_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Any suggestions or recommendations?
This is the first time I have ever had to do this so a bit nervous about it
This is the first time I have ever had to do this so a bit nervous about it
Showing a horse off to potential buyers...
- Thread starter _jetset_
- Start date
scotsmare
Well-Known Member
I had a youngster for sale recently which frustratingly after it passed the vet the girl pulled out and now it's lame
What I did was let them see horse 'naked' in stable then stood it up for them outside, then trotted up in yard, then loose in indoor school. Obviously you'd need to ride in school...
Good luck with it and let us know how you get on
What I did was let them see horse 'naked' in stable then stood it up for them outside, then trotted up in yard, then loose in indoor school. Obviously you'd need to ride in school...
Good luck with it and let us know how you get on
Gamebird
Well-Known Member
I was a bit nervous about sailing over 1.25 oxers to prove it was a proper jumper, but I guess this bit doesn't apply to you!
I would usually walk/trot/canter on both reins. Show the horse to its advantage so if counter canter is super one way and not the other concentrate on the good rein. Then (I guess for a dressage horse) the fiddly lateral work bits, again, concentrate on what it does well and gloss over what it doesn't do so well. Then ask if there's anything else they'd like to see, then ask whether they'd like to ride it themselves.
Then sit on the mounting block/fence and appear nonchalant whilst praying that horse behaves!
I'm guessing from your previous posts that it might be prudent to remind you that they are assessing the horse, not you!!!!
I would usually walk/trot/canter on both reins. Show the horse to its advantage so if counter canter is super one way and not the other concentrate on the good rein. Then (I guess for a dressage horse) the fiddly lateral work bits, again, concentrate on what it does well and gloss over what it doesn't do so well. Then ask if there's anything else they'd like to see, then ask whether they'd like to ride it themselves.
Then sit on the mounting block/fence and appear nonchalant whilst praying that horse behaves!
I'm guessing from your previous posts that it might be prudent to remind you that they are assessing the horse, not you!!!!
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Thanks guys...
So basically just show her to them naked in the stable, let them watch me tack up etc etc and then school her as I would normally concentrating on her really good bits. I know they are not assessing me, it's silly to feel nervous isn't it
But I just want people to see her for the super star lady that I already know she is
The only thing I am worried about is that she is over due her shoeing by one week and is having them done on Tuesday. I can't get the farrier out tomorrow as know he is absolutely rammed with work, and we changed her to fit in with Grace having her eggbars redone so only one day I have to finish work early etc.
So basically just show her to them naked in the stable, let them watch me tack up etc etc and then school her as I would normally concentrating on her really good bits. I know they are not assessing me, it's silly to feel nervous isn't it
The only thing I am worried about is that she is over due her shoeing by one week and is having them done on Tuesday. I can't get the farrier out tomorrow as know he is absolutely rammed with work, and we changed her to fit in with Grace having her eggbars redone so only one day I have to finish work early etc.
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Should I jump her for them?
She is really good, no trouble at all... but if they wanted to jump her they would have to do it in my dressage saddle (I am used to it now) which I don't think they would fancy doing.
She is really good, no trouble at all... but if they wanted to jump her they would have to do it in my dressage saddle (I am used to it now) which I don't think they would fancy doing.
Bossanova
Well-Known Member
Have horse in stable when they get there, let them see horse loose in stable first. Then headcollar on, take out and stand up on yard.
Ask if they want to see it trotted up.
Ask if they want to see it ridden. Tack up, basic warm up W,T, C both reins. Bit of lateral work, dont over-kill it- 1 shoulder in both reins, a leg yield/ half pass and that should do it.
Ask if they'd like to ride.
At this point I generally watch for a couple of mins to check theyre safe on my horse then wander off to get the passport, make drinks etc for a few mins so that they have some un-pressured time to get to know the horse. Then go back and answer any questions they have.
At the end if it's gone well I ask if they'd like to go for a hack (I'll have a horse tacked up ready in case they say yes, then you can escort them)
Then untack horse, show it's good to sponge off etc, show them any photos/ test sheets you have.
And hopefully they'll make an offer!!!
