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Location: midwest mama | Here's the situation:
I've been looking at finished barrel horses for sale, and I am pretty serious about buying something in the $25,000 - $35,000 price range. I would like an older "point and shoot" that I can go and have some fun on but still be fairly competitive with while my good horse is on "medical leave."
I found a horse advertised that I really like, and happen to have a few friends that know the horse personally and have seen her run. She all agreed that she is a nice horse, is pretty much what I am looking for, and they all encouraged me to go and try her. I have talked with the horse's owner several times.
Here's the problem - every one of these people who know the horse have all told me that she is way over priced for what she is, and that she should actually be priced about $10,000 lower than what she is priced at. Keep in mind that every one of my friends that know her really know barrel horses and I totally respect their opinions. They know what they are talking about. Based on what the owner has told me in regards to her experience and LTE, plus her age (she is 13), I have to agree with them.
I still think she might be a good horse for me, and I think I would like to go and try her, but not for what she is priced at. What should I do? Should I say something to the owner now, before I go and try her, or wait until I try her and then make a $10,000 (below asking price) offer if I like her? I don't want to insult her as she seems to be a very nice person.
HELP! I don't buy/sell horses much, so I need advice on how to handle this.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 509
| Around here 25000. Doesn't buy a true 1 d horse, i would tell her what you want to spend and not waste her time. I'm sure you will insult her look elsewhere. |
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 Saint Stacey
| JMHO but it's not your place to tell someone where to price their horse. You can tell them what your budget is and are they willing to come down. But if someone ever told me where to price MY horse or that it was priced too high...I'd probably tell them to screw off. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| You don't. |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | Not your place to tell her! Ask her if she is firm on her price, if she is move on to the next horse! I've known people that price them high and don't really care if they sell or not! |
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Expert
Posts: 1956
Location: Ky | It's the seller's right to price the price the horse wherever they want. If you are interested in the horse then go ride it. And I would NEVER even consider a horse of that price unless I was allowed to ride it at a show.
Then, if you like the horse, make an offer. The owner will either accept your offer, decline your offer or counter offer. It's really that simple. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Make an offer and leave it at that. Running down the horse to get a lower price on a horse just makes folks angry and will not help you get the horse for less.
I had to fix this because my first post made no sense lol
Edited by barrelracr131 2015-08-19 8:06 AM
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Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| GLP - 2015-08-19 3:49 AM You don't.
This was my first thought too- |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | SKM - 2015-08-19 5:44 AM
JMHO but it's not your place to tell someone where to price their horse. You can tell them what your budget is and are they willing to come down. But if someone ever told me where to price MY horse or that it was priced too high...I'd probably tell them to screw off.
I agree. It is one thing to ask around about a horse but to have her "friends" undermine her sale is another. Personally I feel her friends have crossed a line in discussing a potential sale. You need to be upfront with seller and stop the behind the scenes chit chat with "friends". Tell her this is what you would be willing to spend on the horse if you like the way she runs Communication is key. Didn't mean to sound harsh but it seems there is lots of behind the scenes yabbering these days about other people's business. This is a business transaction between you and seller. All the extra needs to stop. Jmho |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| all of the comments ditto |
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 Expert
Posts: 1367
Location: mi | I agree with most everyone else. The seller puts the price on the horse. That is how much she feels it would take for it to be worth it to sell the horse. If you feel it is too high then shop around don't waste her time. I put a price on my horses that is what I want for them. I am totally ok with people making offers I might except it. I might not. and alot of times I scan the for sale ads and think I might have mine priced a bit high. BUT I don't need to sell them but if someone is interested that is what it is going to take.
If you do officially go try this mare out, don't go in with the attitude she is over priced. Go in knowing what her price is and seeing if you like her for that price. Or a price relatively close to what she is asking. No one should be offended if you are making an offer on a horse but I would be offended if someone started out by saying my horse was over priced by 35%. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | This example may just have shown me why sometimes "Private treaty" is the way for a seller to go. This horse's price has been bandied about and judgments made by other folks and those judgments (fair or not) have a prospective buyer questioning whether they should even go look at the horse. And...say she does go try the horse and loves it...say they are a match in style and personality. What is that worth? To me a good bit. A stellar horse that doesn't click with a rider isn't going to make the times.
I think the OP is letting opinions of others keep her possibly from trying a good horse. You can't fairly say what that horse is worth to you without going and seeing/trying the horse to see how you match up...and form your own opinion. Then get a pre-purchase exam if you find you really like the horse. THEN decide on an offer. And if you buy the horse...if anyone asks what you paid...tell them that's between you and the seller but that you feel you got a fair deal you are both happy with.
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 Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | If you and your friends think the horse is that far over priced then keep looking and dont waste the sellers time. If in fact the horse is way over priced, then she wont sell. The market will tell the seller whether the horse is over priced or not. It's not your place.Keep looking, and if you dont find something in a couple months then see if she's still there. If she's not, then I guess she wasnt over priced like your friends think. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Or you could do like everyone else on here and go look at the horse, lowball your offer, and then come here and complain about sellers who don't understand horses . . .
