What do sellers want?

[AthenesOwl]

I’m planning to start horse hunting early next year, after riding as a child and then again the last for 20+ years, mostly in a riding school. I’m currently sorting out my finances, convincing my husband that no I wouldn’t be better putting my money into a pension like a sensible person, and trying to do as much research and thinking as possible about the whole business, as this will be my first horse.

I’ve been reading lots about how difficult it is to buy at the moment, and I’m prepared for it to be a difficult process, but I’ve also read quite a lot about how difficult sellers are finding things. This has made me wonder what sellers look for when someone approaches them, interested in their horse? How can I make myself an attractive buyer, aside from having money, that is?

 

[blitznbobs]

Someone who knows what they want, has a realistic expectation of what their
Money buys and is clear about time scales and their own ability . It is one thing to want a school master who jumps 1.30 and has established half pass and changes and another to want all that for 5k and still expect there to be nothing on vetting and X-rays…

 

[splashgirl45]

Can I suggest that you hold off for a while and share a horse to start with do you can get in the swing of hacking on your own and being responsible for the care of a horse for the days you do. It’s a steep learning curve from riding school horses. If you go through the many, many posts on here about problems when the horse gets home and how they don’t behave as they did when trying at the owners place you will see that it’s not easy.. maybe use the next couple of months sharing. Also it’s not the buying of the horse that’s expensive it’s the keeping them

 

[eahotson]

Another thought if you like the riding school you are in is to put the horse on working livery for say 6 months.The horse gets settled in and you have the support of experienced staff.ONLY though if you trust the riding school.

 

[SEL]

Sellers need you to be honest about your ability and what you want to do with the horse. Established horses are expensive or come with niggles which mean they need to step down - still do the job, but with miles on the clock which means they might not have a clean vetting.

They want to know you have the money, aren't joy riding and have a livery space lined up so they aren't messed around

Are you planning on keeping the horse at livery at the RS?

 

[AthenesOwl]

Can I suggest that you hold off for a while and share a horse to start with do you can get in the swing of hacking on your own and being responsible for the care of a horse for the days you do. It’s a steep learning curve from riding school horses. If you go through the many, many posts on here about problems when the horse gets home and how they don’t behave as they did when trying at the owners place you will see that it’s not easy.. maybe use the next couple of months sharing. Also it’s not the buying of the horse that’s expensive it’s the keeping them

I have done this in the past and didn’t particularly enjoy the responsibility of sharing someone else’s horse. I originally considered another horse share, but on consideration and thinking about what I wanted from my riding, I decided against it.

I’ve done a lot of hacking, both alone and with others, outside the school environment, including beach rides.

Another thought if you like the riding school you are in is to put the horse on working livery for say 6 months.The horse gets settled in and you have the support of experienced staff.ONLY though if you trust the riding school.

This is definitely a possibility. The plan is already to have it on livery at my riding school (ridden there on and off for many years, amazing hacking and great support), and they do take horses on working livery. It would be a good way to help me and the horse at the same time. I trust the school very much, and have also had discussions with my instructor about the type of horse she thinks would suit me. She taught me to ride again as an adult so knows my riding, and all its ups and downs, very well.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Can I suggest that you hold off for a while and share a horse to start with do you can get in the swing of hacking on your own and being responsible for the care of a horse for the days you do. It’s a steep learning curve from riding school horses. If you go through the many, many posts on here about problems when the horse gets home and how they don’t behave as they did when trying at the owners place you will see that it’s not easy.. maybe use the next couple of months sharing. Also it’s not the buying of the horse that’s expensive it’s the keeping them

The real 'secret' to making it work is to get the right horse, not to share someone else's horse which might not be exactly what you want/need, just the best that is available locally.
Ask your RI to help you decipher the adverts, find a horse that is doing the job now that it will be doing with you, not one that will be able to take you round Hickstead in 5 years time. Try to make your life with your new horse as easy as possible, if you want to hack find a horse that is good in traffic and enjoys hacking, if you want to jump, find a horse that jumps with the current owner. Don't look for potential, that may never happen.

