Trail periods

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Sylarman

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I've just sold my horse. I'm offering them a trail period because I want to make sure everyone is happy and he has gone to the right home. They are having a 8 week trail which I know is quite long but I want to make sure he has settled in properly. Just after some do's and dont's and what I should be covering myself and the horse for in this period. Thanks
 
Eeeeek! That's very trusting of you. 8 weeks is a long time and if they ruin him or break him in that period then you're a bit stuffed.

If I was you I'd keep a very close eye n the situation. I would advise visiting weekly at least and I'd personally suggest getting a hefty deposit from them.
 
I sold one several years ago and let them have a 4 week trial, then they had her vetted on the last day.
I visited the yard, lovely people, the yo and instructor came to view the pony do the little girl didn't get involved until they found something suitable, the trial was so they could see how she was with the girl.
I took pics before she went, took a deposit and had them sign a contact, the contact basically said that any injury or illness within the trial was at their cost even if they returned her they would still be liable if it happened in their care etc. Pony landed on her feet and the family loved her.
 
written contract with everything specified as to exactly what happens should horse go lame with them, who's responsible for vets bills etc.
 
Sylarman said:
I've just sold my horse. I'm offering them a trail period because I want to make sure everyone is happy and he has gone to the right home. They are having a 8 week trail which I know is quite long but I want to make sure he has settled in properly. Just after some do's and dont's and what I should be covering myself and the horse for in this period. Thanks
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Make sure the horse is vetted before leaving you, and that he is fully paid for and insured by the new owners. Tell them that you will have the horse back within an 8 week period, with the cost of the horse refunded, minus the deposit. Put all in writing.
 
We had a pony on trial for two weeks (owners wanted it, I didn't!). We signed a contract saying that we were taking the pony on trial for two weeks and would be responsible for all care of the pony and his equipment during that period. It also said that we agreed that the pony was sound and healthy, and any medical issues arising during the trial were down to us. We never had the pony vetted, he was only cheap and we knew of him for the year prior anyway. Had he been more expensive I would have had him vetted BEFORE taking him on trial.
 
If they are paying up front you have slightly less risk - it's more an agreed refund period than a trial period. You need a good contract that makes it clear what circumstances they can return him i.e. NOT if he goes lame (they should vet him before he leaves your yard), NOT if they take him to a SJ comp and he has a fence down ! NOT if they just decide they don't like him for no specific reason.

The contract should include photos of his current condition and be clear that you will only accept him being returned in the same condition - as you'll have a vetting at the time he leaves it'll be easy to prove he left you in good condition.

He will be sold so don't send him with any equipment.
 
I currently have a 3yr old on trial - we've done a loan contract with the right to buy at an agreed price at the end of the loanperiod. I have her fully insured.
She was vetted before I took her.
I have the right to say no for any reason IMHO would be having fences down were she a Sjumper.

I have also had put a horse on trial before she was sold but staying at home - this was a major competitionmare, and have put a horse on a months trial at the buyers home with a 10% deposit.

I may be one of the lucky ones but have never had a problem with trials.
 
xspiralx said:
Eeeeek! That's very trusting of you. 8 weeks is a long time and if they ruin him or break him in that period then you're a bit stuffed.

If I was you I'd keep a very close eye n the situation. I would advise visiting weekly at least and I'd personally suggest getting a hefty deposit from them.
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That is a very long time... I've offered trials before (as like you, I wanted to make sure the horse was happy!) but only for like a fortnight. You could end up with a ruined horse after 8 weeks...

I'd insure him (if he isnt) but get them to pay you upfront to cover the 2 months. Definately go and see him weekly (ideally ride him once a week if you can - just to check he's still ok and not losing his confidence jumping etc.).
 
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