Ask if they want to see it trotted up.
Ask if they want to see it ridden. Tack up, basic warm up W,T, C both reins. Bit of lateral work, dont over-kill it- 1 shoulder in both reins, a leg yield/ half pass and that should do it.
Ask if they'd like to ride.
At this point I generally watch for a couple of mins to check theyre safe on my horse then wander off to get the passport, make drinks etc for a few mins so that they have some un-pressured time to get to know the horse. Then go back and answer any questions they have.
At the end if it's gone well I ask if they'd like to go for a hack (I'll have a horse tacked up ready in case they say yes, then you can escort them)
Then untack horse, show it's good to sponge off etc, show them any photos/ test sheets you have.
And hopefully they'll make an offer!!!
black_n_white
Well-Known Member
I'd ask if they want to see the horse jump and then pop over a few fences yourself as like you say they may not wish to jump in a dressage saddle.
If you are going to escort them on a hack then can you borrow something weedy and unimpressive looking?! It always helps to make your horse look as good as possible!!
If you are going to escort them on a hack then can you borrow something weedy and unimpressive looking?! It always helps to make your horse look as good as possible!!
only_me
Well-Known Member
Don't forget that if she makes a mistake eg. Breaking in canter look as though you meant to come back to trot!
MagicMelon
Well-Known Member
I hate doing it! Especially when the other person gets on and rides the horse WAY better than me (which isn't hard!).
I just do some walk/trot/canter on each rein, some transitions (walk to canter etc. if he does them nicely), bending on circles etc. and then pop some jumps. I leave the height up to the person - I'll put them up to say 3'6 generally then ask if they want to see any higher. Then they have a go. If I trust the horse then I'll tend to leave the person to it if they are with a trainer / friend etc. as then they can relax and chat about the horse freely without my lugging in. I still keep an eye, I just go and muck out a paddock or pretend to groom another horse nearby!
I just do some walk/trot/canter on each rein, some transitions (walk to canter etc. if he does them nicely), bending on circles etc. and then pop some jumps. I leave the height up to the person - I'll put them up to say 3'6 generally then ask if they want to see any higher. Then they have a go. If I trust the horse then I'll tend to leave the person to it if they are with a trainer / friend etc. as then they can relax and chat about the horse freely without my lugging in. I still keep an eye, I just go and muck out a paddock or pretend to groom another horse nearby!
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Thanks so much everyone...
I have nothing to hack her with (well, nothing that is not going to completely show me up!!!). However, what I could offer to do is if she would like to come back with a trainer (this has been mentioned) is box her and Grace up and take them over to a lovely area of off road hacking (for Grace not Hannah) and she could see what she is like cantering out etc etc.
Good idea about going making cups of tea etc. as I know I would like to have some time without the pressure of the owner there if the roles were reversed.
Think I will warm her up, do some shoulder in, leg yield, half pass etc (how about simple changes???) and then hop off and ask whether they would like to get on.
I have nothing to hack her with (well, nothing that is not going to completely show me up!!!). However, what I could offer to do is if she would like to come back with a trainer (this has been mentioned) is box her and Grace up and take them over to a lovely area of off road hacking (for Grace not Hannah) and she could see what she is like cantering out etc etc.
Good idea about going making cups of tea etc. as I know I would like to have some time without the pressure of the owner there if the roles were reversed.
Think I will warm her up, do some shoulder in, leg yield, half pass etc (how about simple changes???) and then hop off and ask whether they would like to get on.
Thunderbirds R Gone
Well-Known Member
I agree with everything already said, but also, if you're not happy with the way the person rides when they get on don't be afraid to politely say that you don't think they are right for the horse.
I've been in this position before when someone came to try mine and I sat and cringed because I didn't know what else to do and then kicked myself afterwards that I let them carry on riding
I've been in this position before when someone came to try mine and I sat and cringed because I didn't know what else to do and then kicked myself afterwards that I let them carry on riding
Imonone
Well-Known Member
I think that buyers prefer to see how a horse is going away from home and in traffic, rather than cantering out with another in a quiet area.
Perhaps they could take her down the road with you on foot behind, its certainly something I always ask to do.
