Deciding to sell your horse is very difficult, but if the decision is in the best interest of you and the horse, then it is the right course of action. When you took ownership of the horse you made a commitment to its care and well-being. Now that you are selling the animal, you are engaging in a commitment to find the best possible home with reasonable expectations and in a decent amount of time. The first task in listing the horse for sale is sitting down and documenting all the attributes and statistics of the horse. Then be sure to have some good photos taken that will show all the best qualities of the animal and which are suitable for advertising.
When buyers are looking for a horse there are six pieces of information they want before anything else: the age, sex, weight, height, color, and breed (even if it’s a mix). Then it’s time to launch into the training the horse has had and what it’s capable of. Is it an all-round horse, able to engage in different activities with ease and with various riders? If the horse is trained in dressage, be sure to list its highest achievements. With jumping, state the best height accomplishment.
Many people or organizations looking to purchase a horse have a very specific purpose in mind. Therefore it is important to be clear on what sort of rider is best suited to the horse. Is it suitable for children, teens or adults new to riding? Should the horse only be ridden by advanced riders or professionals? A spirited animal that sometimes has a will of its own is definitely not suitable for new riders, just as a stubborn horse isn’t right for lessons or performing.
Be sure to list all special talents, or qualities and accomplishments. For example, is the horse frightened by sudden loud noises or small animals? Does the horse load quietly, or with resistance? Does it endure clipping and shoeing without any trouble, or does the horse have vices? Discuss the qualities that set your horse apart from others, such as an elegant gait, lovely markings, good conditioning and so on. Some of the things you list may seem too negative to put in an advertisement, but keep in mind you are listing all the facts in order to prevent wasting your own time, and that of prospective buyers.
There is much discussion in the equine world on whether to list the asking price in an ad or not. Including a price (even if it indicates o.b.o.) means prospective buyers know exactly where you stand as the seller, and exactly what the perceived value of the horse is. On the other hand, if the horse you are selling is of particularly exceptional lineage, and therefore demands a high price, it may be prudent to keep the price private. Chances are all the information listed in the ad will be enough for experienced equine enthusiasts to know the horse would be very expensive, but just in case, consider including a statement like “serious inquiries only”.
The two most important aspects of your horse for sale advertisement are clear contact information and quality photos. To help prove your ad legitimacy, include your name, email address and your phone number. Join us next time for a discussion on interviewing potential buyers and showing the horse to interested parties.