Imagine this scenario. You're scrolling through Facebook and an adorable pony catches your eye. You click through the pics and glance through the ad. Should you shoot them a message or a comment? NO. Let me say that again. HELL NO. Do the following BEFORE you send that comment or PM asking questions or for more information.
1. READ the ad. The whole ad. Twice. Heck - maybe even 3 times. Take notes if you have too. Make doubly sure that the question you're going to ask, isn't answered in the ad. Most sellers take the time to write ads to try to answer as many questions ahead of time as possible. Sellers do not want to waste your time or their own with responding to the same question a million times. As a seller, there isn't much more annoying than having to answer questions that you've already answered in the ad.
2. Take a minute to think about the purpose you're looking to achieve with said horse and the description of said horse/pony before contacting the seller. If you're looking for a beginner rider, do not comment on ads for 3 year old stallions or just off the track thoroughbreds. Let's be real here folks.
3. Think about the price. A lot of people are posting the price again in Facebook ads. They are using emojis or writing them out. Look for that before requesting price. Once you find out the price, ask yourself - can I afford what they are asking BEFORE you start messaging them a thousand questions. Sellers may come down in price somewhat. Most sellers price their horses a little higher knowing that they will have to wiggle a little going in. However, if your budget is a third, a half or even 3/4 of the asking price, save all of you a lot of time and keep looking elsewhere. As a seller, I love discussing my horse with others that are interested. However, we are all busy and cannot just chat about horses endlessly. And no - the cost of shipping is NOT the seller's problem. It is not their fault you commented on a horse that isn't in your backyard.
4. Speaking of shipping, it is expensive and hard on vehicles. Expect to pay for it if you look outside your comfortable travel range. Price out shipping options before you comment on a horse that is at your max budget. You may be surprised how much it costs to get Ole Buck across a couple of states. Shippers have to run on a schedule. You may have to be willing to take time off of work or even meet them somewhere to get your new pony delivered.
So let's say, you've checked all of these items off your list. It's time to ask questions. You heard me - now you can ask questions. This is not where you start shooting offers, this is where you ASK QUESTIONS. You need to make sure you are fully committed to buying the pony BEFORE you make an offer. Ask lots of questions. Let me give you some ideas.
1. Ask about disposition.
2. Ask about ground manners.
3. Make sure said equine is good for leading, clipping, farrier, vet, trailering, tying and bathing (if that stuff is important to you).
4. Ask about a history of illness (include ulcers, founder, colic) or lameness.
5. Ask about any cosmetic flaws.
6. Ask about being buddy sour, marish, barn sour, etc...
7. Ask about experiences away from home.
8. Ask for any vices like cribbing, wind sucking, chewing, etc..
9. Ask what said horse does when frustrated? Are they prone to rearing, bucking, kicking out, biting, etc... (We may go a little too far because we want to know if they even look at you wrong. hehe)
10. Ask if they are an easy keeper or do they need a certain diet to stay in good weight.
11. Where are they in herd dynamics? Alpha horsie or gets beat on regularly. Are they used to being in a herd? Geldings and mares or one or the other?
12. How much riding time do they have? How were they started? How is their whoa?
So that's a start. You need to tailor your questions to what you are looking for in a pony. Now you have a better idea if said equine is going to fit what you're shopping for. If you've checked off all the boxes so far, it is time to arrange a time to meet the equine. Or if you're shipping a distance, this is where you discuss wanting videos. If you're still interested after videos or a visit, the next step is making the offer. Feel free to make an offer, but do not start shooting them a lowball/half price offer unless you want to offend them and shut them down right then and there. Make them a fair offer keeping in mind what a similarly bred/trained horse would be worth. This is the time to also state that your offer may be contingent on the horse passing a vet check. If you are going to want a vet check, you need to state that before the offer is made and ABSOLUTELY before you make a deposit.
While we are on the subject of deposits, folks - they are non refundable. What is the point of a deposit? To secure you as the buyer. If a seller takes a deposit, they consider the horse sold. They turn away other interested buyers. That deposit is their security that you are a serious buyer. If for some reason you decide to back out of the deal, other than them outright withholding information or lying to you, you forfeit the deposit. End of discussion. If you're not sure and you may change your mind, don't make a deposit. It's called a gamble. That's all part of the horse buying game.
So you've made a decision, you've made a deposit, you've signed the purchase agreement - let's get that new pony in your barn. It is time to arrange shipping in a timely manner and make sure the health papers are all in order. When picking up your critter, make sure you get a signed transfer and that everything is in order to make that pony officially yours when you get it home. Take pictures so you never forget that very special "gotcha" day. There is no greater rush than bringing home a new pony. It's a feeling you want to last, so document it! Hopefully you're buying experience has been amazing. Most sellers want to keep their reputations on the up and up so they will do all they can to keep you happy. That said, sellers also talk about buyers, so make sure your funds are good and you're holding up your side of the bargain, literally.
We could and should discuss how to help the new pony once it arrives at your home, but let's save that for another blog.
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