First time selling a pony...

[BigGingerMare]

Jeez!
Earlier this year I "acquired" two semi-feral ponies. (Long story short - they were basically abandoned at the yard I share, owner eventually handed their passports to me and told me to "do something with them").
A friend and I did lots of groundwork, and put the gelding up for sale. Really honest advert - very cheap, young pony, ready to finish backing, no-one small enough to do it, but described what groundwork he'd done and what his quirks and good points were.
How many people just don't read adverts!! Questions I was asked:

- has he ridden out much?
- what age child would be too old for him?
- would he be suitable for my three year old child?
- would I just jump on and quickly finish backing him, on video? (This was my particular favourite...)

It's driven me nuts! He has now gone to what seems like a lovely home, but I've got the mare up for sale at the moment and I'm dreading going through it all again.... How do I make sure people READ the advert??!!

 

[maya2008]

They don’t. And at the bottom end of the market you get some really interesting messages!

E.g. location please.
It’s literally in the FIRST line of the ad!

 

[BigGingerMare]

It's honestly bonkers, and once this little mare has gone I don't ever want to do it again!

 

[BigGingerMare]

Also refused to sell him to two people (separately) who started their messages with "how much will you come down on price?" and "does he come with tack?" . Honestly, if those are your first questions, he's not coming to you!

 

[maya2008]

Also refused to sell him to two people (separately) who started their messages with "how much will you come down on price?" and "does he come with tack?" . Honestly, if those are your first questions, he's not coming to you!

In solidarity, I’m offering:
- Photos/videos are enough, don’t want to view. Can you deliver (4 hours away)?
- Will the pony be suitable for my child? (No details about child).
- Faffing around forever deciding when to view, then disappointed when pony has sold to someone who saw the ad, phoned up and came that evening.
- Adults wanting to school small, young ponies on for their kids.
- Unsuitable living arrangements when questioned.
- Can you keep the pony for another 6 weeks because we are going on holiday?

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

In solidarity, I’m offering:
- Photos/videos are enough, don’t want to view. Can you deliver (4 hours away)?
- Will the pony be suitable for my child? (No details about child).
- Faffing around forever deciding when to view, then disappointed when pony has sold to someone who saw the ad, phoned up and came that evening.
- Adults wanting to school small, young ponies on for their kids.
- Unsuitable living arrangements when questioned.
- Can you keep the pony for another 6 weeks because we are going on holiday?

That last one lol, I've had that in the past and said yes of course, however the following applies:
Payment in full on same day of vetting and full livery daily charge paid up front too. That weeded those off lol.

 

[BigGingerMare]

Thank goodness, the little mare has just gone, hopefully we've done right by both ponies and that's it, I'm never selling again