Selling a horse in the current climate

[Aniseed]

My friend has had her lovely horse for sale for about 3 months now and although people have been to see him no-one has made an offer. Is everyone having trouble or do you think she is doing something wrong? I have pasted the wording of the advert below. Do you think she should re-word or is there anything important missing? Maybe he is too expensive?

I just can't understand it as he is a fantastic horse and if I didn't have Aniseed I would probably buy him myself! Any advice greatly appreciated.

13yr old,15.3h, ¾ Welsh, Chestnut Gelding

Roger (Artful Dodger) is a kind, gentle and easy to do horse who is a pleasure to own and ride. He’s 100% in every way and loves his work. He is unfortunately for sale due to a lack of time as I have another horse and feel that I’m not giving him the time and attention that he needs. He’s had experiences in many areas including show jumping, cross country and hunting and loves every minute of these activities. He’s a great character and I’m sure the first to see will buy.
£3700 ono

 

[Bossanova]

In my opinion he is too much money and thats probably why he hasnt sold.
It's also a very wishy washy advert and doesnt really tell me any detail about specifically what he's done so far in life- what are 'experiences'?!

 

[Cahill]

the advert sound nice.

 

[AmyMay]

Has she had any feedback from the viewers as to why they're not interested?

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

I also think he is too much. When I was looking (only a few months ago) I saw similar horses for £3000. I think she should reduce him to £3500 but say open to offers and take anything over £3000.

 

[Aniseed]

Not really one lady was really keen and changed her mind at the last minute. A couple have said he was too much for them to handle as he isn't a complete novice. Its difficult as he has been on loan for the last 5 years where he has been out competing, but the situation got pretty nasty with the person who had him so my friend doesn't know exactly what he has done. He has deffinately hunted and evented at a low level and done some affiliated SJ. Its pretty vague though.

 

[AmyMay]

Well if he's getting viewings he's probably around the right price. Especially if he has a competition record.

Maybe it's as simple as the right person just not having seen the advert yet......

 

[ronansmum]

I'd have to agree he is a bit on the pricey side as he hasn't really done very much and he isn't young. Also as 3/4 Welsh that would put me off personally, I had a Welsh cross and she was torture!

I also think more detail is needed, i.e. has he won anything? What has he done? And a piccie or three is always good for buyets to look at..

Also if your friend has another horse, as a buyer I'd want to know why she was selling THIS one rather then the other one, and/or why she has 2 if she can't afford the time.

Good luck anyway!!

 

[Nailed]

Hes 13yrs.. hes hardly young and hes not a full welsh.. so Id be looking at 2000 max.. unless he was perfect then 3000 max.. He is past his prime.

Lou x

 

[marinitagsd]

I agree with the above, he may be a little too much unless you can prove his experience etc.
We are desperately looking for another horse for my daughter but can't find one! Pity yours isn't 16.1hds lol
Good luck
Anita
x

 

[martlin]

QR
From what you have said I don't think he is particularly overpriced, if he was, there would be no viewers...
I think that your friend just has to bide her time fro the right person to come.
I would drop the other horse bit from the advert though.

 

[kombikids]

13 yrs is not past his prime! sorry will agree to disagree there! anyway the advert doesnt tellyou alot - its the sort of horse i would be looking for - but when peopleput "for sale due to lack of time" it really puts me off - i always think thast means they dont have the time to bring or keep it to the standard it needs and therefore could be a bit difficult - probably just me though!

 

[Aniseed]

As i said he was out on loan and my friend has another horse which is much more suited to what she wants. However the loan people decided to give poor Roger back with only a couple of days notice so my friend is left with two horses which she can't afford and doesn't have time for. Some very useful coments though, thanks guys I will get her to have a go at re-wording it. If you are interested Kombikids pm me.

 

[Taffster]

[ QUOTE ]
I'd have to agree he is a bit on the pricey side as he hasn't really done very much and he isn't young. Also as 3/4 Welsh that would put me off personally, I had a Welsh cross and she was torture!

Good luck anyway!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I think thats a little unfair, you had a horse that was not right for you, doesnt make all welsh part breds torture infact my fullbred is a saint in everyway and i would have 20 of him if it was possible and i could afford them.

In regard to the add it is quite vague, maybe she should jump him and see what he is capable of take him to a dressage test and see how he fairs that way prospective buyers will no exactly what he is capable of and you can make your target market more specific. At the moment it seems like he is a happy hacker and as you say he isnt the easiest of horses so your target market is greatly reduced.