Would Anyone Mind Giving Advice - Writing an Advert

[Ladydragon]

Hi All...

I hope this is ok to post as it's not meant to be an advert in itself at all - I'm just seeking some advice/direction...

I'm faced with having to give serious consideration to selling a horse and as I've never had to do this before - I have no idea of how to word an advert... Particularly as the type of rider I think he would be suited to will be a universe of riding ability away from me...

Would anyone mind giving me a little assistance via PM on how to word one, key phrases, what to include etc?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Miss L Toe]

EXAMPLE
"Six year old 16.2 bay Gelding WBxTB
[photo]
Suited to Riding Club for an experienced rider, has done X Country and Jumping at local level.
Good to clip, load, and with farrier. Vaccinations and teeth up to date.
Has done very little this year as he has proved too much for inexperienced owner."

I think you need to emphasise the good points, what did it say in the advert when you bought him?
I also think you should spread your adverts over several sites, and tweak them a bit.
I would not loan him with a view to buy as the type of people who want this option will not be experienced enough riders to school him.

If he is very difficult you can put him on as a project horse, there is even a project horse site, have a look at their descriptions.
http://www.projecthorses.co.uk/viewscat.asp?id=10017


Here is one advert from there:
EXAMPLE
"Unbelievably talented by the legendary Q++++++++.
Won British novice and is super fast against the clock. Scope to jump much bigger has jumped courses easily at 1m30 at home.
Good to clip, box shoe etc.
Good to hack on his own and in small groups but does get worried in larger groups.
Needs to be in a home that will take him back to the basics and build his trust up and will take him out competing every week. Has only what I can describe as "stage fright". If you put to much pressure on he plants and becomes anxious. He will have the occasional buck therefore NO NOVICES. He needs a sensitive rider that is willing to put the time in and without question has the ability to reach the top. He is in an event home, but does not have the temperament for the dressage phase.
Back, teeth etc have been checked, open to vet.
Please no novices please for this special horse."..............

Hope this helps, it may be possible to get someone to come and school him and to present him to a buyer, or you could sell him to a dealer, who will school him before he is sold on.
You don't say what his problem is, it may be that he is just too much for you and would be fine in another home. If he has some dangerous quirk you need to be more careful where he goes.

 

[Ladydragon]

EXAMPLE
I think you need to emphasise the good points, what did it say in the advert when you bought him?

Thank you for taking the time to reply...

Regarding this bit - he was advertised as an easy going ploddy type hack - except I found a 4yr old TB when I arrived... In a bad state so I had to bring him home...

There is no 'problem' with him as such... Other than he's too 'big' a ride for me as a *very* rusty returner and post brain surgery; and my son has only been riding for a year so it's a bit of a novice on novice situation which isn't fair to either... Or not if the horse is to progress any further - me schooling him in walk and son ambling out on the odd hack isn't really a combination that'll teach the horse anything or help him progress in any way... He's great and has potential but I can't tap it... I'm very emotionally attached to him because of the circumstances - but, I'm not good enough ability or confidence wise for him and I don't see myself getting there any time soon... Kinda reached my limit in what I can do with him...

The examples you posted are great thank you... Gives me an idea of what to include...

 

[Miss L Toe]

Thank you for taking the time to reply...

Regarding this bit - he was advertised as an easy going ploddy type hack - except I found a 4yr old TB when I arrived... In a bad state so I had to bring him home...

There is no 'problem' with him as such... Other than he's too 'big' a ride for me as a *very* rusty returner and post brain surgery; and my son has only been riding for a year so it's a bit of a novice on novice situation which isn't fair to either... Or not if the horse is to progress any further - me schooling him in walk and son ambling out on the odd hack isn't really a combination that'll teach the horse anything or help him progress in any way... He's great and has potential but I can't tap it... I'm very emotionally attached to him because of the circumstances - but, I'm not good enough ability or confidence wise for him and I don't see myself getting there any time soon... Kinda reached my limit in what I can do with him...

The examples you posted are great thank you... Gives me an idea of what to include...

Depends on how you feel and how good he is, I would ask a BHSII to come, ride him and tell you what you have got, they all have potential, but it sounds as though is is just green. If he is not naughty there should be no problem.

 

[Ladydragon]

Depends on how you feel and how good he is, I would ask a BHSII to come, ride him and tell you what you have got, they all have potential, but it sounds as though is is just green. If he is not naughty there should be no problem.

No...not at all naughty but yes, very green - he missed a year standing in a field which probably doesn't help... I can pop my novice 9yr old on him on a lead rein and he'll pootle around... He'll 'work' when I ask him to but it's all very basic (and slow!) baby stuff... When someone competent does ride him he morphs into a flashy little beastie that is ultra responsive and will try anything asked of him...

I'll check the BHS site and see if there is anyone close... Thank you for that suggestion... There have been a few sleepless nights throwing this idea around but I either do it or he stays an 'occasional' riding horse for someone else (currently a lovely student who takes him out once a week or so) to enjoy...