Putting horses out on trial

M

MagicMelon

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Would you be happy to put your horse out on a (pre-purchase) trial?

I have allowed this in the past however was very unimpressed last time with the people as the horse came back in a bit of a state, so swore never to do it again!

Someone mentioned a trial for my 4yo. Now, my main concern is his age. He is still a baby and thus could very easily be ruined!! It IS a big risk letting any horse go on trial to complete strangers. The horse in question is not insured etc. They also mentioned if they had him on trial, they'd have a vetting done during this time however I would want to be there for this.

I just cannot decide if I should say no to it (and say they can come and try him here as often as they want) or agree. If I agree it would have to be very short like 5 days (the longer the trial, the more chance of the horse ending up ruined!!). Ive put a lot of work into this horse and cant even bare watching someone else riding him let along pratically GIVING him to a stranger.

What does everyone think?
 
MM, I used to do this all the time with horses I have owned in the past.....but nowadays? No I would never do this as my horses are too valuable - I would however still offer pre-purchase trials providing the horse is kept on my property.
 
I wouldn't put my horses out on trial. Someone who came to see laurel wanted her on a weeks trial, my mum said they could have her on trial at my yard while I was around but she didn't want her to go to their place and then possibly end up coming back! They didn't end up buying her in the end, not because of the trial though
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I think it depends. If you are selling for a profit it is probably too risky. however if you were selling a 16 year old schoolmaster, you loved him to bits, didn't care about the price and wanted a good home the trial could have lots of benefits for you as well as the prospective buyers.
 
I would offer them a trial at your yard only.

Its far too risky letting your horse go somewhere else, unless you know the potential buyers. Anyway if they want a true reflection of what he horse is like, there's no point them taking him somewhere new, as he wont be settled straight away anyway.
 
When selling a 5 year old pony last year we were asked if we would do a trial, said no as he is nervous when in new surroundings, and told them they could come as often as they liked to try him out with us. They decided they would have him without trying him again! two days later got a call to say they wanted to bring him back as he wasnt suitable (they were told he didnt settle well and to give him time) so took him back, when we advertised him again and someone asked for a trial we allowed it as they lived a little further away, they took it slow and let him settle and had a vetting done while he was with them and ended up keeping him! so it can have a happy ending but best to have a loan agreement and that they should insure him while he is with them.
 
I personally wouldn't, its far too risky. I would however let them buy the horse and offer to buy back if it wasnt suitable. That way if they decide to do a runner or anything goes wrong you wont be out of pocket.
 
Ok, thanks. Will explain to them that its a no no and my reasons. I know some buyers will ONLY consider it if they get a trial, so hope it doesnt put her off. Such a star of a horse so Im hoping she'll see that without needing a trial!
 
HI. i have known of someone who has horses on trial and never buys. Just does what she wants with them for the trial period then sends them back with some excuse...Good Luck
 
I had my old pony on trial for two weeks, he then failed the vetting but the vet said he would be ok for what we wanted so we still bought him. TBH I don't think you can get a true picture in a week or two because they haven't settled in.
I know someone who put a pony out on trial and he came back in a mess.
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I don't think I'd put a horse/pony out on trial now. However, I think what you said about a trial at your yard under supervision would be a good idea.
 
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