Selling a horse takes time and patience. But there are also ways that you can make the process go easier and faster. Try out these 8 tips for selling your horse.
1. Get Great Pictures Before Selling Your Horse
Pictures can help your horse’s sale ad get the attention of buyers. Spend time getting some great photos of your horse. Have your horse groomed and wearing clean tack, and make sure that you photograph your horse in front of an attractive background.
2. Have Video Ready
Many buyers will want to see video of your horse before they will come out to see him in person. Enlist the help of a friend to get video footage of your horse both under saddle and at liberty. Be sure to include footage of your horse doing whatever he specializes in, such as jumping or performing dressage movements.
3. Write a Detailed Description
When you write your horse’s sale ad, try to include all of the important information and details that a buyer will want to know. Include your horse’s age, breed, height, gender, discipline, riding experience, and show experience. Try to describe his personality, his talents, and his temperament. Including your horse’s price is generally a good idea.
4. Be Honest
When you advertise and sell your horse, it’s important to be honest and realistic about his strengths and weaknesses. If your horse needs an advanced rider, say so. If he shouldn’t be jumped anymore due to physical limitations, then identify that in his sale ad to avoid inquiries from buyers which won’t be a good match.
5. Save Your Answers to Buyer Questions
Buyers may contact you to ask the same questions over and over again. When you’re responding to them by email, save a copy of your responses to their common questions. You can copy and paste your response, saving you time in your future responses.
6. Ask the Buyers About Their Plans
In order to make sure that your horse goes to an appropriate home when selling them, ask buyers about their plans for your horse. If a buyer’s plans seem inappropriate for what your horse can physically or mentally handle, then it’s time for you to speak up and let the buyer know that your horse is not a good match for them.
7. Be Prepared to Drop Your Price
Many buyers will offer you less than you’re asking for your horse, expecting you to counter with an offer. When deciding on how much to ask for your horse, determine the absolute smallest amount of money that you would accept. Then, increase your horse’s price a bit so that you can come down in price while still getting what you want for your horse.
8. Don’t Let Your Horse Go Until Paid in Full
Never let your horse leave your property until he is fully paid for. If a buyer presents you with a check, then let them know that the horse will have to stay with you until the check has cleared.
If you are selling your horse to a new owner, it might be best for them to have as many new owner tips as they can get. Consider showing them our article on the 7 Mistakes First-Time Horse Owners Should Avoid.
Do you have any tips on selling a horse that we left out? Let us know in the comments below!
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