And then we can wait for the buyer response that talks about sellers that waste their time . . .
I'm teasing truly. I promise you won't be the only person in history who thought a person overpriced their horse. One thing watching a ton of these posts on here has taught me though is that a good horse you mesh with may be worth the asking price or at least above the lower offer you are considering (i.e. you could haggle a little). If you completely and totally click with the mare, you may actually get enough out of her or succeed well enough on her to truly make her worth that anyway.
I remember a girl I helped find a horse. She was a city slicker all the way. She just wanted to go trail ride and do parades on a horse that was absolutely bomb proof. And she wanted a black gelding that was 16.2 hh plus and had a certain look. She knew EXACTLY what she wanted and it was hard to find she was so specific. But we found one, a middle aged police horse about 12 that was absolutely quiet. He was so perfect she even gave the people 1000 over the asking price. She still has that horse and he is the most spoiled happy horse in the universe. She loves him to death and doesn't demand much of him. There couldn't have been a better home for him. If the horse is the right horse, you may feel the same way. |
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 Sorry I don't have any advice
Posts: 1975
Location: Sunnyland Florida |
A horse is worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay. If the horse is definitely priced out of your price range, share your budget with the seller before you try it. I don't think it's right to tell anyone their horse is overpriced because prices vary on the seller's motivation to sell.
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | I just sold a horse for my aunt and while I was no where NEAR the prices you are talking about, I was a little offended when someone sent me an email (from the ad that was on BHW) and tried to low ball me by $1,000. I had him listed for $3,500 which was VERY reasonable for his abilities.
I had another gal call me several times, and I spent time with her on the phone talking about the horse, arranged a time for her to come look at the horse, and then a few hours before she was supposed to arrive, THEN she tells me the horse is almost $1,000 more than she can afford and doesn't want to "waste my time" if I can't come down on the price. ...... No, of course you didn't WASTE all my time I spent with you on the phone, or me re-arranging my schedule that week so you could come look at him, and now all of a sudden you can't afford him? I was so annoyed!
I don't think there is any harm to ask if the seller is FIRM on the price. To some people, a good fit or a good match is more important than the selling price. But to others, the price is the price and that's what they want for the horse. If you can't afford that price, then you need to bring it up to the seller ASAP so you don't waste their time.
It's really no one else's business what she has the horse priced at. Sure, you can ask for opinions on those who have seen the horse run and seen him in action, but it's not their decision what he should be priced at.
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| A lot of horses are overpriced in my opinion but you cant tell the seller... they either wont sell them or will eventually lower them. I see it a lot and that irritates me is when a horse is misleading with a misleading price. but thats a different issue |
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 Blond Bombshell..
Posts: 6628
Location: Hill Country of TEXAS!! | If you can't afford her asking price don't waste her time or the horses trying her. It's not anyone's place to say a horse is priced too high or low. Owner set her at a certain price. I'm sure she's negotiable but 10k is a slap in the face. id look elsewhere for a horse originally priced in your range. |
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 The Purple Princess
Posts: 2226
Location: Charlestown, IN | If the horse is in your price range and suits your needs/wants, it's no one else's business what you pay for it anyway. Even if they THINK she's overpriced. She may be worth the $25k to you but not $10k to me for whatever reasons. I agree with everyone else, if you aren't ok with the asking price, don't waste the owners time. |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Anything that is for sale is worth what ever someone will pay. |
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 Guys Just Wanna Have Fun
Posts: 5530
Location: OH | I am confused--if you are willing to spend 25-30,000 on a horse, and this horse fits the bill and you like it, Why is it overpriced ??????? I'd quit listening to your friends opinion and go with your own gut. |
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | barrelracr131 - 2015-08-19 6:27 AM Make an offer and leave it at that. Running down the horse to get a lower price on a horse just makes folks angry and will not help you get the horse for less.
I had to fix this because my first post made no sense lol
This. I was selling a very nice Boxer about 10 years ago. I had some people interested, well they called me back and told me that they found a better dog because of this and this for cheaper... then they wanted me to come down on my price. It really just made me mad. I told them if the dog is so much better and cheaper I didn't even know why they were trying to get me to come down on my price. They called that night wanting to pay full price for my dog and I was so mad that they tried to run her down to get a cheaper price that I wouldn't sell to them. She sold the same week to someone else for my asking price, and had a great home.