Perhaps they could take her down the road with you on foot behind, its certainly something I always ask to do.
Bossanova
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I think that buyers prefer to see how a horse is going away from home and in traffic, rather than cantering out with another in a quiet area.
Perhaps they could take her down the road with you on foot behind, its certainly something I always ask to do.
[/ QUOTE ]
totally agree- it's mostly to check she isnt nappy going away from home and can cope with a few cars going past her.
I think that buyers prefer to see how a horse is going away from home and in traffic, rather than cantering out with another in a quiet area.
Perhaps they could take her down the road with you on foot behind, its certainly something I always ask to do.
[/ QUOTE ]
totally agree- it's mostly to check she isnt nappy going away from home and can cope with a few cars going past her.
ecrozier
Well-Known Member
All sounds good - like you OP i've not sold many but viewed and bought a few and all of the above is how I would like to be sold a horse! AGree with Mickey66 though - might be worth trying to think of a way you can show she hacks quietly and good in traffic so if yo can go on foot or something? Unless she isn't ok with traffic I guess! Or could they bring another horse to you/you go to them and go for a hack if they are local?
TBH it depends on the people though, as some people won't worry about that at all and wouldn't bother hacking her out anyway as part of purchase!
TBH it depends on the people though, as some people won't worry about that at all and wouldn't bother hacking her out anyway as part of purchase!
kit279
Well-Known Member
Yes, if she's safe to do so, I would let them hack her out on her own. To faff about talking about boxing up etc. would make me think that the owner was trying to disguise the fact that the horse is a fruit loop on its own or in traffic! You're selling as a bombproof horse, so they will want to see it.
Gamebird
Well-Known Member
If I'm happy with the person riding I always suggest that they might like to hack the horse out - we have a 10 min loop round the village which I think should be sufficient for the buyer to check that the horse goes away from home, isn't too spooky or nappy etc. If it's a hunter I would usually have another horse ready so that they can gallop the horse in company etc. but I'd let them go in front to prove that the horse isn't nappy.
It's a nervous wait waiting for them to return. I always imagine that they have a lorry parked in the next street and they're going to abscond with my horse and my saddle (probably worth more than the horse and not insured!).
It's a nervous wait waiting for them to return. I always imagine that they have a lorry parked in the next street and they're going to abscond with my horse and my saddle (probably worth more than the horse and not insured!).
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Ah... hadn't thought about that. I can go on foot, not a problem
It is just where I am stabled it is just a busy road for quite some distance and no chance to have a canter etc. I have not actually hacked her out from here because it is not great, which is why I always box her up and take her to the place I was thinking... far more fun
I will hack her around the roads tomorrow so I can sort out a route... Will also ask people on the yard for a suggested route but no one really hacks from there because of the road. I know Han will not bother a jot about it though so just need to sort a route out
But, I will go on foot as we are very close to a motorway, so would be on pins that she would be half way down the M6 by the time I realised she was not coming back
Paranoid... me, never!!!
Just hope I can do her justice when I show her to them.
It is just where I am stabled it is just a busy road for quite some distance and no chance to have a canter etc. I have not actually hacked her out from here because it is not great, which is why I always box her up and take her to the place I was thinking... far more fun
I will hack her around the roads tomorrow so I can sort out a route... Will also ask people on the yard for a suggested route but no one really hacks from there because of the road. I know Han will not bother a jot about it though so just need to sort a route out
But, I will go on foot as we are very close to a motorway, so would be on pins that she would be half way down the M6 by the time I realised she was not coming back
Just hope I can do her justice when I show her to them.
X
xspiralx
Guest
Just to add that I would definitely pop her over a few fences if you are selling as an allrounder rather than as a dressage horse. People wanting a RC allrounder will expect to see her jumping at least 3ft.
TarrSteps
Well-Known Member
All good advice above.
It's a communication thing, too. You should have an idea by the time someone comes what they want to see from talking to them on the phone. Ask if there is anything specific they want to see/do and try to be set up for that in advance.
Don't ride the horse for ages first - remember you're showing her off, not schooling her. Try to show all her good points (depending on what they're looking for) first, then ask if there is something they'd like to see specifically.
