take the mare I'm currently riding on full loan. All I will say is keep hold of your list and ask as many questions as you need to and try not to get too strung out about viewings as the seller will want to sell the horse just as much as you want to impress them.
 
When asking about horses I always ask every thing I can think of ! and I want to know as much history as possible- plus I want to suss out the seller's personality so I can work out if there is anything shifty about them :p
If I was selling a horse, I would also be delighted that someone would offer so many questions as I worry I could forget something important, when I want to be as open and honest as possible.

I had a very embarrassing situation the other week though- Ive decided to import one from Ireland. So I ring up the first dealer's number (after eventually figuring out I needed the international call code :o.. which took me *cough* over 2 hours to realise what I was doing wrong...)

Phone eventually starts ringing.. SUCCESS :D! - that is until the chap answers the phone in the strongest Irish accent I've ever heard :eek: could I understand what he was saying? could I heck ! my enthusiasm and confidence quickly faded and with my best attempt to communicate, ended the phone call :o :p

I have always been terrible with accepts, and it didn't even cross my mind before calling !
 
Agree with jrp. Plus you will get better at it. Believe me it's much better to ask than drive miles for nothing. Sounds like u are looking for what most of us want when looking for a new horse
I've done it 3 times in 6 years so I know what it's like. Despite the market being slow these sort always sell well. I know some on here will tell you of exceptions, but I now only view from new adverts. Especially if there is travelling involved.
I found if they are advertised as a safe, sound, riding club type they sell within days. If still for sale longer than a week or two someone has already decided its not as advertised. Even more so if it's in middle part of the country

2 out of 3 of the horses I bought like u want I have been the first one to see them. The newest one wasn't even advertised
 
I understand your pain! My mum phoned up about pojoea 1 and 2 (pony 2 was bought when I was 14). Fast forward 10 years and I was doing the calling.

The first one I called up after was obviously owned by a girl who was about the same age as me (just turned 25 eek) and we were both so awkward lol
 
As an owner if you explained to me you were nervous because you had your old horse for years and others through word of mouth, that would make me more interested in you as an owner given you much be well regarded in your horsey circle and look to keep horses for the long term.
Just explain your circumstances and they will understand.
 
I actually prefer someone who waffles ( as long as horse related :p) than a buyer who is rather blunt... not sure why just always seems a bit more passionate :)
 
Don't panic and be honest with the sellers. Having been horse hunting for my first horse for a year, you get better at asking questions and getting a feel from a genuine seller. If they are honest they will appreciate this. Make sure you have someone to come with you for moral support, either an experienced friend, instructor or even OH and enjoy your hunt for your perfect horse :)
 
Thank you everyone :):) Especially SpotTheRisk for my 'whack' and Hoof_Prints for making me laugh.



I cut my list of questions down in the end (the beauty of chatting online - I could delete things which sounded silly when I read it back to myself) and just asked my 'dealbreakers', so things about turnout; vices in the stable; ridden vices and a few other bits.

The rest I can ask about/find out for myself when I go to view at the weekend :D:D:D

And yes, will definitely take a professional with me to be impartial. Otherwise I run the risk of bringing home a three legged donkey just because he's cute and 'no one else will buy him!', instead of beautiful competition horse I am expecting.


Polos Mum said:
As an owner if you explained to me you were nervous because you had your old horse for years and others through word of mouth, that would make me more interested in you as an owner given you much be well regarded in your horsey circle and look to keep horses for the long term.
Just explain your circumstances and they will understand.
Click to expand...

This makes me feel much better, thanks. What a great way to look at it! :D
 
The first time I rang a seller about a horse a man picked up the phone and I said "hello is that Dawn?" then he said "no, thats my ex wife"
Very awkward :p
 
At least you haven't lost your voice! Or had the seller pick up before you were expecting him to and end up saying some very rude words very loudly to the other muppet in the room...

Would like to point out that the latter was my friend calling - I was just the other muppet :o

I've felt really daft as the last four horses I've enquired about had already been sold...
 
as someone who has just sold a horse, can I ask that prospective purchasers actually read the advertisement properly before ringing the vendor. Mine was clearly advertised as a 6 year old mare together with a comment about her not being at all mare-ish in the description, and one of the repliers asked "how old is he?" . . . . . please . . . .
 
Don't always write off the older adverts. My girl has been for sale for 2 weeks and no one has viewed her yet, so she can't be seen as 'not as described' because no one has seen her. (Oh and I am totally honest with potential viewers - probably too honest and that's why no one has seen her) if you me her you'd love her, just need to get someone to meet her!
 
I'd much rather a nervous person calling who waffled on than the people that call to pick apart your horse thinking they'll get a good deal. I've had some real winners over the years. And yes, I very much subscribe to the honesty is the best policy theory so you will get history. It's not just for you, it's for the horse too. I want them in a home that best suits them. The only way to do this is by being honest.

FYI, I don't have anything for sale at this time just in case people want to button push.

Terri
 
Oh no I feel for you! I'm certain I was just like this when I was looking to buy. I'd never bought a horse at the time really, my old one being loaned when I was too young to sort it myself then purchased later. I absolutely hated the buying process!
I think you probably don't come across as bad as you think (that's what I hoped anyway!)
Good luck x
 
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