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | When I was shopping a few years ago, I tried one that was in my price range and I really liked him, but after running him a couple of times and looking up his recent results, I thought he was priced a little high for what he was at that point in time. I offered the owner more than what I thought he was worth but less than they were asking, owner declined my offer, I walked away and kept looking. Try the horse and decide for yourself if it's worth the asking price. "Your friend said" or "I heard" is not a negotiating point. |
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 Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | I have people tell me all the time that my horses are too high. I tell that they sell, so someone must think they're priced right. I agree with Three Corners that the market will determine the value. But if you wait around to see whether or not she sells at that price, you can also miss out on the perfect horse because someone else MAY be willing to pay what she's priced. When I am looking, I ask the buyer in the very first email I send if the price is negotiable. If they say no and I think they're overpriced, I don't ask for anything else. I CERTAINLY don't waste their time or their horse by trying it. If they say they will consider offers, then I might go try the horse and if I liked it, make an offer. However, I am always prepared to buy the horse if they accept my offer. I have sold higher priced horses for $10K less than they were priced if I thought it was the right home and the right buyer and have made some lifelong friends as a result. I usually don't get offended at offers, but everyone is different. What makes me boiling mad is when someone makes an offer, I accept, and then they don't buy the horse. Don't make an offer if you're not willing to buy, and NEVER say the horse is overpriced. Just say you can only spend X amount of dollars, and would they take that? You'd be surprised how many will. But also don't be disappointed if someone doesn't want to sell their really nice horse for less than they have it priced. |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | dianeguinn - 2015-08-19 10:31 AM
I have people tell me all the time that my horses are too high. I tell that they sell, so someone must think they're priced right. I agree with Three Corners that the market will determine the value. But if you wait around to see whether or not she sells at that price, you can also miss out on the perfect horse because someone else MAY be willing to pay what she's priced. When I am looking, I ask the buyer in the very first email I send if the price is negotiable. If they say no and I think they're overpriced, I don't ask for anything else. I CERTAINLY don't waste their time or their horse by trying it. If they say they will consider offers, then I might go try the horse and if I liked it, make an offer. However, I am always prepared to buy the horse if they accept my offer. I have sold higher priced horses for $10K less than they were priced if I thought it was the right home and the right buyer and have made some lifelong friends as a result. I usually don't get offended at offers, but everyone is different. What makes me boiling mad is when someone makes an offer, I accept, and then they don't buy the horse. Don't make an offer if you're not willing to buy, and NEVER say the horse is overpriced. Just say you can only spend X amount of dollars, and would they take that? You'd be surprised how many will. But also don't be disappointed if someone doesn't want to sell their really nice horse for less than they have it priced.
Totally agree with Diane. She had a gelding for sale back in December and I told my sister to go buy that horse. Don't even flinch on the price because I just knew the price was going to go up... Well I didn't need another horse at the time but I would have loved to have that gelding. Sister hem hawed around and was going to wait til after Xmas. All the while I was wanting to go get that horse. Well the price did go up and the horse was worth it but then out of my range with all my vet bills. If you like something and have the money go get it NOW or you will regret it. |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Just don't buy it.
If you want the horse but don't want to pay what they're asking, then you need to talk to them BEFORE you waste their time trying the horse to see if they'll come down. Tell them what your top dollar is and if they want to let it go for that, they'll let you try it. Do not waste their time by trying it without talking price first. It's rude.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 316
| If anyone blatantly told me my horse was overpriced by $10,000 I would send them walking. And that is to put it kindly. |
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 Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| Many sellers will drop a price if they feel the rider/home is a good fit. I'd be honest about what you're willing to spend. But I agree with the statement, that if the horse is fitting your criteria, why isn't it worth the asking price? |
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Expert
Posts: 1446
Location: California | But WHY do they say she is over priced? Not a true 1D? There is so much time, money and training putting into horses. If someone like Sherry Cervi patterened her, but her record was still the same, does that magically make her worth more money? I need to understand why your "friends" say she is over priced before I can give an honest answer to the situation.
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | MS2011 - 2015-08-19 10:44 AM Just don't buy it.
If you want the horse but don't want to pay what they're asking, then you need to talk to them BEFORE you waste their time trying the horse to see if they'll come down. Tell them what your top dollar is and if they want to let it go for that, they'll let you try it. Do not waste their time by trying it without talking price first. It's rude.
The way I understood it is she COULD pay asking, but people were telling her the horse is worth less. I don't see how you can decide that without looking for yourself.
I absolutely won't look at one that is over my budget without talking to sellers about that first. |
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Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | mreklaw - 2015-08-19 10:42 AM
dianeguinn - 2015-08-19 10:31 AM
I have people tell me all the time that my horses are too high. I tell that they sell, so someone must think they're priced right. I agree with Three Corners that the market will determine the value. But if you wait around to see whether or not she sells at that price, you can also miss out on the perfect horse because someone else MAY be willing to pay what she's priced. When I am looking, I ask the buyer in the very first email I send if the price is negotiable. If they say no and I think they're overpriced, I don't ask for anything else. I CERTAINLY don't waste their time or their horse by trying it. If they say they will consider offers, then I might go try the horse and if I liked it, make an offer. However, I am always prepared to buy the horse if they accept my offer. I have sold higher priced horses for $10K less than they were priced if I thought it was the right home and the right buyer and have made some lifelong friends as a result. I usually don't get offended at offers, but everyone is different. What makes me boiling mad is when someone makes an offer, I accept, and then they don't buy the horse. Don't make an offer if you're not willing to buy, and NEVER say the horse is overpriced. Just say you can only spend X amount of dollars, and would they take that? You'd be surprised how many will. But also don't be disappointed if someone doesn't want to sell their really nice horse for less than they have it priced.
