You’ve done all you can do. Many horse riders/owners will reach a point in their lives where it is time to part ways with a horse. It could be because they have outgrown one another, a change in discipline or lifestyle or any number of reasons.
A horse and rider/owner have to be compatible in order for a successful relationship to work. If it is time for your horse to move on to the next step in their career, there a re a few things you can do to find the perfect buyer and successfully market your horse.
The Basics for Selling Your Horse
There are a few KEY items you need when selling your horse. It is best to offer these details UP FRONT in order to avoid a million messages or emails/inquiries because you did not list all of the information.
There are a few exceptions to offering up certain details. Price might be a detail you wish only serious buyers to message you about rather than make it public. Some sellers want references to ensure their horse is going to a good home that they can thrive in – which is another reason you might ask interested parties to contact you if they want more information.
Here are the basic details most buyers want to know up front:
Height
Discipline
Age
Price
Any soundness issues
Other FAQs include bloodlines/breeding, is the horse suitable for children or amateurs, can a vet check be done, and other health inquiries such as feet, teeth, lameness issues, or bad habits. You can offer as few or as many of these details as you want as a seller but know that any missing information will result in a lot of questions and following up.
NOTE ON PRICING**Horse slaughter is still a reality in the U.S. and horses priced too low are at risk of being purchased by contractors who will take them to slaughter. Please check slaughter prices at online auctions/meat markets and price accordingly.
The MUST HAVES
Photos -you have to have good photos in good lighting. While one side shot of the horse may suffice, seriously interested parties are going to want more.
Take a few from the front, both sides and maybe tacked up or being shown. When it comes to photos and marketing your horse, the more the merrier!
Video – if I am seriously considering a horse I want videos, ESPECIALLY if the horse is out of state or not super close. You can easily shoot a video on your iPhone and upload it.
Try a liberty video of the horse moving freely about and definitely videos of them competing or being shown if the horse does so.
Another tip when it comes to videos is showing the horse at a walk, trot and canter. As a buyer I want to see all three gaits and how they move. Presenting videos with all of these action shots can ultimately help convince a person to buy your horse or at least help decide if it is for them.
Protect Yourself
Advertising your horse honestly is key, but in order to further protect yourself and your horse, get a sales agreement in writing that states the payment methods and sale and transport (if needed) of the horse. Having an attorney draft a sales agreement can be beneficial to all parties. Make sure the attorney is familiar with equine sales as well.
Save all correspondence with the buyer as supporting/back up documentation for your records.
For any interested parties that wish to ride or see the horse, have them sign a waiver/release. This protects you as a seller in case they fall off or if any accidents happen during the visit.
Disclose Disclose Disclose
Disclosing any health issues or injuries your horse may have had is crucial. As a seller you are presenting honest, accurate information to any potential buyers which not only increases your credibility it creates trust. Legal action can occur if sellers do not disclose any issues and “trick” the buyer.
The buyer can use this information to decide on the purchase or negotiate price. Presenting these issues up front and allowing your vet to give buyers the horse’s records or medical information creates an honest relationship with buyers and they are less likely to negotiate on price.
Unfortunately, many people cannot keep their horses for the entirety of their lives. Make sure your horse is groomed to perfection and the pictures and videos show them off to the best of their ability.
List any achievements or winnings and positive things you love about this horse and make sure to be honest about any issues.
Using these tips will help you get a good price and a great new home for your horse for the next chapter in both of your lives.
Related Content You Might Enjoy:
The Senior Horse- Life at the End of the Trail
Why Your Kid Needs to Be Around Horses
The Benefits of Horses to Human Health