Selling my horse. What do I need to think about??

[black_n_white]

I've come to the very hard decision that I need to put my beloved horse up for sale for financial and personal reasons. He's my first and only horse and I would appreciate some advice as to what I need to think of for an advert, how much I should advertise him for and "ettiquette" of selling when it comes to deposits and methods of payment and anything else I should know.

Here's some info about him:

Handsome 10 YO 16.1 dapple grey gelding. Breeding unknown but imported from Ireland and believed to be by a TB stallion. He has hunted with previous owner and has done team chasing (in a Horse Mag feature!!), XC, SJ & dressage with me. Good jump and nice paces. Very bold XC - will jump anything! Hacks alone or in company. Snaffle mouth. He tries hard to please at all times and doesn't have a bad bone in his body. An absolute gent and is regularly handled by children. Loads, travels and stands well in lorry or trailer. Good to shoe, catch, clip, groom, bath etc.

Ideal riding club horse or eventer.

He's not a novice ride though and does need a quiet confident rider as he can be a worrier and needs a rider that is relaxed if that makes sense?

Any ideas as to what I should ask for him?? He has an Albion saddle that is less than a year old which I would probably offer with him.

If I do sell him then how do I actually take payment?? Sorry prob a really silly question!!

Thanks!

 

[Storminateacup]

Deposit of a few hundred pounds first then cash when they come to collect him or arrange for them to do a credit transfer to your bank account, that' s the safest bet.
Be careful of Bankers Drafts they can still bounce I read somewhere, or be fakes and un-cleared cheques are definite no no.
He sounds wonderful, you should be able to get a good price for him if he is all that you say he is.
What pity you have to part with him, but a good horse is easy to sell and find a good home for.
I would also think about vetting the home if at all possible and asking that you may stay in contact. I've done this with three of our horses and no one has ever objected.
If you get bad vibes about a prospective purchaser follow your instincts, you will never sleep at night if you sell him to someone you don't like or who gives you no confidence in them.

 

[mintaka04]

You'll need to be prepared for all the morons hun.
Just read a few of the previous posts on here.
Best of luck.Your horse sounds as though he will sell easily.

 

[burtondog]

When people arrange to see him, always get their mobile numbers and phone them about an hour before their appointment to confirm they're on the way -you'll be amazed how many buyers are 'no shows' and you don't want to be hanging around unnecessarily.

Also, even if someone (no matter how nice they seem) says they'll buy him still take details of anyone else who calls up about him. If the first person pulls out (for whatever reason) this will save you having to re-advertise because you won't have told any potential buyer 'he's sold'.

CASH deposit, about £200, subject to vetting only.

Be prepared for a fairly stressful and emotional experience.

Good luck.

 

[Happytohack]

Can you post a piccie of him to help with giving you an idea of the price to ask for him? He sounds a very nice horse. If people arrange to see him, make sure you take a landline and mobile number and ask them to phone before to confirm they are on their way - so many people arrange to view horses and then don't turn up. Even if the first person who sees him says they will definitely have him, always take other interested people's contact details - purchasers have a habit of changing their minds

. Take a cash deposit (5 - 10% of the purchase price) that is only returnable if the horse fails the vet - if the buyer changes their mind, you keep the deposit. Insist on the rest of the purchase money in cash. Do not let the horse go out on trial - if someone is interested, they can come back several times and try your horse in various situations. Good luck!

 

[black_n_white]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I hadn't thought of calling to check the viewers were on their way but will deffo do that now!

Jaylen yes some pics would be a good idea! They're not great but here's a few just to give you an idea.