 

[SilverLinings]

I have done this in the past and didn’t particularly enjoy the responsibility of sharing someone else’s horse. I originally considered another horse share, but on consideration and thinking about what I wanted from my riding, I decided against it.

I’ve done a lot of hacking, both alone and with others, outside the school environment, including beach rides.



This is definitely a possibility. The plan is already to have it on livery at my riding school (ridden there on and off for many years, amazing hacking and great support), and they do take horses on working livery. It would be a good way to help me and the horse at the same time. I trust the school very much, and have also had discussions with my instructor about the type of horse she thinks would suit me. She taught me to ride again as an adult so knows my riding, and all its ups and downs, very well.

As you have a good relationship with your instructor it would be beneficial if she was able to accompany you to any viewings. Even when you know what you want and trust your judgement it is incredibly helpful to take a second person as they will see things you don't and are likely to think of questions you've forgotten. It is also helpful if they can video you riding so that you can see the horse from that perspective too.

Make sure that you have a list of questions to ask the seller before you view, as it will help you to rule out unsuitable candidates and avoid being seen as a timewaster. Things to include are questions about health, behaviour and temperament, living arrangements, vices, whether the horse hacks alone, bad habits, and any questions specific to the activity/ies you want to do with the horse. I have found that it is also worth checking that the age and height given in the ad was correct, and if you get the horse's passported name you can hunt for them on the internet to see if there's a competition record or any more info. Also google the phone number and name of the seller as it will help indicate whether someone claiming to be a private seller may actually be a dodgy dealer.

Posted too soon! I meant to add that I hope your search is short and fruitful, and that you end up with the right horse for you

 

[RHM]

Know exactly what you do and don’t want and have this framed into questions you can ask the seller on the phone beforehand. I would have a livery space lined up ready to go so you can move fairly quickly.

I would 100% take someone who knows you and your riding well, this can be an instructor or experienced friend. Good to have someone to bounce thoughts off and keep your head on straight!

There are “dodgy dealer” Facebook groups which might be worth joining and checking sellers names. And get up to date videos of them trotting towards and away from the camera including the turn. Or alternatively on the lunge. I have travelled miles to get there and see a lame horse that a quick video would have showed me.

Good luck! It can be a slog finding the right one but try and enjoy it!

Feel free to ask forum members for advice on here once you find ads you like. We all love those threads and there are lots of good eyes on here that can spot things that I would miss!

 

[Beausmate]

I sold a mare a few years ago, and the buyer was just about as perfect as you can get. She phoned, told me a bit about the kind of horse she was looking for and what she was planning to do with it and I email her pics and vids. The only concerns she had, were the age and experience of my horse (not enough!) but as she ticked all the other boxes and the buyer knew the bloodlines (owned mare's auntie) she arrange to view. Turned up on time, had a good look over the mare, then took her out for a solo hack, said she loved her and could she come back with her trainer? She returned a couple of days later, the trainer also loved the mare and she was sold subject to vetting. I agreed to hold the horse for a week and the vetting was arranged and passed within that time. When they collected her, they turned up on time and paid what we agreed.

All super smoothly done. Viewed, vetted and sold within about ten days, nobody messed anyone around, nobody exaggerated either their, or the horse's abilities and everyone was happy. Horse fulfilled buyer's ambition and then some. Everyone was happy!

So, be honest, be realistic, be punctual. Hopefully any sellers you meet will be the same!

 

[AthenesOwl]

Know exactly what you do and don’t want and have this framed into questions you can ask the seller on the phone beforehand. I would have a livery space lined up ready to go so you can move fairly quickly.

I would 100% take someone who knows you and your riding well, this can be an instructor or experienced friend. Good to have someone to bounce thoughts off and keep your head on straight!

There are “dodgy dealer” Facebook groups which might be worth joining and checking sellers names. And get up to date videos of them trotting towards and away from the camera including the turn. Or alternatively on the lunge. I have travelled miles to get there and see a lame horse that a quick video would have showed me.

