horses for sale - asking for a trial????

kombikids

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as above really - do you think its ok to ask people if they would consider a trial / loan where the horse stays at my yard before buying it? I dont want to offend people and so havent replied to ads - but have had the terrible news that my horsey cant do much and so need something else to replace him - i need to make sure its right beforehand tho and thought it might be something people would consider in this climate. I did this thro word of mouth with my horse and it was fine i bought him in the end but dont want to get yelled up when ringing up ads!
 

Tinypony

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I think you can ask, but don't be offended if people say no. Too many horror stories about horses being stuffed up while on trial and then sent back home. If I was selling I think I'd be happy to offer a trial with the horse staying at home where I could keep an eye on things, but not letting them go away.
Good luck finding a nice horse.
 

martlin

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I wouldn't yell at you, I would just calmly tell you that my horse will not leave my yard until it's fully paid for.
I'm sure some people would consider trial/loan arrangement and if you don't ask you don't get.
That's why I would not be offended or cross with you, just would give a straight answer to a straight question.
 

f_s_

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I would allow a trial, provided the horse stayed at my yard during the trial period.

I wouldn't allow a trial away from the yard. I wouldn't shout at you though, just calmly tell you my reasons
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only_me

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My old pony went on trial, but i knew the potential (and now owners
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) very well.

I got my horse on a trial for a week, but that was mainly to wean him off the buckets of oats dealer had been feeding him
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peanut

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I also would only allow a trial at home (in fact I would encourage it), but there are people who allow the horse out on trial - there is one temporarily on my yard at the moment. I think you just have to ask but know there is a strong chance you will be refused.
 

pinktiger

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errm three words NOT A CHANCE!!!! sorry but i would never do this, all kinds of things go wrong!!! My advice to you is go and see it as many times as you can, ride it, meet it at a show, ride it, take it xc schooling with the seller,ride it some more, be there every day if you need to, get you vet to look at it, get your back person to look at it whatever it takes!! I would never have any objection to any of the above at all as the horse needs to be happy with rider as well before a sale is successful longterm!!
 

Mickeymoo

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No, I wouldn't let him off the yard as he may get injured in the new field, then you could turn round and say you don't want him.

I would however let you have a trial at the yard he is on now.
 

ihatework

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There is absolutely no harm in asking, but don't be disappointed if someone says no.

A girl on our yard has just bought a sweet mare and was allowed a weeks trial.

If selling a horse I would probably allow someone a knew to a short trial. I would also probably offer a refund if horse returned withing a week in same condition as left yard - that would mean the buyer buying horse on a trust basis though.
 

KatB

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Nope not another horse, we have just got different agenda's. I love him to bits, but i think he would be happier in an allrounder/dressage home than a eventing home...
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Mrs_Wishkabibble

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I had mine for 10 days before, I then had her vetted.
We both wanted to make sure the horse was right after being stitched up once before. She was and I bought her for the full asking price.
I would let a horse go on trial if I was happy with the potential buyers to a certain extent.
If I was to let one go on trial I would insist on payment in full before the horse left on the agreement that if it was unsuitable and was returned in the same or better condition than when it left then a full refund would be given.
I can see why some people wouldnt as there are so many horsey idiots around nowadays without a clue but personally I would.
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glenruby

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I got a trial with one of my ponies and gave my first one on a trail. Also offered the second pony on trial but they decided to buy her straight out. Does depend on the horse, I think if it was a competition horse or a newly schooled horse Id be less likely to let it out on trial than a schoolmaster type or happy hacker who I knew it would be hard to "ruin" riding-wise.
 

Twinkletoes

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Hmm - I did this and it was disastrous. After messing my old horse up for 10 days they asked me to come and collect him, he was a mess and it took us over 2 months to get him back to the condition he was in when first advertised. I Tought I had covered our backs with a contract, and the fact he was to be kept at a very reputable local yard, but I was fooled.
As an owner I would never let my horse go out on trial again but I would say (to an extent) come and ride/groom/travel etc as many times as you like before purchasing. Obviously every horse once purchased is going to take its time to settle into its new home, but, if you have been and tried it (obviously easier said than done when hundreds of miles involved) lots of times, then many of the traits can be seen before you take it home. Good luck.
PS if someone shouts at you for that you have to wonder what kind of person they are, there are lots of good horses out there, with very genuine owners just desperate to find top loving homes for their nags.
 

Boxers

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I'm another one who would say no to letting my horse go out on trial - unless I knew the people.

The last pony I sold, the buyers came to see him 5 or 6 times. The child rode him 3 times, my daughter took him hunting and they came to watch, they had their instructor over to ride him and we took him to an XC course so they could try him round it.

I don't mind if people want to come several times to try/see but I wouldn't let the animal go away.
 

MagicMelon

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I think you can ask but be prepared for a lot of no's. I let one of my horses go out on trial a few years ago and never would again. Like others, I dont mind people coming a few times to try the horse and even trying it at a local event if need be but Id never ever let it go on trial or loan.
 

OWLIE185

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I would try to source a local horse where the owners want it to go to a good home and will let you try it out several times.
 
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