You wish you could keep him forever, but the day may come when you need to sell your horse. Perhaps you’ve outgrown him, your skills have progressed, or you’ve changed disciplines. No matter what, you want to make sure he ends up with an owner that offers him everything you did.
As a seller there’s a lot to look for in a prospective buyer. You need to know that he’ll end up in an appropriate home. How can you do your homework to ensure your horse is ending up in the right place? Look no further than our evaluation list.
Tell the truth when you advertise
Little white lies have no place in the horse world or anywhere. Your best bet to ensure he gets a good home is to make sure the buyer is the right match. So be completely forthcoming about the horse’s nuances. If there’s some quirk, or even potential safety issue, let the buyer know this upfront. Otherwise the horse will just get shuttled to another owner that may not care for him like you did.
Ask for references – and follow up with them
References are indispensable people when checking out a buyer. After all, the buyer should have a good relationship with the horse’s veterinarian. Directly ask your potential buyer for that person’s vet and give that person a call. You could also ask for trainer references, too. Be sure to ask about the level of care provided and how often they interact with the buyer. In short, don’t be afraid to task tough questions.
Find out where the horse will be kept
Ask for photos or to visit the buyer’s farm in person, because it’s good to know where your horse will be living. There’s a big difference between residing at a farm or at a larger stable, and it will give you peace of mind to know exactly where it will be, as well as the conditions.
Google the buyer
We all know you can find out a lot about a person from the Internet. Use it to find more about their name and any potential red flags that may arise.
Find out intentions
Ask the buyer how they’re planning to use your horse. Will it be for pure hobby or in competition? That will help you to warn them about your horse’s capabilities and skills, and whether it’s a proper match for the buyer’s plans.
Ask about experience
If the buyer has no experience with horses, that’s a big difference from someone who knows the ropes. It’s not to say no experience is a bad thing – we all had to start somewhere – but it will help you to find a proper match for your horse, especially if he has a challenging temperament.
Watch and observe
If you invite the buyer to visit your horse and give him a test ride, keep an eye on their interaction. You should know right away how they react to each other, and that will give you a better indication if a sale is the right fit.
