Selling a horse

[HorsesRule2009]

Hello,

Sorry normally more of a lurker but would like some advice/experiences please.

I have come to the decision (i think), to sell my horse, I think we have come to the end of our time together . I hate the thought of it but think its for the best.

I would like some advice though as have never sold a horse before, and never really bought one either have been given them, had them of a friend.

So where is best to advertise? Also what do you like to see / not see in an advert.

And whats the best way to take payment? cash cheque? other ??

All help advice experiences welcomed

Thank you

 

[Rhodders]

I'm selling my first horse at the moment, I've got him on horsemart.
I don't really know the protocol, I've been 100% honest and have only had interest from unsuitable folk.
He's been looked at a crazy amount of times, I guess the right person will come along but I won't sell to the wrong person and felt honesty is the only way he will get a suitable home.
Sorry I'm wittering, not much help

 

[Rhodders]

oh and cash, I wouldn't take a cheque or bank transfer, you hear of some bad scams where you end up with no horse and no money

 

[be positive]

You need to decide what you are selling him as this will help you to place ads in the right place to attract buyers looking for his type there are so many sites to choose from.
The ad needs to be clear and well written, I usually make numerous attempts before being satisfied it has all relevant info and reads as I want it to.
Age, height, colour, type or breed, breeding if known.
A description of the horse, its nature, what it has done, is it good to hack that is high on most peoples priority list yet is often not in the ad, good in traffic, box shoe etc.
A few extra points of interest, what it may or may not do in the future what type of home that it would be suitable for but try not to sound as if you are too restricting, ie would suit keen teenager or lovely safe hack to give confidence.
Price and what if anything is included. Your area or County.

Try to make it all sound positive, if the horse has faults that need to be in the ad such as a vice that should be declared this should be in but do not use half the ad trying to justify why the horse does it.

Good photos are essential, no horse wearing rug ones or photo of rider with bits of horse missing, spend time getting one good photo if you do not have any, a short video helps if you can get one done.

Once sold and vetted, cash or bank transfer, a cheque if you have time to clear it but ideally cash on collection and do not forget to give them a receipt.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I've never sold a horse, once they're here, that's it they're here for life but that does mean that I'm very careful when I buy.
I don't like to have to read an essay about the horse and it's favourite food etc. A brisk description of the horse, gender, height, age, colour good to catch/load/traffic/farrier/ clip etc (I always look for what has been left out of this list), the horse's achievements. I'm not interested in the potential of a 12 yr old.
I want to see at least one good conformation photo with the horse stood up 4-square, side on to the camera, some movement shots and if the horse is being sold as a jumper/hunter, I like to see it in action. The rider makes a much better impression if s/he is dressed smartly and sitting in a good position. I'm not interested in seeing the horse's head over the stable door, or the horse wearing its rug, neither of those shots will tell me anything about the horse. It it is nice if the horse is rather bigger than a pin-head in the distance.
Hope that helps.

 

[Clodagh]

What PS says, I immediately lose interest if there is not a pic showing it doing what it is meant to be able to do.
Also no POA. Say what you want, but put 'offers' afterwards if you are happy to haggle.

 

[hnmisty]

I've just finished looking to buy. For websites, I like horsemart and horsedeals best. H&H too, and preloved is worth sifting through if you're after something local.

As said, a photo that shows your horse stood squarely from the side. A few of him doing things eg jumping, schooling.

Videos are useful, but I don't count ads with videos any higher than those without.

Coherently written, in paragraphs rather than one massive essay (I lose interest halfway through!). What you've done with your horse, how he is to clip, shoe, box, in traffic etc.

Cash or back transfer, the lady I'm buying my horse from said you can retract money you've paid by PayPal for up to 10 days after ie money goes into your account, they get the horse, money disappears from your account. I didn't know that!