Totally agree with Diane. She had a gelding for sale back in December and I told my sister to go buy that horse. Don't even flinch on the price because I just knew the price was going to go up... Well I didn't need another horse at the time but I would have loved to have that gelding. Sister hem hawed around and was going to wait til after Xmas. All the while I was wanting to go get that horse. Well the price did go up and the horse was worth it but then out of my range with all my vet bills. If you like something and have the money go get it NOW or you will regret it.
Lol, mreklaw. I have another one that someone is going to get worth the money because he just doesn't fit me (cough* see my signature* cough). He's a nice horse; just not what I like to ride. He's very negotiable because I'm having to spend money to have someone ride him, so I'd rather sell him cheaper and cut my losses than keep paying someone to ride him. ;) Someone who fits him will think they're getting a whale of a bargain because he's nice. I sold one for $10K (which was exactly what I was asking for him) in January when I desperately needed to sell a horse, and I'm getting reports that he's running at the top of the 1D now every week in N. TX.....it's amazing what I'll take for a nice horse if I need the money!!! You never know a seller's situation, so it never hurts to ask. Just be aware, they may get offended and then not sell you the horse. I don't get offended. I just appreciate that someone likes my horses enough to make an offer. If I can't take it, I say no and go on to the next buyer. ;)
Edited by dianeguinn 2015-08-19 11:23 AM
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 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | One of the keys to keeping friends is to never discuss finances with them. Some people don't need that much information to use against you. There are people who will pretend to be your friend in order to gain access to the information that you possess, the people you know, or simply to figure out a reason to justify not liking you. It's amazing how many truly sick, twisted, and toxic people are out there.
Guidance is one thing...using resources to figure out whether a horse is what it's represented to be is another.. but, ultimately if the horse is a fit and you have the funds available then make the decision based on your own opinion. Prices are subjective and you more than likely aren't going to be making a living running a $25k horse, buy one that's fun, even if it's a little overpriced. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 477
Location: Lost in the swamps | 20-25 down here will get you a decent 1top of the 2d for the area. The market is low down here. 10-15 for a 2-d, 8-6,500 for a 3d. And so on.
Oklahoma and other barrel racing states 20-25 will get you a 2-3d horse. But it's barrel horse country out there.
I have a lot of friends that send those horses to Oklahoma to get more money.
I have also seen people buy a 10,000.00 and not even make a grand on them in 5 years.
Also see people all the time take a 3,500.00 and turn around and in 2 years sell for 25,000.00 locally.
But they have proven themselves. Guess I'm just not that lucky! |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | dianeguinn - 2015-08-19 11:21 AM
mreklaw - 2015-08-19 10:42 AM
dianeguinn - 2015-08-19 10:31 AM
I have people tell me all the time that my horses are too high. I tell that they sell, so someone must think they're priced right. I agree with Three Corners that the market will determine the value. But if you wait around to see whether or not she sells at that price, you can also miss out on the perfect horse because someone else MAY be willing to pay what she's priced. When I am looking, I ask the buyer in the very first email I send if the price is negotiable. If they say no and I think they're overpriced, I don't ask for anything else. I CERTAINLY don't waste their time or their horse by trying it. If they say they will consider offers, then I might go try the horse and if I liked it, make an offer. However, I am always prepared to buy the horse if they accept my offer. I have sold higher priced horses for $10K less than they were priced if I thought it was the right home and the right buyer and have made some lifelong friends as a result. I usually don't get offended at offers, but everyone is different. What makes me boiling mad is when someone makes an offer, I accept, and then they don't buy the horse. Don't make an offer if you're not willing to buy, and NEVER say the horse is overpriced. Just say you can only spend X amount of dollars, and would they take that? You'd be surprised how many will. But also don't be disappointed if someone doesn't want to sell their really nice horse for less than they have it priced.
Totally agree with Diane. She had a gelding for sale back in December and I told my sister to go buy that horse. Don't even flinch on the price because I just knew the price was going to go up... Well I didn't need another horse at the time but I would have loved to have that gelding. Sister hem hawed around and was going to wait til after Xmas. All the while I was wanting to go get that horse. Well the price did go up and the horse was worth it but then out of my range with all my vet bills. If you like something and have the money go get it NOW or you will regret it.
Lol, mreklaw. I have another one that someone is going to get worth the money because he just doesn't fit me (cough* see my signature* cough ). He's a nice horse; just not what I like to ride. He's very negotiable because I'm having to spend money to have someone ride him, so I'd rather sell him cheaper and cut my losses than keep paying someone to ride him. ; ) Someone who fits him will think they're getting a whale of a bargain because he's nice. I sold one for $10K (which was exactly what I was asking for him ) in January when I desperately needed to sell a horse, and I'm getting reports that he's running at the top of the 1D now every week in N. TX.....it's amazing what I'll take for a nice horse if I need the money!!! You never know a seller's situation, so it never hurts to ask. Just be aware, they may get offended and then not sell you the horse. I don't get offended. I just appreciate that someone likes my horses enough to make an offer. If I can't take it, I say no and go on to the next buyer. ; )
Yes you always have some nice ones. I still want that Fame FlashnFlit guy. He looks like a very sweet ride. I look every now and then to see if you still have him. If I didn't have to borrow from my retirement to buy him I would drive up right now and give you the money. I usually don't haggle very much when I buy because I wont even go look if I think its not worth what they are asking. That's why I told my sis to just go buy him when you first had him listed. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | I don't mind offers on my horse - even says MAKE OFFER!, lol! Rather than telling her what you think it is worth, say something like 'I'm really interested in your mare, but I would have $xx to spend - would you be willing to negotiate on the price?' |
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Saint Stacey
| rachellyn80 - 2015-08-19 10:29 AM
One of the keys to keeping friends is to never discuss finances with them. Some people don't need that much information to use against you. There are people who will pretend to be your friend in order to gain access to the information that you possess, the people you know, or simply to figure out a reason to justify not liking you. It's amazing how many truly sick, twisted, and toxic people are out there.
