So I've advertised - why has nobody answered!

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scarymare

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Sorry, I haven't been on for ages. After a pretty tumultuous year, which included losing the horse of a lifetime under a flying field shelter and then finding out I was PG with twins (age 47!) I have posted this ad.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/clas...terhorse-looking-for-quieter-life-414070.html

I have also put it elsewhere but no replies (or no serious ones anyhow) can anyone please tell me what I've done wrong?

Thanks in anticipation.

HH - I've have advertised so please don't pull this - I need feedback!
 
You are looking for the perfect horse, sound, able to compete at elementary dressage, jumps 80cm and a nice safe hack. And you want it for nothing! Not saying those types of horses don't turn up but I imagine you will be looking for ages. Good luck.
 
TBH I wouldn't reply to someone who said the loan/sale would be unseen - to me that sounds like someone who doesn't really care about what they get and maybe they have shady motives too. I know that isn't the case, but it would worry me.

Also, why do you want a retired eventer looking for a quieter life? Why rule out a general all rounder, for example? If it is to be a general yard pet and do a bit of hacking, bit of dressage, then I can't see why you are limiting yourself by only wanting a retired eventer. There are plenty of horses out there that would do the job, don't limit yourself :) And TBH the type of horse you seem to be looking for would sell for a pretty penny, even as a retired eventer, I'd think, as it can teach a younger/ less experienced rider the job.

Ad could be more succinct maybe - not sure the info about weaning foals and currently being overhorsed is relevant.

I'm sure others will be better placed to comment but that's just what struck me, anyway.
 
Might just be me but I didnt have a clue what your advert was about the first time I read it! It was a bit confusing. Anyone else think that?
It doesnt say how big you want it to be and considering you plan to lead a couple of kids on it? Sorry bit confused with that bit. And then you mention weaning foals?

:o
 
Along the lines of what Clodagh has said- I think you are looking for what a lot of people are looking for, hence these horses are in demand. Thus those selling don't need to make the effort to search for potential buyers, they wait for the buyers to come to them.

You don't mention price- people may not see much point in contacting you to be told their £5k horse is out of your budget (example), when they already have people ringing them up. you also don't mention age or height. A retired pony eventer, a retired 17hh event horse? Also not entirely sure on your quieter life of 80 cm SJ and elementary dressage- that may not match everyone's definition of a quieter life!

I'd start trawling sales sites :)
 
Clodagh said:
You are looking for the perfect horse, sound, able to compete at elementary dressage, jumps 80cm and a nice safe hack. And you want it for nothing! Not saying those types of horses don't turn up but I imagine you will be looking for ages. Good luck.
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Ah, no quite prepared to pay market value but interesting that you read it that way, thanks
 
Sorry to hear about your difficult year.

A few things jump out to me. Firstly, it isn't really very clear what you are looking for to be honest. It wasn't until the end that I realised you were looking to potentially buy or loan, so many people may read the ad and in the first few lines just think you are looking for a free horse.

Also, the kind of horse you describe would be one that has done a really good job for the current owner and I can't see many people that would want their horse to go to a home where it sounds like (not saying it is) the horse will be used when wanted, but not used for periods as well as you "quite often can't ride for a week etc".

I think you'd be better off describing at the beginning that you are willing to buy/loan and make the ad sound a bit more like you don't have the time to be out and about competing all the time anymore so are looking for a horse that enjoy going out to low level competitions from time to time but that is needing a generally quieter life.

Hope that doesn't sound bad, but if I was looking to send a loved horse off to another home, I would pass your advert by.
 
hnmisty said:
Along the lines of what Clodagh has said- I think you are looking for what a lot of people are looking for, hence these horses are in demand. Thus those selling don't need to make the effort to search for potential buyers, they wait for the buyers to come to them.

You don't mention price- people may not see much point in contacting you to be told their £5k horse is out of your budget (example), when they already have people ringing them up. you also don't mention age or height. A retired pony eventer, a retired 17hh event horse? Also not entirely sure on your quieter life of 80 cm SJ and elementary dressage- that may not match everyone's definition of a quieter life!

I'd start trawling sales sites :)
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Yes OK will do, and clearly I haven't expressed myself very well. Glad I posted. I've been trying to do 80cm for years and not managed more than a chancey 70cm. £5K would be within budget so I'll add this also. Thanks.
 
If you're looking for a really good safe horse for ride and lead etc. they why would you buy one unseen?? Very brave

Why e-mail first - much easier to have a quick chat with someone to see if what you have is what they are looking for, saves ages typing!

No height or age requirement, agree about why ex eventers only? what about pure dressage horse that'll pop the odd fence?

Just my initial observations - good luck with your search - have you tried the charities?
Could Percy work for you??
http://www.bransbyhorses.co.uk/re-homing/re-homing-future-friends.html
 
Its a bit confusing, takes a few reads. I think it needs a rewrite. I agree with the poster above as I would be suspicious to anyone taking my beloved horse unseen.
 
