think I am in trouble.....

L

L&M

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I went to view a horse some weeks ago, and although on paper was exactly what I was looking for, for some reason I couldn't decide whether he was right for me or not. Having slept on it I decided to go with my gut feeling so phoned the seller the next day to say thanks, but no thanks. The seller called back and asked if I would be interested if I had a 2mnth 'cooling off' period, saying that he would personally pick the horse up and give me refund if the horse was not as expected. The seller was private and felt he was totally genuine and trustworthy.

Having been to try some really unsuitable horses, with this one not actually doing anything wrong, and as the horse was 3 hrs away so couldn't realistically keep going to re-try it, I accepted the offer. I picked the horse up in October, and was given a hand written receipt re-iterating the 2 mnth period, which was signed by both parties.

Although I totally appreciate that it takes some horses a long time to settle, and for a new relationship to grow, I have now realised I have made a mistake and that we are not compatible, but will not go into these issues as this is not the point of the post.

The problem I have is that now I have decided the horse is not a keeper I cannot get in contact with the seller - I have emailed and tried calling and texting but cannot get a reply.

Legally where do you guys think I stand, as although I have a written agreement re the 2 mnth cooling off period if not suitable, am not convinced it is worth the paper it is written on, and understand that it is often a case of 'buyer beware' in private sales.

Please no comments such 'as a fool and their money are easily parted' as am feeling pretty foolish already.....

Thanks for reading
 
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keep copies of all the e-mails, texts, letters etc that you have written to say you dont want the horse just in case anything ugly happens in the future, you can prove you tried to give it back. As for now, if they wont answer your efforts to contact them....and you have the passport, can you phone citizens advice to see where you stand on possibly moving the horse on?
 
Sidney - have you tried to write them a letter and have the letter registered? Once you have a signature, you a) know that they still exist b) legally they wont have much to stand on.
 
Writing was going to be my next step, but wanted to give the seller a few days to reply as may be on holiday etc. I have been polite in all correspondences so far and am keeping a copy of all my communication attempts.
 
Is it genuinely a private seller?
I don't know anyone who would allow such a trial but it is not uncommon among the dodgy brethren.
 
I am afraid you will struggle with a private individual. Its too late now but a better option would have been to have had the money kept by a legal 3rd party till you were happy.

I would however, try Citizens Advice Bureau, get their advice on how to write a legal sounding document and also to advise you on your rights and you might be able to get this sorted, but if the buyer just says they haven't got your money anymore etc, then you might need to think of resorting to small claims - CAB can advise you better. I Good luck
 
Thanks fire fly - have tried that but nothing comes up. I have BHS gold membership so will try their legal helpline and see what they have to say.....
 
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