If I were buying a horse, I would want something that can do it all. Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Showmanship, Jumping, Dressage, Reining... I need something that is 3-7 years of age and 16 plus hands that doesn't need to be in a training program. Easy for all the necessary ground work. I want to be able to go on vacation for a month and come back like we have been working everyday. I want a show stopper looking horse. Lots of chrome in all the right places. NO spook, buck, kick, bite, crib... Boyfriend/kid safe. Sound and show ready. Needs to have a finished lead change. I need lots of videos and pictures. Show records, pedigree and a clean vet record. I want a trial period with a refundable or no deposit.
And here is the kicker, I want it all for almost nothing!
Sound familiar? If you have ever tried to sell a horse then it should sound very familiar. The hard truth is if this horse exists... they are not selling or we are looking way north of 60K.
Prepping a horse to be sold is like an art. You start out with a blank canvas or lump of clay and you work it into what you think will sell the easiest. For me, I like to shape my horses in a wide variety of ways. No horse or person is the same or has the same wants and needs. This process takes time and patience.
If you want a clean vet record you cant push a horse's training to fast.
If you don't want bad habits and create good ground manners you have to expose the horse to new places and environments but be consistent with discipline and rewards.
If you want an all around horse you need to work hard everyday. Consistent training and cross training needs to be done daily. Build yourself a well rounded horse by slowly introducing new maneuvers and exercises that will build to the advanced maneuvers. Flexibility is a must! Stretching and warming up your horse should be a consistent set of patterns.
Buyers want lots of video and pictures. A lot of the time I ride alone and this is very difficult for me. I have started to take cell phone videos whenever I have someone in the arena with me. Weather the video is poor quality or not, it could be a sale or no sale. Let the buyer know that this is a quick cell phone video just to show movement and discipline. Don't walk forever in a video!!! Nobody cares if your horse can walk around half the arena.
Show your horse. Take to as many shows as you or the owner can go to. Exposure is the best way for people to get interested. Even if you take them and tie to the trailer you do so much good. Networking at shows, and social media is a big part of selling your horse. Answer every email even if they are ridiculous. Stay positive and helpful when answering questions. Always tell the truth.
Last but not least. Clean your horse up. They should always look as though they are ready to go to a show. Any person can become a buyer when they notice a nice looking horse to get interested in. I keep my horses clipped and groomed at all times. Their scheduled turn outs and lights in stalls are strategic to the season. Feed Well! Stay on top of vet and farrier appointments.
I'm sure I'm missing lots of details. It is the most rewarding job when you find a match and change someones life for good.
Oh and I never said there is a lot of money in selling horses. You can just call me a starving artist ;)
Thank you for your time,
JW
