Posted 2007-07-19 11:21 AM (#64115) Subject: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
I have never really sold a horse before and need some help getting her down the road. She is a super, super nice horse. I would love to keep her but lack of time and $$$$ (I live in Michigan) forces sale. I have reduced her price to $2000.00. It's pretty much giving her away and still no responce. She is on www.dreamhorse.com (search for her name, "Shocking Little Diva"). She has all the experience in the world and has even been shown. Safe for kids, husband rider, etc. What am I doing wrong? Shes pretty, a nice mover, quite, and never taken a lame step. If anyone has some ideas or knows of anyone looking, please help! Thanks
Posted 2007-07-19 12:17 PM (#64122 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
The "come see her and bring your trailer" makes me think twice. It looks like you are not proud of her bloodlines, fill them in! (Broodmares are only worth what's on those papers to some breeders.)
I'd take another picture of her and groom her up like a show horse and pose her so that she looks to be worth a million bucks. Marketing her as a SERIOUS trail horse isn't going to work in my opinion because shes got four white feet. I think you need to target the weekend warrior youth show market for a fast sale. She's small but that won't go against you if you can show she is nicer than larger horses.
You should register her or mention that she is elligible to be registered Pinto. Pinto clubs in that area are more active and you may find by taking her to a show and riding her around that someone might ask if she's for sale. If not then go and post a flyer about her at the Pinto shows...with the right photo and exposure she'll fly off your hands.
(It's an unwritten rule that you never take side on shots unless it's for a registry...it's like the equine equivalent to a driver's license photo!)
Posted 2007-07-19 1:01 PM (#64124 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
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Posts: 274 Location: Memphis, TN
Huntseats Advce is right on. Take a new pic, maybe even all tacked up and lose the FIRM after the price. If you need 2K ask 2500. One of my boarders just sold a horse for half of the asking....she had to go...just like you ad says. I am sure she is a nice horse, good luck.
Posted 2007-07-19 1:11 PM (#64125 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
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Posts: 238 Location: West Coast
I agree with what others have said, I would saddle her up in your nicest saddle, Najavo and bridle. Then I would take a picture of her from something other than a side angle. Since she is kid safe, maybe take the picture with a child sitting on her. And I agree fill in her entire pedigree.
If she has good feet, I wouldn't worry about marketing her as a trail horse with four white feet. My paint gelding has four white feet and his hoof walls are thick and hard, he's got great feet, it just depends on the horse. If she doesn't have good feet then it may be hard to market her as a trail horse.
Posted 2007-07-19 2:52 PM (#64132 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
I think your horse is adorable! She has a kind look to her and she is very well groomed. I actually like the side pose photo without a saddle because I can see her conformation better. I have no problem with the 4 white feet because that is an old cowboy's tale. I have a 4 white legged Sonny Dee Bar bred gelding who has the best feet in the barn and my farrier, who happens to be well known nationally, says that weak feet have nothing to do with the color of them. I actually had a dark footed horse a few years back that had the thinnest walls I've ever seen. I had to keep him in steel shoes or his feet would just break up. I really think that there is one thing wrong with your ad. You state that your mare is safe for a kid or husband, even a beginner, and that nothing bothers her. But you have her temperment as a "3" on a scale of 1 - 10. I have been looking for a horse for a friend that has to be bomb proof and I always steer away from anything over a "2". I actually put that in my advanced search on that site. If your horse IS bomb proof, rate it "1". Other than that, I like the ad. On the negative side, from the side profile I can see that she has high hocks which tells me that she cannot drive well up under herself and that she probably isn't a really great mover. She would be great for open and 4H but not do really well in breed shows, like Huntseat suggested. Maybe a youth could have some fun with her though. However, you are marketing her as a super trail horse though and you give lots of good info about her experiences with that. Her price, in my area, would be a bargain. I would like to know who trained her.
All in all, she is very nice. I wish she were closer to PA!
Posted 2007-07-19 2:55 PM (#64134 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
I will have to update the picture. She is clean in the picture, we are in a showmanship class at a fun show. Also her feet are flawless, no cracks or lines and she doesn't even have on shoes! I think it's only 10.00 for a new pic so I will do that. Thanks, Megan
Posted 2007-07-19 4:39 PM (#64139 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Try some LOCAL publications.I'm about done with Equine.com and Dreamhorse.Can run ads in them,get a lot of e/mails and on HOT list etc.and thats it.Run same ad in Stable Mates,Market bulliten etc.and they sell in a few weeks with good SERIOUS phone calls/lookers etc. Try AIG DIRECT.I've had LOTS of success off $10.00 ads on AIG DIRECT in a few weeks then I ever have had off Dreamhorse Or Equine.com in a few years.
