Selling horses

Libby is always horse shopping.  Literally always.   She loves it when she finds out someone we know is looking for a certain horse because it gives her an excuse to go horse shopping.  Otherwise it is just an endless stream of window shopping and dreaming for us both.  But one thing that I have noticed over the years of seeing all types of ads being posted for horses for sale is that there are definite rights and wrongs way to go about posting pictures of your horse for sale.  Let's just focus on pictures here for a moment...

Some people get it.  In fact, I would say at this date in time, lots of people get it.  They showcase their horse after a bath, mane and tail neatly brushed, set up from the front/back/side.

They show the horse actually doing the skill they are saying the horse is trained to do.  If it is kid safe, they show a kid riding.  If it is a trail horse, they show it out of the yard on a trail.  If it's a show horse, they have a picture of the horse at an actual show, etc...

But there are still lots of folks who just haven't mastered the art of advertising their horses.  And really, why am I whining about it.  It helps us sell our horses if others can't promote theirs right?  I guess, it is just frustrating to see people complain that their horse won't sell, the market is crap, they had to drop their horse at an auction, etc... when they won't put in even a few minutes to properly photograph and advertise their horses.

So let's start with photographs, this is not an ad worthy photo.  I get the "hard to get a picture because they are always wanting to be with me" type horses.  But invest in a halter and tie old pocket pony to a tree.  Even China can be kind of photogenic when tied to a fence.

Which picture better shows you the horse's conformation and build?  And the picture of China isn't even one I would consider ad worthy with the pile of poop, tipped up buckets and her head in shade.  But it's better than Old Red there awkwardly turning on his/her front leg and coming towards me.

Next up we have old paint.  Horses should not carry more than 20% of their own body weight.   This horse might very well be fine, but this picture doesn't do him any good.  The rider looks WAY too big.  I'm not going to say I never hopped on my girls ponies to help with an attitude adjustment or to help teach the pony a new skill.  I did not, however, allow photos to be taken, much less use them in a sale ad.

See, old paint is kind of cute colored and in good condition.  But we still no NOTHING about his conformation even with multiple pictures of him eating grass.  But at least we know he rides?  And knows how to eat grass of course.  It's an important skill.

This is my favorite.  Pictures on their side.  Maybe because I have to look like a dog who is trying to figure out the word "treat" as I cock my head from side to side and back again trying to see what the papers say or what the horse looks like.  Or trying to just turn my phone enough that I can see it before it shifts the picture.  Always thinking to myself... nooooo!  This idiot posted his picture sideways and I NEED to turn my phone!  PS - I'm pretty darn sure you can turn a picture and edit it even AFTER you upload to Facebook.

What's with all the crooked pictures? It's like a thing?  I don't get it?  Is this supposed to be a horse with an "uphill" build?  Looks like a horse in good condition, with a job, at a beautiful location.  Take the dang picture level so I don't look like a confused pup again please!

Minis and ponies.  Why is every ad for minis and ponies always of them loose in a pasture and/or eating?  And for good measure - let's throw them behind a fenceline.  Is your mini pony the devil?   Some of them are - I've met them.  If not, throw a halter on the little bugger, KNEEL on the ground from the side, and take a picture of Miss Snotty Pants that may help her find her new home.

Is this horse going down a really steep incline?  Nope - just another picture that couldn't possibly have been taken from a better angle.

It's a halter!  It's tied!  It's clean and adorable and so close to a great picture.  Looks like a great pony though and I kind of want Roany Pony in my pasture.  So much squealy cuteness.  I wonder what her conformation looks like?

And the best for last... we have the incredible headless appy.  It's amazing!!!

While I'm giving sale ad pointers....  let me share a couple spelling corrections to help you all out.

1.  It's conFORmation, not conFIRmation.  You want to highlight how your horse is put together, not whether they have made a commitment to Christ.
2.  It's filly, not philly.  She isn't a cheesesteak.
3.  It's gelding (only if he no longer HAS testicles), not guilding.  He is not coated in gold.
4.  It's lunge or longe.  NOT lounge.  (I feel like I've said this a thousand times.)  All horses are good at lounging.  I can do a pretty good impression of lounging when I take one of my famous afternoon naps.  If your horse can run around in a circle on a line it can lunge or longe.
5.  He or she is good for the FARRIER.  Not the ferrier.  Unless he or she is good for a trip across a body of water on a ferry.  Then maybe.  Hmm.. maybe I have been misreading those ads...

Okay.  I need to stop there.  Happy selling!