I can see both sides of letting people hack a horse out alone but personally, I'd want to keep an eye on things and I don't think a reasonable buyer would have a problem with it.
Also, speak nicely of the horse! Don't apologise for anything or try to explain too much, just point out her genuine good points and say how much you like her. Don't get too overcome about having to sell her if you can help it - it puts some people off if they think the seller is conflicted. Just be cheerful and welcoming and let your confidence in the horse come through. And, as said, remember, no one is looking to buy you.
It's a communication thing, too. You should have an idea by the time someone comes what they want to see from talking to them on the phone. Ask if there is anything specific they want to see/do and try to be set up for that in advance.
Don't ride the horse for ages first - remember you're showing her off, not schooling her. Try to show all her good points (depending on what they're looking for) first, then ask if there is something they'd like to see specifically.
I can see both sides of letting people hack a horse out alone but personally, I'd want to keep an eye on things and I don't think a reasonable buyer would have a problem with it.
Also, speak nicely of the horse! Don't apologise for anything or try to explain too much, just point out her genuine good points and say how much you like her. Don't get too overcome about having to sell her if you can help it - it puts some people off if they think the seller is conflicted. Just be cheerful and welcoming and let your confidence in the horse come through. And, as said, remember, no one is looking to buy you.
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Thanks again...
I spoke to the lady for quite some time so although she is advertised as an allrounder she is looking for something that she can learn the moves for dressage on but that will be patient with her and give her confidence. So although I could jump her, I don't think this is necessarily what she is looking for, but I will offer.
I love this lady to pieces, so I can do nothing but speak fondly of her
I find it hard to see her bad points because the good points far outweigh them. When you have known a horse for 9 years you kind of forget the things that are not their best assets
I have also said she can go over and see my two year old who is out of the mare... He is out in a field a few minutes from the yard. Do you think this is ok, or should I think of bringing him in for her to see?
I spoke to the lady for quite some time so although she is advertised as an allrounder she is looking for something that she can learn the moves for dressage on but that will be patient with her and give her confidence. So although I could jump her, I don't think this is necessarily what she is looking for, but I will offer.
I love this lady to pieces, so I can do nothing but speak fondly of her
I have also said she can go over and see my two year old who is out of the mare... He is out in a field a few minutes from the yard. Do you think this is ok, or should I think of bringing him in for her to see?
PucciNPoni
Well-Known Member
Hm, I think all the advice above sounds good. I can't offer anything except a "what NOT to do" when showing a horse (and this is true, it happened to me).
I was horse hunting after a ten year gap in having any. I was reasonably experienced having had apprenticed on show yards, had my own horses since I was young. I was rather excited and this was the first horse I was going to see. I'd been back to riding for maybe 4 or 5 months, still kind of rusty but confident.
I went to see a horse that sounded great on paper, it was very much what I was looking for, within a reasonable budget. I was told the horse was 9, had been professionally backed at four, turned away and then some schooling etc since but not much done in the past year, which was fine. After a four hour car journey I arrived to find that the horse was in a stable, fine. I couldn't see it in the stable as it was dark with no lighting and rather awkwardly positioned (a steep ramp up in to the stable and I'm just short enouch that I couldn't see in the stable). So the owner brought it out and the mare immediately tried to nap back to it. There was no place for it to be tied, so someone else held it. I walked round the mare and it swished it's tail and threatened to kick. At this point I should have got back in the car and gone home.
There were no facilities to see the horse in hand or ridden. None. The drive was huge rocks that were hard to walk on. There was no verge and the paddock was a steep hill full of rabbit holes! That was another red flag, go home!
The only thing I could do was ask to hack it to a nearby field - and I wanted to see the mare ridden so the owner had another horse tacked up for me to ride and she rode the sale horse. That seemed fine. Along the way we switched horses and immediately realised once we got to the field that it was only following the other horse rather than going on it's own. The second we stepped in to the field and took a couple of trot strides, it bronced til I hit the deck. Twenty minutes later, we caught the mare, I stupidly got back on, hacked back. While we were away, my friends that drove me got an earful about how the mare refuses to load, is horrible to box, rears, bucks, bites, kicks...hadn't been sat on at all in a year!
