Finding a New Home - Page 2

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Page 2

Jul 1, 2004

A buyer who lives more than two or three hours from you is another situation where a trial period is probably not in your best interest. If there should be a problem collecting the balance, it will be very difficult to retrieve him, especially if you have to cross state lines. Also, you are less likely to be acquainted with the references provided. Along with references (and your own observations) of the buyer's skill and knowledge level, you should also get references from their farrier and veterinarian. Letting a horse go on trial with inexperienced horse people should never be an option unless they will be under the supervision of a trainer/instructor. You should meet and observe the instructor/trainer handling your horse before letting them take possession.

To protect both the buyer and seller make sure you have a signed written contract before the horse leaves the seller's property. It should include the name and description of the horse, the sales price, the amount of deposit required for trial period (half the sale price is fair), length of trial period (up to two weeks is fair), date trail period is to begin and end, agreement of buyer to assume all responsibility for the horse while it is in his care and pay for the horse in full should a fatal or permanent injury or illness occur, detailed description of the condition of the horse when buyer took possession (pictures are very helpful) and any other provisions you want understood. When the purchase price is substantial, usually the buyer is required to purchase temporary insurance for the horse while it is in his possession.

Buying and selling horses can be a long and trying process. Almost everyone involved wants to see a win-win situation with the right horse being placed with the right rider/situation where everyone is happy. It takes a lot of work and patience on the part of both the buyer and the seller to find that perfect match. Using a trial period can help clarify that the match is indeed a perfect one. In situations where a trial period is not suitable, the buyer should be welcome to return to see the horse at different times and preferably at least once without an appointment (to be sure the horse is not being drugged or worked to "get the edge off" before the buyer shows up). Regardless of the purchase price, a horse should always be given a thorough pre-purchase exam at the buyer's expense by veterinarian of the buyer's choice. This is to protect not only our financial investment, but our emotional investment in the purchase as well.

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