Selling my horse through a dealer (Scotland)? Good idea? Bad??

TotalMadgeness

TotalMadgeness

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I have a lovely big horse (16.2hh 10yo dutch warmblood gelding) which I sadly need to sell as he's too much horse for me but I just don't have the capability to sell him privately (mainly due to the fact I keep him on a wonderful but private smallholding so the owner wouldn't appreciate strange people turning up & nosing about). However there's a dealer in the area (George Babes) who could take him and produce him for sale - at a substantial cost to me (basically I'd have to pay full livery for him until he's sold!!!).

Would this be the best thing for me and the horse under the circumstances? Has anyone had any experience at all selling their horse this way in particular via Mr Babes? He seems to have a reasonably competent / professional reputation but you never know!

Any advice & help greatly appreciated.
:)
 
George Babes is more than competent to produce your horse to it's full potential! Can't comment on the cost of livery etc though!
 
I actually don't mind the cost - I'm just worried the horse might not be looked after well (I have heard horror stories of other dealers taking on owners' horses, charging the owner a small fortune then simply abandoning the horse in a field...).
 
Go and visit, and see for yourself the level of care.
Cant comment on him though as I've never heard of him.
 
ram2628 said:
George Babes is more than competent to produce your horse to it's full potential! Can't comment on the cost of livery etc though!
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Ah, that's a blast from my past - knew George when he was starting out, he used to take me and pony jumping with him. Doubt he'll be cheap but he'll deliver on his promises. And if anyone can sell a horse, it's George!
 
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I used a selling livery once.It was a positive experience for me.I could go and see him anyime I wanted.Didn't have to say when I was coming.He appeared very happy and well cared for.They found him a lovely home and he was sold within the month
 
I've visited George's yard quite a few years ago and it really did seem nice. He definitely had a very good reputation back then so would hope its the same now.

Just give him a call and explain what you are thinking of doing, I'm sure he'll be happy for you to come and look around.

Good luck!
 
Buddy'sMum said:
Ah, that's a blast from my past - knew George when he was starting out, he used to take me and pony jumping with him. Doubt he'll be cheap but he'll deliver on his promises. And if anyone can sell a horse, it's George!
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My lovely mare came from him a few years ago. His sales technique was to put me on something that was a bit too much for me first, so that when I rode Madam I felt so comfortable I had to have her! He's a real character.
In your circumstances selling this way sounds like the best solution. George won't be cheap but you get what you pay for and there are a lot worse options out there.
 
George was one of my instructors more years ago than I care to admit. I can't imagine George and his team not taking care of any horse, but the best way to put your mind at rest is to go and visit.
 
As long as you remember that first and foremost George is running a business you'll be fine! They're perfectly capable of doing what you're looking for. It won't be cheap but it's a well run yard. You'll hear good and bad opinions of that family but that's to be expected in the horse world. Go and see him, he's a perfectly approachable man, and you can make your own mind up on what you see. He'll get your horse sold.
 
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