Good luck! It can be a slog finding the right one but try and enjoy it!

Feel free to ask forum members for advice on here once you find ads you like. We all love those threads and there are lots of good eyes on here that can spot things that I would miss!

I’ve joined a couple of Dodgy dealer groups on FB and they’re really alarming, but helpful as well.

Sounds from what everyone is saying that being really clear and having a realistic description of my own abilities and set up, as well as questions to ask is a good place to start.

My instructor has offered to come to viewings with me, although she doesn’t keep well, and also to use her contacts to help me find some suitable horses to view when the time comes. She’s really excellent and very supportive.

I also have a close friend who is an equine vet, who has offered to help go through adverts with me. However, she admitted that when she bought her first horse as an adult a few years back, she completely overhorsed herself and ended up buying something with all sorts of problems, including kissing spines.

 

[AthenesOwl]

I sold a mare a few years ago, and the buyer was just about as perfect as you can get. She phoned, told me a bit about the kind of horse she was looking for and what she was planning to do with it and I email her pics and vids. The only concerns she had, were the age and experience of my horse (not enough!) but as she ticked all the other boxes and the buyer knew the bloodlines (owned mare's auntie) she arrange to view. Turned up on time, had a good look over the mare, then took her out for a solo hack, said she loved her and could she come back with her trainer? She returned a couple of days later, the trainer also loved the mare and she was sold subject to vetting. I agreed to hold the horse for a week and the vetting was arranged and passed within that time. When they collected her, they turned up on time and paid what we agreed.

All super smoothly done. Viewed, vetted and sold within about ten days, nobody messed anyone around, nobody exaggerated either their, or the horse's abilities and everyone was happy. Horse fulfilled buyer's ambition and then some. Everyone was happy!

So, be honest, be realistic, be punctual. Hopefully any sellers you meet will be the same!

I will try to be this buyer! She sounds ideal.

 

[RHM]

I’ve joined a couple of Dodgy dealer groups on FB and they’re really alarming, but helpful as well.

Sounds from what everyone is saying that being really clear and having a realistic description of my own abilities and set up, as well as questions to ask is a good place to start.

My instructor has offered to come to viewings with me, although she doesn’t keep well, and also to use her contacts to help me find some suitable horses to view when the time comes. She’s really excellent and very supportive.

I also have a close friend who is an equine vet, who has offered to help go through adverts with me. However, she admitted that when she bought her first horse as an adult a few years back, she completely overhorsed herself and ended up buying something with all sorts of problems, including kissing spines.

Some of the stories are pretty shocking aren’t they!!

That’s great that you have people on hand to help! I’m sure many people have over horsed themselves if they are being honest! A great reason to take someone who knows you well. My instructor talked me out of a few over the years!

I’m a big believer though in knowing when you see the one. I had mine vetted within 3 hours of her ad going live there wasn’t a chance she wasn’t going to be mine!

 

[Beausmate]

She was great. Sent photos and updates for a time after, too.

 

[AthenesOwl]

Some of the stories are pretty shocking aren’t they!!

That’s great that you have people on hand to help! I’m sure many people have over horsed themselves if they are being honest! A great reason to take someone who knows you well. My instructor talked me out of a few over the years!

I’m a big believer though in knowing when you see the one. I had mine vetted within 3 hours of her ad going live there wasn’t a chance she wasn’t going to be mine!

That’s impressive, but I guess sometimes when you know, you know!

She was great. Sent photos and updates for a time after, too.

She sounds amazing, I’m adding that to my “how to be a perfect buyer” list! But only if that’s what the seller wants, of course.

 

[eahotson]

I am also sorry for your loss.I think it was worse for you because your husbands death was unexpected. I hope you continue to enjoy your horse and no a year or so out will have done your youngster no harm at all.

 

[eahotson]

I am also sorry for your loss.I think it was worse for you because your husbands death was unexpected. I hope you continue to enjoy your horse and no a year or so out will have done your youngster no harm at all.

