What happens at a viewing ?

moody_mare

moody_mare

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 December 2010
Messages
449
Visit site
Someone is coming to see my mare tomorrow, mixed emotions really; sad that this is the end of our journey but glad she will (eventually) find a lovely new home.
The people are coming at 10 tomorrow so i'll keep her in.
Should I leave her in her stable / tied on the yard ?
Should I have already groomed or leave it to them ?
Who should tack up ?
Obviously I will ride first but should I walk trot canter then let them ride, or should I jump her first ?
Do I need her passport ?

Anything else I might need to know ??

Thank you!
 
I would just leave her in the stable, then when they get there you can ask if they would like to groom and tack up, or if they would prefur you to do it.
Ask what they want to see with regards to the jumping.
You don't need her passport for the first viewing.
Good luck!
 
I'd have her in a stable and groomed. (you wouldn't try and sell a mucky car would you?)

usually the viewer will look the horse over (lumps and bumps etc) and may try and pick feet up etc. They may or may not want to tack the horse up themselves. Usually the owner would ride first (Yes if she jumps jump her) and then the potential purchaser. THey may want to hack horse out etc (that all depends). It is useful to have any papers she/he has ready so that they can have a look at them.

Basically tell them anything they need to know (I as a purchaser prefer honesty) Knowing that they hack fine in company but not on their own, for example, is best to know - wouldn't put a lot of people off but if all the person does is hack alone this is not going to be a match made in heaven. Also tell them about anything cute they do etc... remember this is a sales exercise so be truthful but nice about the horse... Oh and if it's a big horse have a mounting block etc near the area in which you are going to ride the horse!

BnBZ

HTH
 
When I view a horse, I do like to see it caught but can understand that at this time of the year for the 1st viewing, it might be better to have the horse clean, lol!
I would always prefer to meet the horse in its stable - I want to be able to judge its stable manners. And from your point of view, you don't want the horse standing around getting cold if the viewers are late/don't turn up.
I would prefer to give the horse a quick brush over/pick out feet myself but there is no reason why you can't groom before the viewers arrive to make sure that all is well. I would expect the seller to tack up. I think you need to be guided by the viewers as to the jumping but consider how many times you want to be getting on and off the horse.
You certainly need the passport - it is the nearest thing we have to proof of ownership (or at least entitlement to sell) and should confirm the details that you have provided in the ad as to age etc.
Good luck!
 
I have sold a number of horses over the years. I always leave them in a stable (i have groomed them to make them look respectable!). When the viewers come I let them go into box and look at said horse. I usually would then put on headcoller and trot the horse up for them, if thats what they wanted. If they are still interested I would tack up myself but obviously let them watch. They will tell how the horse is without having to tack up themselves! I always ride first, walk, trot and canter, lengthing strides on long sides so they can see extensions. I jump if they want to see that.
Then let them ride and jump if required.

Only if they ride the horse nicely in the school do I offer people to ride on the road, I have had some right NUMPTIES coming to see my horses who say they are experienced but clearly have NO idea and these people dont set a foot outside of my yard on their own with my horse.

Then offer them a ride down the road, if a youngster who hasnt been out on its own, I ride another horse of mine with them. If its fine on the road let them go out alone and give them a route that will only take them 1/2 hour. Walk with them for the first to watch them if that makes you feel better!

Then untack and talk. I always have the horses passport for the people to view. Also they might want to come back a few times, I had a lady who rode mine about 6 times before she decided LOL but it was worth the time taken as she went to a super home.

Just do what feels comfortable for you. But remember viewers might not be as experienced as they make out so dont let them handle your horse too much until you get a better idea of their experience. I can usually tell when they get out of the car LOL

Good look and let us know how you get on. Its always sad when you sell a horse but you will find her a lovely home, I am sure. My horses have always found very good homes and I have kept in touch with all of them!!! Its lovely to get an email and pictures a year on hee hee x
 
Thanks for all the answers everyone, will probaly bring the passport but leave it in the car (then I can always grab it if needed!)
A friend has lent me her horse for the day so I can accompany buyers on a hack as I have told them she can be spooky on her own.
Their instructor asked if she would be able to ride aswell so I might do a jump or 2 before I hop off to save her back a little!
Thanks again everyone :)
 
Everyone has different ideas on How they would like to see viewing conducted. Personally From a sellers point of view I would like my horse in and cleaned (no Hoof Oil makes one heck of a mess when you pick them up!) so that you can present your horse in the best possible way for First impressions. From a buyers point of view I like to see a horse that is well cared for and clean so that I can see the horse clearly for any lumps bumps etc,
I would leave the horse in so that stable manners can be seen.

First I would like to see the horse walked out in hand and then trotted up, I then have a second feel of legs and a general over view, Confirmation, eye and manners out of stable.
Second I like to see the horse tacked up, check the tack (if included in sale) and the owner ride first, (A small show would be nice, Walk, Trot and canter on both reins , any lateral work on both reins, then jump. If happy then I would ride and then have a jump. If satisfied then I would like to take the horse out for a short hack, see a bit of traffic, etc.

From there then make a choice , offer, consider a second look or No thank-you. Either way make sure if they want to come back for a second viewing it's on the understanding that others will still come and view, as you cannot afford to hang about for someone if others want to view. If they like your horse and want it vetted then make sure you take a deposit to secure.

Good luck and remember you have a right to say No to persons that you feel uncomfortable with or have doubts about. It's still your horse! Good luck on finding a good home, I'm sure you will do fine !
 
When I viewed my boy he was already tied up on the yard first time and then someone else trotted him up a few times. The person riding him then tacked up and hopped on, she walked trotted and cantered him on both reins but the seller admitted he hadnt cantered for several months. I then got on and they sort of left me to it (sat in the office but were watching throught the window). I had a play with him but he couldnt do much then popped a small fence up and had a go. When I was walking him off they came out. Second time we watched him be caught and then they left us to it with him untill we had finished.
Hope you find the right people soon :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top