To wordy and as everyone on has said why and ex-eventer if your over horsed now. I would put what you want and budget first, and for leading children temperament is everything so as long as its sound I would look at anything. How about a nice Highland? I hacked out with my children from them being small and you want something that will stay put when you get off to sort them out and a greedy pony is just happy to graze while you sort out the mini disaster.
 
_GG_ said:
Sorry to hear about your difficult year.

A few things jump out to me. Firstly, it isn't really very clear what you are looking for to be honest. It wasn't until the end that I realised you were looking to potentially buy or loan, so many people may read the ad and in the first few lines just think you are looking for a free horse.

Also, the kind of horse you describe would be one that has done a really good job for the current owner and I can't see many people that would want their horse to go to a home where it sounds like (not saying it is) the horse will be used when wanted, but not used for periods as well as you "quite often can't ride for a week etc".

I think you'd be better off describing at the beginning that you are willing to buy/loan and make the ad sound a bit more like you don't have the time to be out and about competing all the time anymore so are looking for a horse that enjoy going out to low level competitions from time to time but that is needing a generally quieter life.

Hope that doesn't sound bad, but if I was looking to send a loved horse off to another home, I would pass your advert by.
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No it sounds fine and exactly why I posted. Need to get going with a re-edit asap. This would be a great life for an older horse, and it wouldn't need to be a retired eventer so I'll take that out. I was trying to avoid the hairy cob replies.
 
scarymare said:
No it sounds fine and exactly why I posted. Need to get going with a re-edit asap. This would be a great life for an older horse, and it wouldn't need to be a retired eventer so I'll take that out. I was trying to avoid the hairy cob replies.
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In that case, I would put in "no heavy weight cobs" or whatever it is you want to avoid!
 
Polos Mum said:
If you're looking for a really good safe horse for ride and lead etc. they why would you buy one unseen?? Very brave

Why e-mail first - much easier to have a quick chat with someone to see if what you have is what they are looking for, saves ages typing!

No height or age requirement, agree about why ex eventers only? what about pure dressage horse that'll pop the odd fence?

Just my initial observations - good luck with your search - have you tried the charities?
Could Percy work for you??
http://www.bransbyhorses.co.uk/re-homing/re-homing-future-friends.html
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Thanks so much. I didn't think of the charities. It would be an unseen sale because of the practicality of having 6 month old twins. I just can't go around the country for miles looking. I've brought my last two unseen as we are quite remote and tbh, I'm not sure 2 40 minute try outs make a real difference anyway, its all about what you put into making the relationship - I'm not a mug jockey and have my own yard and facilities/instruction etc - thanks again and I didn't need an event horse either
 
scarymare said:
No it sounds fine and exactly why I posted. Need to get going with a re-edit asap. This would be a great life for an older horse, and it wouldn't need to be a retired eventer so I'll take that out. I was trying to avoid the hairy cob replies.
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An edit would be good, but I do think you'd be better off just trawling the ads.
 
Vodkagirly said:
Its a bit confusing, takes a few reads. I think it needs a rewrite. I agree with the poster above as I would be suspicious to anyone taking my beloved horse unseen.
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I did wonder about that, but wanted to be honest. I would have taken the word of a good vet and been happy with some RC/PC references. OK will re-write.
 
Ditch the "experienced (stage 3)" comment.

Maybe my cynical hat is on this afternoon but it reads in parts like a you're an 21 year old college student looking for a free horse...
 
honetpot said:
To wordy and as everyone on has said why and ex-eventer if your over horsed now. I would put what you want and budget first, and for leading children temperament is everything so as long as its sound I would look at anything. How about a nice Highland? I hacked out with my children from them being small and you want something that will stay put when you get off to sort them out and a greedy pony is just happy to graze while you sort out the mini disaster.
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That's a fair point and not one I'd actually considered as still wanted to go to my SJ clinics at weekends etc (at the lowest class possible). I'm over-horsed now as replaced my dearly departed with a 17.0 cold backed but brilliant TB - I rode him three times before I found out I was 16 weeks PG - I love him dearly but this is where the 'can't ride for a week' comes in. He's just too high maintenance and actually I think I'm a crap mum to him, he doesn't want to be doing this for next 10 years and that's for sure. I actually think he looks depressed.
 
teapot said:
Ditch the "experienced (stage 3)" comment.

Maybe my cynical hat is on this afternoon but it reads in parts like a you're an 21 year old college student looking for a free horse...
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Oh no - I actually only got my stage 3 care and PTT and that was 21 years ago. Big ooops
 
Antw23uk said:
Might just be me but I didnt have a clue what your advert was about the first time I read it! It was a bit confusing. Anyone else think that?
It doesnt say how big you want it to be and considering you plan to lead a couple of kids on it? Sorry bit confused with that bit. And then you mention weaning foals?

