subject: Dressage Horse Sales Tips [print this page] I have purchased and sold over one hundred dressage horses in the last few decades. I have experienced first hand many of the most common problems both buyers and sellers of dressage horses have had.
Think Like A Dressage Horse Buyer
When selling your dressage horse, you should adopt the mindset of the buyer that will purchase your horse. Buyers are typically looking for their dream horse. That is, a horse free from vet issues, with correct level of training or show experience to meet their goals, and a willing attitude. Anything you can do to provide buyers with good information, as early on in the process as possible, will help you catch their attention.
Pricing Your Horse
How much is your horse worth? The market value of your horse will vary widely based on training and show level, geographic region, and breeding. Do homework by checking out classified sites. Ask local dressage trainers who regularly sell horses. Check with friends who have sold similar horses.
When Will My Horse Sell?
The time it takes to sell a horse has a lot to do with the quality of your marketing, the market conditions, and the price you set. Often horses do not sell quickly because they are priced too high, or not presented to their fullest potential.
Prepare Your Horse for Sale
If you are selling a dressage horse that is under saddle, consider putting enough training on your horse so that it appeals to the widest possible audience. If the quality of the horse is higher, then more training may be warranted to showcase your horse's talent. However, keep in mind that at some point more training can reduce the money you walk away with after the sale
Make Buying Your Horse Easy
Give potential buyers all of the information they could possible want before purchasing your horse. Make good photos and a video so that your horse gets noticed in the sea of dressage horses for sale.
Good Presentation
Be sure to ride your horse well for videos, photos, and when shoppers make the trip to see your horse in person. Use your video or still camera's zoom so that the horse fills the frame. Edit all video and photos so that only the best qualities of your horse are displayed.
Places To Advertise
Typical locations to sell dressage horses and ponies are classified ad sites. You can promote your dressage horse on social sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well.
Timing
Some seasons are better for horse sales. Usually spring and fall are more active. Be sure to have your horse ready to sell prior to these peak times. If you wait too long and you may delay your horse's sale until the following year.
When marketing your dressage horse, be patient and flexible. All of your sales efforts will pay off if you set the price well and you have made a attempt to showcase your horse.
