Help.. need to sell my two mares fast

milktraygirl

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I'd appreciate any advice as I'm in a real pickle. I'm separating from my partner and have to move house, job etc rapidly. I've really been dumped in a mess financially and all of a sudden I can't afford the livery costs of my two mares (7 and 19). I desperately want to find them both great loving homes but it would have to be pretty much immediate - I'm not so worried about what money I could get from them (probably about £3000 in total if sold the traditional private route) although the money would be more than welcome I'm more worried that they find good permanent homes where I can keep in touch with how they are and know they're ok and being looked after well.
I'm having nightmares about being forced to go to a dealer or someone having them then selling them on. Please could someone advise on what I could do next, I'm very upset at the thought of losing them at all let alone what sort of home they might end up with so I'm probably not thinking too clearly.
thanks.
Jo
 
So sorry to hear of your problems - can only imagine how you must feel.

Have you perhaps tried some of the rescue centres - ILPH, Blue Cross etc. At least that way you would know they are safe and being looked after?
 
how about putting them on loan rather than selling them as then they could not sell them on, if not and you need a quick sale the only way is either sell them cheap or sell them on to a dealer
 
As Jentaz says maybe loaning them is a better option? At least then if your circumstances change in the long run, you have the option of having them back.
 
assuming that it's more the livery £ you need to save, rather than needing the £ from the sale of your mares; would you consider loan with view to buy? That way you can be more sure that they get a home you're happy with and if all goes well then you sell too. Might help find them somewhere sooner too?
 
Many thanks for your replies.
I'm just outside Launceston, on the Devon/Cornwall border.

The 7 year old is a grey mare 14.2hh connemara cross, very sweet and willing but a little green still.. if you give her confident gentle instructions she'll do anything for you. She's sensible and forward going, prefers not to hack alone (but has done plenty of times). I'd say she needs a confident capable rider not because she's unsuitable for a beginner, but just for her sake really, she could lose confidence if not handled properly and she's such a sweet girl. Good in every respect and moves and jumps beautifully.

The 19 year old is tb x connemara bay mare 16hh. Very sweet, intelligent affectionate personality, very fond of eating and being lazy but given motivation will do a lovely dressage test. Forward going out hacking but with good brakes and sensible. She rides like a much younger horse. Doesn't like fluorescent jackets (she'll stop and stare suspiciously for ages) She went through a spell of pretending to be on/off lame when I first bought her (nine years ago) and I worked out she doesn't like jumping (previous owner did too much perhaps) I've stuck mostly to flatwork/hacking and she's never had a day sick since.
They both have lots of positives and are very genuine loving characters (I've been very lucky) and a pleasure to own so I really do want to do my best for them but as quickly as possible sadly :(

I'm anxious to find them both good homes where I can stay updated on how they're doing and make sure they're ok. I don't really want to donate them to one of the charities mentioned because I'd be worried what sort of home they'd go to but I guess that's still one step up from a dealer. I hadn't thought about loaning as heard horror stories but it can't hurt to look into it a bit more see if I can find someone suitable.

Thanks again for your replies.. I really appreciate your suggestions.
 
How long can you hang onto them for? I would advise putting them up on a free to advertise site cheap and hope you will find either a LWVTB situation or a sale. I wouldnt have thought you would have a problem geting rid of the younger one but the 19year old may be harder. I would worry about sending that one to a dealer as they have a habbit of fabricating ages (not all of them of course). There is the market, Exeter but the next one isnt until the second Tuesday in June and that is a long time away plus really not an ideal situation for your horses.
 
I'm know some people around Launceston, so I'll ask around with people I know and see if anyones looking! How soon do you need to sort them out by? Sorry to hear about your situation, really sucks, but loaning could be a good option? How much would you be looking for for each horse? Just so I know if I find anyone? Good Luck!!
 
Hello, I have pm’ed you too. I am VERY interested in the 7 year old on loan or on loan with view to buy. I can move quickly (as in, this weekend!!!)

I have my own yard in Surrey with 30 acres, 9 stables and 11 horses. I can provide references from liveries and the girl my tb is on loan too (who are all members on here!)

Pony would be for one of my clients who currently has a 14.2hh aged anglo arab on loan and has out grown him in ability (not size, he is a 15 year old small person, bless his cottons)

He is a super fab rider though who spends hours grooming his current steed and giving him lots of love. The kids are always supervised on the yard and the ponies are not “over” anythinged...I know I am biased but we really could provide a 5 star home!
 
Sorry to hear about your problems, I hope you get sorted soon.

I would put them on loan, with a very good loan contract. Mainly because you never know when your fortunes may change and then you may regret selling them.
 
I would just like to point out that responsible charities vet loan homes very carefully and would not let anyone unsuitable have them:mad:
 
I would sell the younger one and then use the money to try to keep the older one until a good home could be found. I would advertise locally rather than nationally for a loan home for the older one so you can get references and check out the loanee.
 
Your problem is that you want to stay in touch, so selling really isn't an option, as whoever buys them cheaply and quickly is unlikely to stay in touch. I would look for a loan. Or find a reputable dealer who will pass your contacts on to the new owners. The 19 yr old is worth peanuts sadly, and your deff better looking for a loan home for her, the 7yr old has a bit more going for her.
 
The Veteran Horse Society act as a place for people to find loan homes/loan horses that are aged so it may well be worth contacting them re your older horse. The have a website. Sounds like R2R may solve your problems with the other one.
 
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