:o
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aaargh, thanks, before my babies I was an intelligent woman - honest. Wonder how I edit
 
I agree about stating a budget but keep it a bit lower than you can actually afford - you might get some people trying to get the full £5k for their almost-sound old horse. You can always go up if nothing comes along. I would have considered your ad for my old boy who I put out on loan, he is a 15 year old ex-eventer who is lovely and forward going but not up to eventing any more due to some medical issues that don't stop him jumping (at least 1m) and doing dressage. So there are horses like that around. You might have to be prepared to wait for the right person to come along though. Have you advertised elsewhere? I got a good response to my ad on another website and actually even Preloved wasn't bad, and the eventual loaner found us there.
 
Make it more generic - it all sounds a bit odd and unsure what you are actually looking for (buying unseen would be a major off putting factor for many owners looking to sell their horses!)

So I'd go with something like this:

--

WANTED: Schoolmaster type to buy or on loan

I am looking to either buy or loan a schoolmaster type horse who is looking for a quieter life. Ideally a gelding (but would consider the right mare) and xxx height. Age not an issue providing horse is sound. Would like to be able to do a decent dressage test and pop over an 80cm course but nothing more than that. Fantastic 5* home waiting for the right horse with xxxxx (you fill in) facilities at our yard, this will be a forever home with a loving family to fuss and care for him/her.

Should be sound enough to pass a stage 2 vetting and ideally good around children (ride and lead for 2 year old twins). References available if required and please contact me with any questions.

---

So dont limit yourself to a type of horse (eventer), dont say you want to do Elementary dressage (chances are you wont find it, they cost a fortune when they do come up for sale and wont be good to lead rein children) and just say you are looking to buy or loan a general schoolmaster type.

Where else have you put this advert? To be honest I wouldnt say H&H is the right place for the sort of horse you are looking for, you get more responses for 'wanted' adverts on Preloved. Preloved, Horsemart and Equine Adverts might be a better idea, plus local horsey facebook pages.

Finally be patient - what you are looking for is quite rare, something calm enough to be a lead rein for children yet forward going and sharp enough to do a good elementary test. Not an easy find so just relax, appreciate you are looking for something difficult to find and that it might take a while.

Just had a quick look online for you - not sure what your budget is but how about any of these horses/ponies? Again dont know how tall you are so some may be too small but sound ideal for you:
http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/109285670/15hh-irish-sports-horse.html
http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/109808164/pretty-mare-for-sale.html
http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/109716694/irish-sport-142-hh.html
http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/109474771/161hh-hanoverian-gelding.html
http://www.equineadverts.co.uk/-1/14/97/76264_16_1hh_12yo_Thoroughbred_X_Gelding_.html
http://www.equineadverts.co.uk/-1/14/97/75286_16hh_TbxWelsh_19y_o_chestnut.html
http://www.equineadverts.co.uk/-1/14/97/74818_FAB_ALLROUNDER_FOR_LOAN_VIEW_TO_BUY_.html
http://www.equineadverts.co.uk/-1/14/97/74644_beautiful_15_2_bay_mare_looking_for_hacking_home.html

To be honest after having a brief look at what is around you (in the Scotland area and within 50 miles of where you live) there are LOADS of bargains to be had, you dont even need to spend much! I'm not sure why you are posting a wanted advert and waiting for people to come to you, there are enough adverts for horses that sound ideal for you - so you should be browsing these sites and contacting some owners rather than waiting for them to come to you!
 
Definitely re write. If I was going just by the advert, I'd think you were a dealer looking for a cheap horse to sell on. You haven't done yourself justice with the wording. Specify the height and type you want and look for a been there, done that kind of horse, ready to turn a hoof to a few SJ/ dressage outings and reliable enough to lead a child's pony.
Mention your budget too as people with a sound horse good enough to have fun with, will have a very sellable horse.
The beauty of the wanted ads, is that they encourage owners who want to sell but are worried about the home the horse will get, so haven't properly advertised. Leave out the bit about buying unseen, you can discuss the reasons why later.
 
Echo what others have said and originally read you wanted a free ex-eventer for your 2 year old to ride!!

Congratulations on your twins btw - gosh that must be close to a miracle so they do happen (miracles) that is and you could find what you want if you rewrite your ad.

Do you have any pros in your area who may have something looking for a quieter life or local RC/PCs etc? If not agree a complete rewrite and local ad trawling is probably best way.

As to those who say buying unseen is mad - isn't there a thread on here by CPTrayes with a lovely new horse bought unseen?! Don't remember anyone telling her that she was nuts to do that.....
 
KC100's ad reads much better. Agree that sort of horse is rare and you'll probably have to be patient. E.g. My share horse would fit the bill. He's 17 competed BSJA and BE and is now doing some Riding Club stuff and a few BE 80s/90s with me. He'll be in his home for life though as he's also teaching his owner's 7year old son to ride - and he's 17hh! You just don't sell on horses like that you owe them far more than they owe you.
 
i had to read it to understand what you were after and at first thought why is there no picture - of course there wouldn't be once I realised you wanted a horse.
I wouldn't actually put in how much I had too spend - but then I am tight! lol
 
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