Guidance is one thing...using resources to figure out whether a horse is what it's represented to be is another.. but, ultimately if the horse is a fit and you have the funds available then make the decision based on your own opinion. Prices are subjective and you more than likely aren't going to be making a living running a $25k horse, buy one that's fun, even if it's a little overpriced.
This is a very valid point. Also a lot of people say something is overpriced because they: A) want it themselves and can't afford it. B) they are trying to sell something themselves so they talk you out of the one you want in hopes you'll come to them instead. |
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 Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | IMO you don't.
It's the sellers right to put a pricetag on the horse. You don't have to buy the horse. Simple as that.
I remember when I bought my first horse, she was 18 years at that point, some people told me she was prices way too high.
But you know what, she tought me a bunch, and she kept me safe and took care of me. That, too me, was why she was well worth her asking price.
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Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | SKM - 2015-08-19 11:39 AM rachellyn80 - 2015-08-19 10:29 AM One of the keys to keeping friends is to never discuss finances with them. Some people don't need that much information to use against you. There are people who will pretend to be your friend in order to gain access to the information that you possess, the people you know, or simply to figure out a reason to justify not liking you. It's amazing how many truly sick, twisted, and toxic people are out there.
Guidance is one thing...using resources to figure out whether a horse is what it's represented to be is another.. but, ultimately if the horse is a fit and you have the funds available then make the decision based on your own opinion. Prices are subjective and you more than likely aren't going to be making a living running a $25k horse, buy one that's fun, even if it's a little overpriced. This is a very valid point. Also a lot of people say something is overpriced because they: A ) want it themselves and can't afford it. B ) they are trying to sell something themselves so they talk you out of the one you want in hopes you'll come to them instead.
Or C) They're just jealous old bags with nothing better to do than to gossip and rain on someone else's parade.  |
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Member
Posts: 9
| First if its only worth 10k then it is NOT a 1D horse except at something local. Second if you like her buy her, if you were to ask me and tell me my horse is over priced I would tell you obviously not cause you still called on her....... making a reasonable offer would be the way to go, don't be a tire kicker. |
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Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | BBLO - 2015-08-19 12:42 PM First if its only worth 10k then it is NOT a 1D horse except at something local. Second if you like her buy her, if you were to ask me and tell me my horse is over priced I would tell you obviously not cause you still called on her....... making a reasonable offer would be the way to go, don't be a tire kicker.
She said the horse is $10k overpriced, not that she's priced at $10k. |
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 Professional Amateur
Posts: 6750
Location: Oklahoma | Just let the owner know what you are willing to pay for the horse. If the owner is willing to accept that offer, you will be able to schedule to try the horse and hopefully you are bringing home your perfect horse at the end. Good luck. You can always offer what you are willing to pay. An owner decides the price they are willing to sell.
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Let's look at this at another angle. I'm old and would pay more for a horse that is easy and safe to ride over one that is of the same quality that is hard to ride. Can you put a dollar amount on older lady safe horse? I have no desire and this time of my life to ride a crotch rocket that would end up putting me in the hospital. |
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 How freakish is that?
Posts: 3927
Location: Oregon | If the horse is priced at 35K and you think it's worth 25K I'd make an offer. If it's 20K and you think it's worth 10K I'd probably not. |
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Location: midwest mama | I'm the O.P. -
Thank you to everyone for your honest responses.
Let me preface this by saying I am not a tire-kicker, as I am serious about looking for a horse and I have the funds to buy one.
However, I do not want to insult anyone, and I want to go about this the right way - that's why I asked you all this question.
I think I should clarify the situation:
This mare was advertised publicly, so everyone knows what she is priced at. The horse is located in another state from where I live, so I discreetly called a couple of professional barrel horse trainers/competitors (WPRA top 30) who are friends of mine in that area and asked if they knew the horse. They did, and I asked them what they thought of the horse and whether or not they thought she was priced fairly. They gave me an honest reply. Neither of these people have any reason to not be truthful with me - they are not trying to sell me a horse, nor are they jealous of me.
I ended up having several phone conversations with the owner. During these conversations I found out that the mare does not have the amount of rodeo experience that the ad implied, and the LTE of this horse are very minimal. From these conversations, I came to the conclusion that, in my own opinion, the mare is overpriced. That being said, I still think there is a chance she would fit me and be what I need her to be.......but not at the price the owner is asking.
