Selling horses - sick already

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LouS

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Advertised our mare last night, only cheaply for 2k as we need a quick sale due to personal circumstances, and I've so far had 3 different people ask if they could pay in installments as they can't afford to buy out right. Is this a done thing now? I'm a bit shocked and question if they can't afford a 2k horse can they actually afford to look after her properly if something were to go wrong? If you want to pay in installments then surely it won't take you long to save up 2k anyway. I'm having to say a complete no as there's no way the horse will leave the yard without being paid for in full.

Also someone asking if I'd loan with view to buy despite the advert saying quick sale needed, because the horse they bought was advertised as safe and its not so they're trying to sell it, nowhere in my advert do I use the word safe or confidence giver?? Also had a few asking if she'd be suitable for an extremely nervous rider, again advert implies that this is a forward going horse needing a competent, quiet rider.

Already want to tear my hair out, I'm hoping she'll be snapped up by someone decent as I'd be selling her for twice as much if didn't need her gone so quick, my friend actually warned me that is better to advertise for more as you tend to get the wrong kind of people advertising cheap, never mind.
 
LouS said:
Advertised our mare last night, only cheaply for 2k as we need a quick sale due to personal circumstances, and I've so far had 3 different people ask if they could pay in installments as they can't afford to buy out right. Is this a done thing now? I'm a bit shocked and question if they can't afford a 2k horse can they actually afford to look after her properly if something were to go wrong? If you want to pay in installments then surely it won't take you long to save up 2k anyway. I'm having to say a complete no as there's no way the horse will leave the yard without being paid for in full.

Also someone asking if I'd loan with view to buy despite the advert saying quick sale needed, because the horse they bought was advertised as safe and its not so they're trying to sell it, nowhere in my advert do I use the word safe or confidence giver?? Also had a few asking if she'd be suitable for an extremely nervous rider, again advert implies that this is a forward going horse needing a competent, quiet rider.

Already want to tear my hair out, I'm hoping she'll be snapped up by someone decent as I'd be selling her for twice as much if didn't need her gone so quick, my friend actually warned me that is better to advertise for more as you tend to get the wrong kind of people advertising cheap, never mind.
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I don't joke ... on 2 sell ons I've done I've had nothing but idiots call up when they were advertised at a lower price. Both time instead of lowering the price I increased the price (one from 3 to 5 K and one from 3.5 to 4.5 K) and both times they sold within the fortnight.

Give your ad a chance as it stands, but if you are still getting the idiot calls try an advert at '3.5K sale needed, good home priority, make me an offer - sorry no loans/installments' and I bet you get your 2K +
 
LouS said:
Advertised our mare last night, only cheaply for 2k as we need a quick sale due to personal circumstances, and I've so far had 3 different people ask if they could pay in installments as they can't afford to buy out right. Is this a done thing now? I'm a bit shocked and question if they can't afford a 2k horse can they actually afford to look after her properly if something were to go wrong? If you want to pay in installments then surely it won't take you long to save up 2k anyway. I'm having to say a complete no as there's no way the horse will leave the yard without being paid for in full.

Also someone asking if I'd loan with view to buy despite the advert saying quick sale needed, because the horse they bought was advertised as safe and its not so they're trying to sell it, nowhere in my advert do I use the word safe or confidence giver?? Also had a few asking if she'd be suitable for an extremely nervous rider, again advert implies that this is a forward going horse needing a competent, quiet rider.

Already want to tear my hair out, I'm hoping she'll be snapped up by someone decent as I'd be selling her for twice as much if didn't need her gone so quick, my friend actually warned me that is better to advertise for more as you tend to get the wrong kind of people advertising cheap, never mind.
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Oh no.... I am thinking of may be selling one of mine later this year and I am dreading it ...

I always worry when people ask loan with view to buy especially this time of year - are they looking for a "free" horse for the summer and then hand back when winter comes.

A trial period I understand and personally would accept.

Good luck and hope you find a lovely home for your horse.
 
we had that done to us selling my event pony...every thing we said stated she was an extremely difficult horse and yet we still had people calling wanting to buy her for their kids(all around 9/10 years old). she was up for 5k and we still got this.

i think to a certain extent you just have to put up with it for abit. you could put in your advert that you dont want any novices etc. as thehorse is forward or something. hope that helps a little:confused:.....:)
 
ihatework said:
I don't joke ... on 2 sell ons I've done I've had nothing but idiots call up when they were advertised at a lower price. Both time instead of lowering the price I increased the price (one from 3 to 5 K and one from 3.5 to 4.5 K) and both times they sold within the fortnight.

Give your ad a chance as it stands, but if you are still getting the idiot calls try an advert at '3.5K sale needed, good home priority, make me an offer - sorry no loans/installments' and I bet you get your 2K +
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That's really interesting, I might try and get her out XC schooling this week and take some nice new photos then put her on for 3.5, she's a little star and a very easy straightforward ride, but not for a novice/nervous! I feel like its a minefield writing things in your adverts etc because if you say its sensible they think its bombproof for your gran and if you say its not a novice ride they think its a dangerous nutter, so I avoid either and just hope I get some sensible people!
 