Posted 2007-07-19 8:11 PM (#64150 - in reply to #64122) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 2615
Unless you may be referring to the fact that she wouldn't be smooth because she is Paint registry eligible,I really don't get the four white feet/serious trail horse thing.
My Missouri foxtrotter trail mare is black/white tobiano with four white legs and feet.OK,her feet are two toned.But her feet are excellent.That is an old adage.
It depends on breeding,environment,and other factors besides just the color of the hooves.
Posted 2007-07-19 9:49 PM (#64155 - in reply to #64150) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
Not sure what you mean, I put serious trails because she has done more then just walk thru the woods. We have had to cross rushing streams, untraveled territory, swim across a small pond, nothing that most people consider "trail ridding" on groomed trails. My husband has a nice cow horse so we have to keep up with him. My old show mare back at the barn couldn't do it so It was up to Paris. Should I change my wording on this too? Two people have asked about it now since this post.....
Posted 2007-07-19 11:49 PM (#64159 - in reply to #64132) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Hav2ride, I didn't quite get the line in your post about her not doing well in breed shows...I hope you understood I was talking about open/4-H/Pinto shows as her price point would have already indicated. (I don't think her hocks are high in relation to her back length and hip angles. But this is a moot point on a mare not destined for tough breed shows.)
I only mentioned the 4 white feet because people will shy away from her as a trail horse. There are people that still think white feet are bad for really rough terrain. (It's their money and they are allowed to think how they want.)
Groom her up really well and shine that coat until you need sunglasses(a coat of Peppy or oily fly spray should work.) I'd find some nice silver tack, even if it's borrowed, and snap those photos ASAP. The end of summer is coming and the market will turn stale as the temperature drops.
You might also look into putting her into a nice auction. Not the kind that killers frequent but a nice sale known for quality stock. You might not get exactly what you want but it's done and over in a day.
Posted 2007-07-20 1:34 AM (#64161 - in reply to #64159) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 2615
Originally written by huntseat on 2007-07-19 11:49 PM
You might also look into putting her into a nice auction. Not the kind that killers frequent but a nice sale known for quality stock. You might not get exactly what you want but it's done and over in a day.
I had thought that all slaughterhouses were now closed?
Posted 2007-07-20 5:42 AM (#64162 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
You've got to market her EVERYWHERE. Try Equine.com, horsetopia.com, horseclassified.com
Do you have some a Cooperative extension in your area, they could put you in touch with various 4H clubs. People are always looking for TRULY kid safe horses.
Look for "local' horse boards like: michigan-horse.com
I noticed you changed your ad, using some of the suggestions posted here. That should help. But I did notice that you still haven't filled in all the info on her bloodlines. You also say for her age UNK 2002 - if she's got papers, you should have her exact DOB - the classified ad form lets you choose a month, at least. Did you mean to say she's reg Pinto, not paint?
Posted 2007-07-20 5:54 AM (#64163 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
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Posts: 243 Location: Maine
My friend found that when she was trying to sell her sweet AQHA filly, she wasn't getting any lookers when she listed her at $2K - when she raised the price to $3500 she got a lot of responses and did finally sell her at the higher price.
Some people search in a particular price range, and won't consider something under $XXXX - it's silly I know, but a price tag that reflects her true value is always better than under-pricing her. People might think "OK, what's wrong with this horse?"
Definitely get another picture, too. Showing her moving at a trot with a young rider. I don't want to sound "Stuffy" and I am far from an expert, but the picture you have up there isn't the greatest. Try to get something that shows her best conformational features. Especially if you are trying to market her as a broodmare. Those potential buyers will be looking for how well put together she is and how she moves. Sometimes those of us who LOVE paints and other color breeds, just look at the pretty color and overlook the more important aspects. JMHO -
Posted 2007-07-20 9:05 AM (#64168 - in reply to #64159) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
Huntseat, I thought you were refering to breed shows, not open/4H. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I feel her hocks are higher than her knees but she does have a nice top line. She's very cute for the money!
Posted 2007-07-22 9:51 AM (#64217 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
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Posts: 207 Location: Illinois
I can tell you that a picture showing her in tack would help. I've been pouring over sites for awhile just looking. If I see one without saddle, I assume it isn't broke, or broke very well. It may be far from the truth, but a picture tells a thousand words.
I'm NOT a show horse person, only trailriding. I think your descripton is good, and she's a pretty mare. I also don't buy into the white thing. I have a bay with dark feet, he's the biggest tender foot I have!!! Color of feet doesn't guarantee soundness or tough feet. My big Appy had striped feet, they stayed nice (no cracks or chipping), but he was a tenderfoot too. Had to keep shoes on him to road ride. Also, it's a tough market! Prices are down, and people are picky about buying. Good horses are still worth good money.
