Someone coming to look at my pony on Saturday, really nervous

[Rolo--Chilli]

Hi all

I previously posted about selling my daughters first pony and got lots of helpfull comments back so i was hoping for a bit more help please.

I havent openly advertised the pony just told a few people who know him that i am thinking of selling him.
I got a phone call tonight from a lady who's friend was talking to my friend and she mentioned that Rolo was for sale.

They have just had there daughters elderly pony pts so are looking for another one.

Anyway enough waffling on, they are coming to see him on Saturday and i feel quite sick, i have never sold a pony before as he was my first purchase.

So now the question what do u look for in someone who is coming to see a horse/pony u are selling and how do u know if they are the right people.

Is there anything i need to ask them.

Many thanks if u got this far and sorry for waffling and all the questions.

Lou

 

[spotty_pony]

First of all, don't worry! You will be fine, as they are 'only looking' and you have as much right to say no as they do.

Having sold a pony for the first time myself too this summer, I can understand where you are coming from however.

The first thing I will say is, be completely honest about your pony and the sort of home you will be looking for. Make sure you ask lots of questions about the sort of pony they are looking to buy and what are they are planning to do with he/she, where they will be kept, will they be living out all year, etc. Then see whether you think this would suit your pony. You will get a general idea within the first five mins as to whether you like them or not, just by how they act, how they approve/handle the pony, etc.

Leave the pony untacked and let them watch you tack him up. Then, ride him for a bit (make sure you show a walk, trot and canter on both reins, and a jump (if he is going to be sold to somebody who wants to jump) and then ask them if they would like to have a go. If they get on, and you think they are not suitable/unsafe you do have the right to tell them to get off again. Let them have a ride around and get a bit of a feel for him, and let them take him up the road for a walk if they would like with you on foot. Make sure you emphasise his good points but don't hide his bad points. If he is good in traffic, say so, and if possible let them see this to impress them!!

If they seem keen, a well known thing to do is to tell them to go away and think about it and to let you know if you are interested "as you have somebody else coming in a couple who seem very interested, but they have got first choice" If they are serious, they will have contacted you within a couple of days at the latest and made you an offer.

Good luck, and I hope this helps! I sold my pony within a week to the first viewer and she is now in her perfect home. I guess I was lucky to find the right home for her so quickly, but I am pleased to say that I was completely honest about her and the sort of home which would suit her - which definitely makes me feel happier knowing that they suit one another.

Let us know how you get on

 

[Waterborn]

It's difficult, I always want to make sure the rider is suitable, has good access to knowledgeable people (parents /trainers etc) and a suitable yard. However, once they are sold that's it so make sure you ask all the questions you want to. I've sold many ponies over the years (ex BSJA ponies) but will soon be selling my first home bred (gulp!) which will be very difficult, particularly as he's so lovely!
Good luck Saturday