I put no loans, no novices and still got inundated by novices asking for loan with view to buy and when I explained to one person that horse was green and I didn't want it out on loan she rang up a friend of mine who was thinking about buying it and told her not to touch it as it was a nutter!
 
i think theres a lot of time wasters/dreamers/liars and numpties out there!

some one at my yard is trying to sell one of her mares,9yr old welsh x 13.3hh, backed but never ridden away, though rides out in traffic from another horse- totally wasted doing nothing. mare is quick thinking and would take total mick out of unexperienced or unconfident handler-so price reflects this £450- the ad states all this
woman called up - talked the talk, made all the right noises, so arranges to come and view the mare. saying mare was for her daughter who is at equestrian collage
turns up with her 11yr old daughter who is just coming of a 12hh first ridden! then gets all offended when owner wouldnt let her daughter ride!

unfortunatly i think people think with the current ecconomic climate that everyone selling must be desperate and willing to sell for peanuts

hang in there- all it takes is one good serious buyer- they muct be out there!!
 
The last time I sold a horse, a good mare that did a bit of everything for 5k, I was initially plagued by calls from pony club mums who wanted a long term loans with a view to buy because they could "offer her a good private home on a farm". Hmmn. And just how was I supposed to fund the purchase of a new horse? Or deal with said horse returned after 6 months with a novice rider and various bad habits once they decided they didn't want it?

After the first week, more sensible people started to phone up and horse sold days later for the full price. I actually amended the advert to put at the bottom "This horse is for sale. Please do not enquire about loaning".
 
Yes you get it all now a days good look finding a decent person as they all seem to be idiots buying horses at the moment!! Where in the country are you?
 
pinklilly said:
I put no loans, no novices and still got inundated by novices asking for loan with view to buy and when I explained to one person that horse was green and I didn't want it out on loan she rang up a friend of mine who was thinking about buying it and told her not to touch it as it was a nutter!
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I think you misunderstood, she thought YOU were a nutter for painting your horse green!
I have people asking to loan as a surprise present for a daughter [unseen!] I explained I wanted to sell the horse and get some money in exchange.
 
LaurenB said:
Yes you get it all now a days good look finding a decent person as they all seem to be idiots buying horses at the moment!! Where in the country are you?
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North East england, I thought selling her cheap might be a good thing as there might be someone who is a decent rider but doesn't have the funds as she really is a competition type horse, well actually she'd be a fantastic pony club thing/hunter etc, but not for someone incompetent!, she needs a quiet rider.

I'm really worried about getting people that just want to jump and jump and jump as will end up winding her up into something incapable of schooling sweetly. I've put a lot of work into getting her relaxed and actually working down and not leaning and pulling. I'd be pretty devastated if a few months down the line she was awful but what can you do but try your best to judge people are right for her?

We'll see.
 
Miss L Toe said:
I think you misunderstood, she thought YOU were a nutter for painting your horse green!
I have people asking to loan as a surprise present for a daughter [unseen!] I explained I wanted to sell the horse and get some money in exchange.
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Haha, it is mad isn't it, its so bizarre. "I see your horse is for sale but would you give it to me, a complete stranger, for free so I can ride it then send it back to you when I feel like it/I break it/I've ruined it."
 
Lol.

I've advertised my Saffy at £500 because she's just turned 3 and is nothing special. The amount of numpties that have asked to pay for her in installments!! She's £500!!!! If people can't afford that there is no way they can afford to look after her.

I've given up now. I'd rather pay to keep her another year and get her broken in than give her to someone clueless.
 
I've just read this thread and I'm shocked that people actually have the nerve to ask to pay in instalments.... how insulting!
A beloved horse is not a piece of furniture that can be bought and paid for a year later on interest free credit! Positively shocking....!
 
vabell said:
I've just read this thread and I'm shocked that people actually have the nerve to ask to pay in instalments.... how insulting!
A beloved horse is not a piece of furniture that can be bought and paid for a year later on interest free credit! Positively shocking....!
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Yes, my thoughts really, seems very cheeky and doesn't really come across as responsible, I just don't like it unless it was a close friend.
 
I'm amazed at the cheek of people. I wouldn't dream of asking to pay for ANYTHING by installments unless a proper credit agreement was offered (e.g.sofas!). As has been said, if they can't afford the horse, how can they afford its care as well? It seems strange that so many novices phone up for unsuitable horses. Does this mean that all the truly numpty proof beginners horses and ponies sell like hot cakes?
 
I paid for my current horse in installments.

Luckily i was buying him from a friend of mine so she knew i was trust worthy.

Now runs for cover and hides
 
Forever_broke said:
I paid for my current horse in installments.