Posted 2007-07-22 5:49 PM (#64234 - in reply to #64217) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 2615
Originally written by appy4me on 2007-07-22 9:51 AM
" Good horses are still worth good money."
You are right about that.
I have a friend who is a learned horsewoman who says horses are going to cost you when you buy one,either: in the original price,or to pay for training time,or in hospital bills.You get what you pay for often times than not.
Posted 2007-07-23 7:27 AM (#64257 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
I have a friend thats in the market for a first horse but they want to spend about 500 bucks. I am trying to tell them there is always a reason a horse would be cheap. Could you PM me with your phone number and location- we are also in Mi. This could be a great horse for their daughter............
Posted 2007-07-23 9:06 AM (#64263 - in reply to #64257) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
My number is 989-763-8767. I'm located in Carson City, MI about 45 min north of Lansing. I would also consider a payment arrangement as I know it's tough to come up with that amount of money in Michigan right now. Banks don't offer horse loans.... LOL
Posted 2007-07-23 10:39 PM (#64310 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 376 Location: Missouri
I hate to be a bubble burster, but. When reasonably trained quarter stock are selling regularly as trail horses for less than $1000.00, getting twice that requires something extra special. The extra special is usually training. If your expecting to get that kind of money the horse needs to be really well trained. And geldings are usually bring more money than untested mares. Tried and proven brood stock will command a higher price, but I don't see this horse as fitting that category.
Posted 2007-07-24 8:40 AM (#64317 - in reply to #64310) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
Well thank you for posting your negative views on my horse, you would think that you have ridden her! I asked for help, not to be talked down. I grew up on the circuit and finished top twenty in 2004. I know a nice horse when I see one. She is broke, has had over 4 months of professional training and I continue to ride her almost daily. I work my horses, mommy and daddy never bought me one or paid for fancy trainers. Maybe you didn't notice where I wrote about our show experience. We have never not won a showmanship class and never placed less then 3rd in trail. I understand it's not a breed show but there are some tough open circuits around here. She may not be what you are looking for but you could at least have a little respect. Shes safe, quite, well breed and ready to go. Way to much horse for $2500.00 but thats just how it is right now. You will make your money back on one foal out of her. Again thanks for your encouragement and help, it was just what I asked for.
Posted 2007-07-24 9:40 AM (#64321 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
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Posts: 207 Location: Illinois
Good horses are still worth good money.
I'll stick to that!
My dream horse is 3800.00, I don't have the money for that right now, but if I did, he'd be in my pasture.
Your mare is gorgeous, and trained nicely to boot. I wouldn't bat an eye at your price. How much is an ambulance ride these days?
In my area, a nice trail horse can't be found under 1000.00, guess I don't look around much??
Good luck, she's a nice mare.
Posted 2007-07-24 10:19 AM (#64324 - in reply to #64115) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
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Posts: 243 Location: Maine
I can say for sure that here in Maine you would be hard-pressed to find truly sane, safe and sound trail horse for under $1000 - Sure, an occasional "diamond in the rough" pops up here and there, but decent, desirable horses in this area, for the most part, start around $1500 and most smart people are willing to spend up to $2500 for an "average" - but safe, sane, and sound - trail horse.
dmgrinnell, I don't think anyone meant to insult you or your horse. But when you post on these boards you are apt to hear things you might not want to hear. Remember, these people are simply offering their opinions - you asked - they responded. Some are just more tactful than others. She is a pretty mare, and my untrained eye sees nothing that stands out as "wrong" with your horse, but that's based on one picture. We can't see her move and you asked for help based on the information you supplied.
Posted 2007-07-24 10:35 AM (#64326 - in reply to #64321) Subject: RE: Nice Horse for sale, need some help!
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
My sister got in an accident last Friday and rode three blocks the hospital in the ambulance. It was $1600.00 and we are county employees (Fire/EMS) so it was discounted... Lol, she is fine, just has a lot of back problems so we couldn't be to carefull.
I would really like to keep her. Shes pretty cute and so easy. I have an older mare however who is now 17. I would like to retire her at 20 and have a couple foals. First, I would like to go to worlds one more time! That is why I'm going to sell Paris and put that money towards the world show. It will be awhile before I will have a horse ready to go again.
People are just as serious about trail ridding as showing and it seems like they too will pay the money for a proven trail horse. I think your search is close!
My dream horse would be $150,000.00. I would want it to lay down to get on.... Then lope as slow and true as can be with no effort or training. Yeah, that would be perfect! I might have to get a second mortgage
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