I guess after all of this long winded story, what I really am asking is if I should just move on, ask the owner if the price is negotiable before I try her, or wait and try her and then make an offer. I do understand that an owner has a right to ask whatever they want for their horse. Like I said, it is not my intention to offend her in any way. What is the right way to go about this? |
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Expert
Posts: 1956
Location: Ky | OldSchoolCowgirl - 2015-08-19 6:13 PM I'm the O.P. - Thank you to everyone for your honest responses. Let me preface this by saying I am not a tire-kicker, as I am serious about looking for a horse and I have the funds to buy one. However, I do not want to insult anyone, and I want to go about this the right way - that's why I asked you all this question. I think I should clarify the situation: This mare was advertised publicly, so everyone knows what she is priced at. The horse is located in another state from where I live, so I discreetly called a couple of professional barrel horse trainers/competitors (WPRA top 30) who are friends of mine in that area and asked if they knew the horse. They did, and I asked them what they thought of the horse and whether or not they thought she was priced fairly. They gave me an honest reply. Neither of these people have any reason to not be truthful with me - they are not trying to sell me a horse, nor are they jealous of me. I ended up having several phone conversations with the owner. During these conversations I found out that the mare does not have the amount of rodeo experience that the ad implied, and the LTE of this horse are very minimal. From these conversations, I came to the conclusion that, in my own opinion, the mare is overpriced. That being said, I still think there is a chance she would fit me and be what I need her to be.......but not at the price the owner is asking. I guess after all of this long winded story, what I really am asking is if I should just move on, ask the owner if the price is negotiable before I try her, or wait and try her and then make an offer. I do understand that an owner has a right to ask whatever they want for their horse. Like I said, it is not my intention to offend her in any way. What is the right way to go about this?
Here's what I do if I was interested in the horse, and it seems you are. I would go look at the horse but only at a show and ride the horse at the show. Horses are different at competition but more importantly, people are different.
If they refused to allow that then I would move on. But if they allow it then I would base my opinion on what I saw and felt there. I may decide that the horse is worth more to me than I thought. Or I may be glad that I saw him in a competitive environment and pass on him.
I would not buy a supposedly seasoned horse without riding him at a show. A prospect is different. But a horse that's been down the road needs to be evaluated on that road.
50 years of horseshowing experience taught me this. I didn't always take my own advice. 15 years ago we went up to Wisc, {from Ky}, to try a horse at the seller's property. The lady had an outdoor and indoor arena and many horses. We paid a very handsome price for this horse. He worked great at her place.
We got home with him and found him to be completely ring sour. When we called about it she said she forgot to tell us to use herbal medicines on him at shows because of nerves. She offered to buy him back at a $10K loss for us. We declined. Should have taken her up on it. When we finally got rid of him we lost more than that.
Had we riden him at a show we would never have bought that horse. Some lessons are learned the hard way. |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | So if you go try the mare and really like her do you have the funds to pay what she is asking? If not then you are wasting her time unless she says the price is negotiable. |
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 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | mreklaw - 2015-08-18 10:13 PM
So if you go try the mare and really like her do you have the funds to pay what she is asking? If not then you are wasting her time unless she says the price is negotiable.
Agree with this. I'd find out if the price is negotiable if you're not willing to pay what they are asking before you go any further. |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | I would call and ask her if she is willing to negotiate the price to the right buyer and that you really want to try the mare but dont want to waste each others time if she isnt willing to..Id not challenge the price. |
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Expert
Posts: 1367
Location: mi | Personally I think I would just be honest with her. I would call her again and say you have thought about it and think the mare might work for you but that with her having less experience then you had originally thought and blah blah blah that you are probably not willing to pay the asking price does she have room to negotiate? you don't have to nail down a hard figure but that would open up conversation and you would get a feel for if its worth your time to go see her in person. |
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 Loves to compete
Posts: 5760
Location: Oakdale, CA | Nevertooold - 2015-08-19 12:22 PM Let's look at this at another angle. I'm old and would pay more for a horse that is easy and safe to ride over one that is of the same quality that is hard to ride. Can you put a dollar amount on older lady safe horse? I have no desire and this time of my life to ride a crotch rocket that would end up putting me in the hospital.
I usually pay a little more. I want quality and safety. I am willing to pay up front! |
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8555
Location: sunny california | although 10,000 is not the amount you just go oh well at. At some point you just pay more because it is a nice horse and you are tired of spending your weekends running around and spending the difference in fuel. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 830
Location: Paradise , tx | Nevertooold - 2015-08-19 2:22 PM Let's look at this at another angle. I'm old and would pay more for a horse that is easy and safe to ride over one that is of the same quality that is hard to ride. Can you put a dollar amount on older lady safe horse? I have no desire and this time of my life to ride a crotch rocket that would end up putting me in the hospital.
