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Training Specifically to Sell

1K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  beau159 
#1 ·
I've pretty well decided that it's time for me to sell my horse.
After nearly 2 years, it's pretty clear that he doesn't like me and I don't really like him either. We tolerate each other, and we aren't doing each other any favors by continuing to force the issue.

Because of lack of riding, his manners have deteriorated, so I'd like to find someone who could put 30 days onto him so he's a more appealing prospect for someone.
Right now, he's hard to catch and won't stand for tacking up or mounting.
Past that, I don't know what he's capable of - he's beyond my level, so I do what I can with him, just trying to get him to be more sociable to be around. He's not bad, per se, just... He needs somebody who can push through all that and make him do some work. Wet blankets, etc.

I can ride out a horse that bucks or rears, I can deal with biters and cribbers, plenty of things.
I'm just out of my element when their ground manners get so poor.

Is there such a thing as hiring a trainer specifically to get a horse sold, and then they're paid a portion of the sale price?

Probably a deposit up front, and then the balance upon sale of the horse, and have the horse listed for sale during the training period and able to be picked up at the end of the training time?

At the moment, I don't have the extra funds for a trainer up front, but would be willing to pay a higher rate after he sells to get him to someone who will be right for him, because I'm not.
I think I have someone who's going to buy my truck, so maybe after that I could hire someone the regular way, but if that sale falls through, I'm curious to know if hiring someone to be paid upon sale is a legitimate option?

I don't want to disrespect any potential trainers by putting forth a bad idea.
If I have to wait, then I have to wait.
 
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#3 ·
What's an average rate for something like that?

He's not a show horse, but he does have that potential.
He is registered and does have really nice bloodlines.
Of course that matters more to some people than it does to others.
We're not talking thousands of dollars.
Trying to be realistic, he'd probably sell for about $1500-2000 depending on how well the training goes, how he's marketed, etc.
 
#4 ·
If you think he's only going to sell for $1500 or so why not try and sell him yourself cheaply disclosing his issues?

Your not going to make much after a trainers fee. In my area training runs $600-800 a month and sales commission is about 30%

Someone might however be willing to pick him up cheap and put some work into him. I've done it myself with spoiled horses.
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#5 ·
I think you'll have a hard time finding anyone to take a horse whose value taps out at $2000 on consignment only. I mean think about it, 20% of 1500 is only $300. That is just basic pasture board cost in my area. Most basic training around here is going to cost at least $700/mo with board. If you don't board you probably won't find any serious trainers who will make the trip out to do it consistently in a short time period. Any higher percentage than that and you're probably better off cutting your losses and advertising him as is or leasing him to an experienced horse person who can work on those issues.
 
#6 ·
I have to agree with Elsa…and I have tried doing it before with a $5K horse. Did not work, as the trainer put forth NO effort at all, since it was not worth her time, $$ wise. I basically ended up giving the horse away just to "stop the bleeding" of my wallet. Horse went to another trainer(the one he was "given" to-she worked with him 6 mo - 1 yr and sold him for $15K. Made me a little PO'd, but I did not have the ability to do that, and the trainer I had him with was H/J-he excelled in eventing.
 
#7 ·
Thanks everyone.
What you're saying makes a lot of sense.
Comparing your costs and fees to what things are like around here, I think I would be better off selling him myself.

There is a friend-of-a-friend who is just getting established in this area as a trainer, so they might take him on cheaply just to build up their local references - we'll see.

By putting his price down closer to the $800-1200 range, do you think that would be appealing to trainers as a fall/winter project?
If someone could give him more like 6+ months of solid training, maybe even take him out to a couple shows, I could see him going for more than $2K by spring (and the start of next show season), like your $5K to $15K horse.
 
#9 ·
The friend-of-a-friend trainer can take him in the spring, if I still have him, so worst case scenario, a plan is in place.
I just don't want him to keep sitting when he should be at his prime.
He was broke as a 3/4 year old, so now that he's more mature and a blank slate, he could do just about anything I would think.

That may not be necessary though.
A different friend-of-a-friend is having to sell her 17hh TB gelding because her knee problems make mounting up too difficult, so she's considering just trading me since my guy is only 14.2hh.
Mine has a trail riding background, and her's has a low/novice level dressage/eventing background.
And the prettiest dark bay... He's basically my dream horse, so I'm trying not to let that distract me.
It might be too good to be true that I found him so quickly, plus locally.
On the other hand, it might be a sign that this is supposed to work out.

I made the offer and she's going to sleep on it.
I guess we'll see.
If anyone wants to send any positive thoughts toward Kentucky tonight, I'd appreciate it :)
I'll keep you posted on what happens.
 
#10 ·
They had a change in circumstance, so no trade.
If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Must not have been meant to be.

I've listed my horse for sale, and if he doesn't go now then I can send him for training in the spring.

I really appreciate all of your all's help with this.
Thanks :)
 
#11 ·
We have lots of trainers in the area who help clients sell horses. And they aren't for big bucks.

I have no idea what kind of commission the trainer is getting out of the deal; supposed it depends on the arrangement.

But I think it would be perfectly reasonable to ask a trainer what they would charge/want on commission for a possible $2,000 horse (when sold). All they can say is no.
 
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