Sooooo, I was more than delighted to get back in to the car, nurse a broken finger...and then the owner asked me if maybe I'd be interested in taking the horse for 30 days as a trial? Ahhh, let me get back to you on that one....
I was horse hunting after a ten year gap in having any. I was reasonably experienced having had apprenticed on show yards, had my own horses since I was young. I was rather excited and this was the first horse I was going to see. I'd been back to riding for maybe 4 or 5 months, still kind of rusty but confident.
I went to see a horse that sounded great on paper, it was very much what I was looking for, within a reasonable budget. I was told the horse was 9, had been professionally backed at four, turned away and then some schooling etc since but not much done in the past year, which was fine. After a four hour car journey I arrived to find that the horse was in a stable, fine. I couldn't see it in the stable as it was dark with no lighting and rather awkwardly positioned (a steep ramp up in to the stable and I'm just short enouch that I couldn't see in the stable). So the owner brought it out and the mare immediately tried to nap back to it. There was no place for it to be tied, so someone else held it. I walked round the mare and it swished it's tail and threatened to kick. At this point I should have got back in the car and gone home.
There were no facilities to see the horse in hand or ridden. None. The drive was huge rocks that were hard to walk on. There was no verge and the paddock was a steep hill full of rabbit holes! That was another red flag, go home!
The only thing I could do was ask to hack it to a nearby field - and I wanted to see the mare ridden so the owner had another horse tacked up for me to ride and she rode the sale horse. That seemed fine. Along the way we switched horses and immediately realised once we got to the field that it was only following the other horse rather than going on it's own. The second we stepped in to the field and took a couple of trot strides, it bronced til I hit the deck. Twenty minutes later, we caught the mare, I stupidly got back on, hacked back. While we were away, my friends that drove me got an earful about how the mare refuses to load, is horrible to box, rears, bucks, bites, kicks...hadn't been sat on at all in a year!
Sooooo, I was more than delighted to get back in to the car, nurse a broken finger...and then the owner asked me if maybe I'd be interested in taking the horse for 30 days as a trial? Ahhh, let me get back to you on that one....
natalia
Well-Known Member
I've got it down to a fine art now! lol! The trick to selling is to make the buyer think they ride it much better than you (esp. with ponies as all parent like to see their little darlings looking better than an adult) so ride it as badly as you can, but still in a shape, I just do a walk trot canter on both reins, pop a couple of small jumps and hand it over. With the ponies depending on the customer who's looking I might really miss them in to a fence and make them look really honest etc. Then when little talulah gets on and rides my nicely schooled pony neatly, mummy and daddy think she's gods gift and are more tempted to buy. I then make sure i give said child a jump over some much larger fence than I have, and the result is a wow , isn't this pony talented .....
For adults for riding club, repeat above exercise, its only with proper people and horses you actually have to look like your trying! lol!
PS. would always offer to let them try on the road/out hacking and often your best walking away and leaving adults to it to try out in their own time, go make a coffee and leave alone, no one likes being watched!
For adults for riding club, repeat above exercise, its only with proper people and horses you actually have to look like your trying! lol!
PS. would always offer to let them try on the road/out hacking and often your best walking away and leaving adults to it to try out in their own time, go make a coffee and leave alone, no one likes being watched!
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Brill advice all round
This morning, I hacked her down the main road (60 mph road with lots of traffic) and she did not bat an eyelid
I am so proud of the horse she has become over the 9 years, she really is a confidence giver while still being responsive and able
I then worked her in the school for about 35 mins, did some nice half passes and then let my husband jump on and cool her down for me so she has had someone else on her as well as me. She has taught my husband to ride over the past few months and cooling down became him cantering her around practising again
But, it was so nice to see her looking after him!
This morning, I hacked her down the main road (60 mph road with lots of traffic) and she did not bat an eyelid
I then worked her in the school for about 35 mins, did some nice half passes and then let my husband jump on and cool her down for me so she has had someone else on her as well as me. She has taught my husband to ride over the past few months and cooling down became him cantering her around practising again