Luckily i was buying him from a friend of mine so she knew i was trust worthy.

Now runs for cover and hides
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So did I, (well actually it was my current horses mum))but like you I knew the seller well and lets just say it was an unplanned purchase on my part!! :)

Would never allow it with someone I didn't know though.
 
For me though the boot is on the other foot , as i've now got an unrideable horse which cost me £4750 and even though i've got my own land/ stables /sand school etc , i now haven't the capital to buy another even though i have money for feed/ insurance / tack / wormers / shoes and all the other monthly essentials and i've kept horses for the last 25 years and am suitably capable , so for some people that initial outlay can be hard , people willing to loan are pretty thin on the ground too , but i do agree with you OP it is pretty frightening. Good luck selling your mare , just give it some time and the right person will surely come along.
 
I bought my OHs last showjumper in instalments. horse was for a pretty hefty sum and I paid for her in 2 instalments, was from an aqauintance and it worked out well for all.
 
Ive been lucky with the one we just sold & he went to the 4th person to see him (& couldnt have asked for nicer people) , but ive just put my Arab up for sale & i just know with him i will get numpties & idiots calling, i did the last time i advertised him 4 years ago, infact i had one timewaster convince me she was most definitely having him & dragged it on for a month & then admitted she didnt have the cash & would have to swap him for one of her horses.....& yes, i do have MUG stamped on my forehead. So let the fun begin :(
On the subject of installments i have actually sold 2 this way, both to lovely homes who still have them.
 
I stopped advertising my mare (I wanted around £800 for her) because of people like that. I have often wondered about readvertising her for a much bigger price just to keep the numpties away, I would give her to the right person.
 
I think it is the same whatever you are advertising for sale - a chest of drawers, a car, a house - you get weird time-wasters who think it is funny trying it on, I guess! God only knows why! Worth a shot, maybe?!
 
If it was a friend I would consider it but even then what happens if the horse gets ill or they decide they don't want it half way through paying? Its not like she's a lot of money.

I'm actually really tempted to get some photos at the weekend and put her up for 3.5 on the pony club website, h&h or horse quest maybe? I'm really not sure which sites sell, any recommendations for an all rounder/hunter/pony club type, she's only 15hh and very narrowly built so she rides more like a pony, but she definitely won't measure in, awkward horse!

Also maybe I'm behind the time but she's been advertised less than 24hrs, I've had about a dozen emails but not one phone call. Personally I will always phone if I'm interested, just seems odd, although most of the e-mails have been people wanting to loan, buy her like a sofa etc.
 
The payment by instalments thing is mental! If you can't afford to buy a horse (assuming we're not talking top dollar here), then lord knows how they can afford to insure, vet, keep, get tack etc. They aint cheap! I can see how you might do it for a very good friend but even then it seems a bit risky.

But being on the other side of the fence, as a buyer, given the risks and cost involved I'd always be more inclined towards someone who was prepared to loan with a view to buy, as that says masses about how confident they are with the horse and their desire to find it the right home.
 
I agree they must pay in full and if they cant afford they cant have! Your horse doesnt sound mega expensive. Also I only allowed mine go on loan for 2 weeks that ended up 4 weeks as they were cheeky as he went to a yard that we know with a good reputation and the yard collected him(so I knew he was def going their). Otherwise I would want references a visit to yard inspection etc, but I probably wouldnt loan to a stranger at all!

Good luck
 
Bernster said:
The payment by instalments thing is mental! If you can't afford to buy a horse (assuming we're not talking top dollar here), then lord knows how they can afford to insure, vet, keep, get tack etc. They aint cheap! I can see how you might do it for a very good friend but even then it seems a bit risky.

But being on the other side of the fence, as a buyer, given the risks and cost involved I'd always be more inclined towards someone who was prepared to loan with a view to buy, as that says masses about how confident they are with the horse and their desire to find it the right home.
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I appreciate that but on the other hand if the horse has an accident in their care they get to just send it back to me while I foot the bill. Also its a waste of my time if they send it back, she needs to go quickly unfortunately, I'd rather not be selling her at all but unfortunately my other horse has decided he's bilaterally lame in front and behind and we just cannot afford to keep the two of them and pay his massive never-ending vets bill.
 
It is the same whatever you're selling. I'm currently selling some Ercol furniture and seem to have attracted some strange people! It's on an auction site and they want to buy outright... But then I wouldn't be auctioning would I?

I've got the horse purchasing problem from the other side at the moment... Do owners know their horses? For example, I would generally avoid adverts aimed at experienced riders, but you know that some of these horses would be fine for a competent amateur... One man's sharp is another man's donkey type thing.
 
metalmare she would be fine for a competent amateur, but I tried to sell her about a year ago and gave up because every single person who came to try her was awful to the point they were hanging off her mouth, had no security in their lower leg and were bouncing on her back, one very unhappy horse, all of these people described themselves as experienced riders, do you see my problem?
 
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