 I know what your saying, as we age, things change. Safety is always important, even more so now, we heal slower and pain is so much more intense now  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 550
| OldSchoolCowgirl - 2015-08-19 7:13 PM
I ended up having several phone conversations with the owner. During these conversations I found out that the mare does not have the amount of rodeo experience that the ad implied, and the LTE of this horse are very minimal. From these conversations, I came to the conclusion that, in my own opinion, the mare is overpriced. That being said, I still think there is a chance she would fit me and be what I need her to be.......but not at the price the owner is asking.
I would tell her this.
You seem to be able to express yourself well without getting upset. I wouldn't take offense if someone was selling a horse and came to me with this. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: California | I had someone offer me 25k for a 35k horse. I was in no way offended but kindly said no. I had the horse priced where it was worth it for me to sell him. These people made an offer before coming and trying the horse themselves (they had seen him ran plenty) so they did not waste anyones time. I do appreciate that aspect. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | So what happened |
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 Dog Rescue Hero
Posts: 1660
Location: Oklahoma City OK | This just kind of rubbed me the wrong way, so I feel the need to answer: Anyone with class would NOT tell someone they were pricing their horse too high. Unless it was a friend that asked your opinion about how they were pricing their horse. The market will tell a seller. If the seller has priced a horse you like outside of your budget, let them know it's YOUR limitations that keep you from buying the horse...not the decision the seller has made, and has the right to make. People have lots of reasons for pricing their horses...maybe some are delusional but that's not anyone problem but theirs. Maybe they really don't want to sell the horse and just figure they'll throw a really high price out there and if someone is willing to pay it, they'll let the horse go. Again, it's not anyone's responsibility or right to tell someone how to price their horse. Nobody's business but the seller.
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One Grateful Mom
Posts: 2702
Location: wolverton,mn | I'm in total agreement with above poster!
This thread can be 10 pages long,but it's the team of buyer/ seller that needs to communicate.
Whatever price is paid and decided by two people,then that means both parties agreed.
If the horse is a match,great deal! If the buyer can't ride the horse or become a team,it's not the sellers responsibility to justify price. The buyer would be tacky to run around saying " I paid too much" or probably more like " got ripped off" " horse not worth it"
The poster should have a conversation with owner and discuss the possible sale! I'm sure more can be accomplished with that conversation than here. The horse is obviously worth your time to discuss here,so why not have this conversation with owner?
If a sale is made ,both of you should be happy!
good luck finding yourself a wonderful horse!
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Location: midwest mama | smmthbr - 2015-08-21 1:28 PM
This just kind of rubbed me the wrong way, so I feel the need to answer: Anyone with class would NOT tell someone they were pricing their horse too high. Unless it was a friend that asked your opinion about how they were pricing their horse. The market will tell a seller. If the seller has priced a horse you like outside of your budget, let them know it's YOUR limitations that keep you from buying the horse...not the decision the seller has made, and has the right to make. People have lots of reasons for pricing their horses...maybe some are delusional but that's not anyone problem but theirs. Maybe they really don't want to sell the horse and just figure they'll throw a really high price out there and if someone is willing to pay it, they'll let the horse go. Again, it's not anyone's responsibility or right to tell someone how to price their horse. Nobody's business but the seller.
I am the O.P. and I totally agree with this. ^^^
I never intended to tell the owner that I felt her horse was priced too high - it is up to her to determine what she wants to sell her horse for.
What I was trying to decide was whether or not to ask her if the price was negotiable to the right home before or after I try the horse.
Financially I am capable of paying what she is asking, but I'm trying to be realistic here and not spend way more than the market value of a horse either. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 410
| OldSchoolCowgirl - 2015-08-21 2:48 PM
smmthbr - 2015-08-21 1:28 PM
This just kind of rubbed me the wrong way, so I feel the need to answer: Anyone with class would NOT tell someone they were pricing their horse too high. Unless it was a friend that asked your opinion about how they were pricing their horse. The market will tell a seller. If the seller has priced a horse you like outside of your budget, let them know it's YOUR limitations that keep you from buying the horse...not the decision the seller has made, and has the right to make. People have lots of reasons for pricing their horses...maybe some are delusional but that's not anyone problem but theirs. Maybe they really don't want to sell the horse and just figure they'll throw a really high price out there and if someone is willing to pay it, they'll let the horse go. Again, it's not anyone's responsibility or right to tell someone how to price their horse. Nobody's business but the seller.
I am the O.P. and I totally agree with this. ^^^
I never intended to tell the owner that I felt her horse was priced too high - it is up to her to determine what she wants to sell her horse for.
What I was trying to decide was whether or not to ask her if the price was negotiable to the right home before or after I try the horse.
Financially I am capable of paying what she is asking, but I'm trying to be realistic here and not spend way more than the market value of a horse either.