Sorry wrong post.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Some sellers want a video of you riding, before they arrange a viewing. Mostly that's the dealers that have too many joy riders, rather than private sellers but it might be worth having one ready.

They will all want you to read the advert and not phone if the horse is the wrong age or height etc. (Sounds basic doesn't it but happens a lot!)

They'll want you to be honest and realistic about your ability, not trying to impress.

They'll want you to be reasonably decisive. If you're not sure & want another look tomorrow that's fine but you have to understand that until you pay a deposit they can keep arranging viewings for other people.

Be ready to pay in full within a week of agreeing to buy and have transport arranged .

 

[Glitter's fun]

I agree about paying your instructor to go with you. They won't be surprised, it'll be something they've done before.
Having someone with you who knows horses and knows you is invaluable and it will also signal to the seller that you are a serious buyer.

 

[canteron]

Take a short video of yourself riding and offer to seller before viewing?
Sellers of easy to sell horses often ask for this anyway, and to me it suggests a seller who is really trying to get a good match, and will help to convince them you are serious?

Edited to add
See this has already been suggested!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Don't ask questions that are answered in the ad. Don't just ask for 'more video' - be clear about what you want to see, and only ask for it if is not already included. Someone viewing Dolly wanted a full unedited SJ round. That seemed reasonable so I sent one. I ignored most 'more video' requests though. The ad had w/t/c on both reins, SJ, XC and hacking footage, leading, loading, and being affectionate footage. What else did people want!

As others have said, be realistic about your ability. Be prepared to sell yourself. I generally ignored people who made zero effort to tell me why I should trust my horse with them. Particularly as I always asked people what they wanted to do with the pony and how she would be kelpt. I expected a fuller answer than 'a bit of everything' and 'on livery'.

Some horses are taking a while to sell but good ones still go fast and I like buyers who don't dither but make up their mind pretty quickly. Plus you may miss out on a gem if you don't decide quickly. SThe people qe dold Dolly to have recenrly sold her on again as outgrown. Dolly's first viewers o made an offer. Then took ages to get round the the vetting. Then said they wanted another viewing - 2 weeks later. So seller (the people we sold too) said she was going back on the market and they could view if she was still available, but she might not be. But she sold to the next viewer who put a deposit down there and then.

Once they have made up their mind I want them to progress the sale actively - eg book in the vetting or the 2nd viewing. Dragging feet suggsts to me that they made an offer to stop viewings, not because they are committed to buying - and that is a waste of a sellers time who has other people keen to view.

 

[AthenesOwl]

I was going to ask if sellers might want videos of me riding, so thanks for those who have answered that already.

One thing I also wanted to ask about is how to match a seller’s definition of a suitable riding ability for their horse with my own riding ability. I imagine that as a first time owner, I’d be classed as a novice, but then I’ve seen some adverts which talk about confident novices and I have no idea what that means. And what does “suitable for mother/daughter share” even mean?

I’m pretty decisive in general - the last two houses I bought after a single viewing and only after viewing one other house. Each time, it’s worked out! Hopefully I can make up my mind about horses as decisively! I really don’t want to waste anyone’s time.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Just remember that the seller isn't doing you a favour! You don't Want to be a timewaster but you are the one with the money. I certainly wouldn't be sending a video of my riding, unless it was a Grand Prix horse! Any sensible horse owner should be able to gauge whether you are a realistic buyer from a telephone conversation.

 

[AthenesOwl]

That’s a thought about videos. Whoever you send them to has no idea what the horse you’re riding is actually like normally, but I suppose it does show your position etc.

The horse I usually ride is pretty quirky, forward going and a challenge at times, but he doesn’t look that difficult in my videos. I know him well, and how to get him not to take the proverbial, but he could be any push button RS horse, and would look the same in a video, but I’d have to do much less. It’s not like we’re doing anything impressive.

I certainly wouldn’t want to buy a horse like him, although I love him to bits, and he’s brought my riding and my confidence on so much.

