Selling your Horse
Whilst many of us intend to keep our horse forever, circumstances may change and force us into selling. So being a responsible owner we need to find the right home as every horse or pony deserves the best possible future.
Here are some tips for making this as smooth as possible.
- Get your horse or pony smart and ready for sale, a bath and a tidy up can work wonders. A smart clip, or pulled mane and tail if this suits them.
- Make sure all paperwork is up to date, passport, vaccinations etc.
- Take some great photos, get a friend to help and take pictures un tacked, tacked up, ridden and show your equine's skills to his/her best.
- Take a video if possible, if you do not feel confident riding yourself in a video, ask a friend or professional to do this for you. It is good to show your horse at their best.
- Write a concise and accurate description of the horse. Try not to include information not needed, and think what you would wish to know if buying a horse. Too much for buyers to read when they are trawling through the adverts is tiresome. So stick with simple terms and descriptions. Height, breed, age, sex, experience, temperament, good points regarding care and maintenance. Mention any negative issues so buyers are aware. Be careful to be honest and not mislead in anyway, you want your horse to go to the right home and owner.
- Set a fair price, making sure you do not sell for too little. Remember there are those out there looking to buy and resell and they may not be so honest as yourself.
- Once you have posted your advertisement be responsive to prospective buyers.
- Research your buyers, Google their name, ask for social media accounts if they are willing or if they are known to someone you have contact with this can help.
- When your buyers come to view have a safe place for them to try your horse. Be prepared to ride your horse first, or have someone who knows your horse ride it for them. Most buyers will wish to see a horse ridden before they do.
- Be prepared for more than one visit from the same buyer. Buying a horse is a big commitment and often not an easy decision to make.
- Lastly have a sales agreement in place.
Selling your horse can be a sad time for many and making sure you have given your horse the best home you can is of utmost importance. With social media you do have the opportunity to keep in touch and see the progress and how well your horse settles in to his/her new home.