Not trying to bash but...that is exactly what the title of this post says. So at first I was rubbed the wrong way until I read some of your posts. |
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Location: midwest mama | RoadToVegas - 2015-08-21 10:41 PM
OldSchoolCowgirl - 2015-08-21 2:48 PM
smmthbr - 2015-08-21 1:28 PM
This just kind of rubbed me the wrong way, so I feel the need to answer: Anyone with class would NOT tell someone they were pricing their horse too high. Unless it was a friend that asked your opinion about how they were pricing their horse. The market will tell a seller. If the seller has priced a horse you like outside of your budget, let them know it's YOUR limitations that keep you from buying the horse...not the decision the seller has made, and has the right to make. People have lots of reasons for pricing their horses...maybe some are delusional but that's not anyone problem but theirs. Maybe they really don't want to sell the horse and just figure they'll throw a really high price out there and if someone is willing to pay it, they'll let the horse go. Again, it's not anyone's responsibility or right to tell someone how to price their horse. Nobody's business but the seller.
I am the O.P. and I totally agree with this. ^^^
I never intended to tell the owner that I felt her horse was priced too high - it is up to her to determine what she wants to sell her horse for.
What I was trying to decide was whether or not to ask her if the price was negotiable to the right home before or after I try the horse.
Financially I am capable of paying what she is asking, but I'm trying to be realistic here and not spend way more than the market value of a horse either.
Not trying to bash but...that is exactly what the title of this post says. So at first I was rubbed the wrong way until I read some of your posts.
You are so right RoadToVegas.........
but unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to change the title of a post after it's already gone live, so I had to run with it. LOL My daughter says I'm a technotard....... |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1062
Location: Probably On the Road to the Next Barrel Race! | Please do NOT waste the owners time. Be open n communicative. Butter up her horse, and back it with facts. Compliment horse, say, she's probably well worth what youre asking, BUT...I only have so much to offer. If I can ride n show her well, and promise her a great home, would you consider $XXXXX. You'll find out where she sits, without wasting her time. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1062
Location: Probably On the Road to the Next Barrel Race! | Please do NOT waste the owners time. Be open n communicative. Butter up her horse, and back it with facts. Compliment horse, say, she's probably well worth what youre asking, BUT...I only have so much to offer. If I can ride n show her well, and promise her a great home, would you consider $XXXXX. You'll find out where she sits, without wasting her time. |
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I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | I have to agree with NTO There are definitely factors beyond performance and experience that should go into determining the horse's value. For instance I have a mare that i would sell, but don't really market. She's a solid 1D horse locally and places in the 2D at BIG shows. She has a bit of rodeo experience. Just an all around solid, competitive horse. I have her priced as such. The thing with this horse is that she has a huge stride, is very smooth in the turns and really allows you to feel super secure. She is the sort of horse that will allow a 3D rider to win the 2D. She will also speed up, or slow down depending on how hard you let her run up the alley. I can let her owner hold her up the alley and go win the 2D and an hour later, one of my youth kids can go run one of the fastest times of the day on her. I have had kids jump ride the mare to 1D placings and WPRA girls jump ride her to rodeo placings. All of those factors make me price the mare above what some other, less user friendly horses with similar credentials may be priced at. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 512
| WrapSnap - 2015-08-22 2:16 AM
I have to agree with NTO There are definitely factors beyond performance and experience that should go into determining the horse's value. For instance I have a mare that i would sell, but don't really market. She's a solid 1D horse locally and places in the 2D at BIG shows. She has a bit of rodeo experience. Just an all around solid, competitive horse. I have her priced as such. The thing with this horse is that she has a huge stride, is very smooth in the turns and really allows you to feel super secure. She is the sort of horse that will allow a 3D rider to win the 2D. She will also speed up, or slow down depending on how hard you let her run up the alley. I can let her owner hold her up the alley and go win the 2D and an hour later, one of my youth kids can go run one of the fastest times of the day on her. I have had kids jump ride the mare to 1D placings and WPRA girls jump ride her to rodeo placings. All of those factors make me price the mare above what some other, less user friendly horses with similar credentials may be priced at.
This is great advice! |
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas | I think you need to level with the seller right up front.
I have one of my horses for sale right now... I listed his verifiable results along with some notes on what kind of horse he is and have private treaty/make offer on the post... I feel like people who are in the market for that caliber horse know what they have to spend and they know what that horse is worth. I want to know what they are willing to spend on a horse with those credentials if it is a good fit for them personally. I just listed him today and have had three offers. I was not "offended" by any of the offers. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of it. I'm not wasting their time, because they know what the horse is capable of... and they aren't wasting my time by pursuing the purchase of a horse they can't afford. In theory, it sounds like a pretty good plan!
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 A Bit of a Grammar Nut
Posts: 1788
Location: floating down a river | A horse is worth what someone is willing to pay.... Probably not worth your time or wasting her time. Let it sit on the market for a bit and let her drop it. $10000 less as an offer is a bit of a slap in the face, let her figure it out by it not selling. |
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Saint Stacey
| I actually have a friend that this happened to a few days ago. Someone offered her $10,000 when the mare is priced at $20,000. My friend was beyond offended and everyone on Facebook was shocked that someone would have the nerve to offer half the price. I personally thought my friend should counteroffer with "You offered $10,000 on a $20,000 horse so the price foryou jjust went to $30,000. My friend instead told the person she had an 18 year old, 4D horse for $10,000 she'd sell her. |
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How Do You Tell Someone Who Is Selling Their Barrel Horse That It Is Priced Way Too High?