 

[maya2008]

Anything good and reasonably priced, the seller will be inundated with offers. If they care, they will want to know you are offering a good home, and are competent enough both to care for the horse and to ride it safely. I recently bought one - they were beating people off with a metaphorical stick. I viewed at the earliest possible time, made a decision then and there and took it home the same day (if we’d been vetting I would have put a deposit down before leaving!).

In terms of selling, I have sometimes asked for videos of riding if the seller isn’t quite sure if the pony will suit. It gives a clearer idea of whether it will. I want to know the buyer can offer a good knowledgeable home, that the pony will be safe and have a successful partnership with them. So someone who has done perhaps Stage 1 care at least if they’ve never owned a horse before, or for my little ponies a grandparent or friend or someone who can advise the owner.

 

[teapot]

That’s a thought about videos. Whoever you send them to has no idea what the horse you’re riding is actually like normally, but I suppose it does show your position etc.

The horse I usually ride is pretty quirky, forward going and a challenge at times, but he doesn’t look that difficult in my videos. I know him well, and how to get him not to take the proverbial, but he could be any push button RS horse, and would look the same in a video, but I’d have to do much less. It’s not like we’re doing anything impressive.

I certainly wouldn’t want to buy a horse like him, although I love him to bits, and he’s brought my riding and my confidence on so much.

Depending on where you ride, try and get a video of you riding what you may well be purchasing. Not all school horses are dead behind the ears, not all rs riders are novices, so try and alleviate those concerns for any prospecitve seller


I'm always glad that if I suddenly decided to buy, I'd be able to get a reference from someone who works at an incredibly well known centre.

 

[nutjob]

I was going to ask if sellers might want videos of me riding, so thanks for those who have answered that already.

I have been looking for a horse for 6 months. No seller has ever asked me for a video of me riding!! This is despite most of the horses I have viewed / ridden being recently broken 4yo warmbloods with only a few weeks of riding with a pro and some having never had a different rider on board. I do tell them on the phone what I want to do with the horse and some information about what I have done in the past to try to give the impression I am a not a complete beginner. Shockingly, only one person has ever even asked about my riding ability. At one place I was put on the lunge on the horse initially which I thought was a good idea and after 5min I was released on my own! Good luck to you, I have found horse buying a dismal experience this time around.

 

[Simbapony]

I hate faffing. If I've decided to sell something then I want to sell it, not just show the horse to a million pony patters who then can't make a decision. Ideally I want to sell to someone who knows what it is that they want to buy and that my horse predominantly fits those requirements before they come. That said, I'm always honest about what I'm selling and so really expect the same o the buyer.

 

[nagblagger]

Exciting times ahead and good luck with your search, it sounds like you are asking the right questions.
Once you get your horse, be clear if you go down the working livery route of your expectations as to who can ride them.
Would you really want to share your first ever horse with other riders, I couldn't.

 

[AthenesOwl]

Depending on where you ride, try and get a video of you riding what you may well be purchasing. Not all school horses are dead behind the ears, not all rs riders are novices, so try and alleviate those concerns for any prospecitve seller


I'm always glad that if I suddenly decided to buy, I'd be able to get a reference from someone who works at an incredibly well known centre.

Very true! None of the RS horses I ride are dead between the ears, especially if you know what you’re doing. It’s an excellent school but the horses all have “interesting” backgrounds to say the least. Often bought cheaply from other places that haven’t been able to manage their quirks and rehabilitated before being brought into the school. I used to ride a fantastic mare who had previously been a shepherd’s horse, for example.

I now mostly ride a retired showjumper who was bought for a nominal sum. He was going to be PTS otherwise. He’s not for the faint hearted but is amazing and has taught me so much.

Exciting times ahead and good luck with your search, it sounds like you are asking the right questions.
Once you get your horse, be clear if you go down the working livery route of your expectations as to who can ride them.
Would you really want to share your first ever horse with other riders, I couldn't.

I’m really excited to get my own horse, and the very different challenges it will bring. I’m not 100% on working livery, but you’re right, I would definitely want a very open discussion about what kind of lessons I’d want it to be ridden in, and if it was to be hacked by others or not.