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  Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
    
Location: Dearing, GA | This past weekend a woman came to look at my horse. She had told me she was 57, looking to get back into horses and wanted to see what I had. I got a little bit of a beginner vibe based on a few emails, but my horse isn't dangerous so I let her come out. Turns out, she's never owned a horse, nor has she ridden in over 30 years. Also, she lets me know she wants to jump and trail ride, not barrel race. She watched me ride my horse at a walk and trot, then got on and walked him in a few circles. She told me she really liked him, and I told her honestly that I thought she would do better off with a slightly older horse with a conformation and talent for jumping. All my videos and description showcase my horse as a barrel horse. She insisted that she really liked him, and I convinced her to think about it. I told her as politely and honestly as I could that this was not the horse for her, yet she has emailed me a few times asking to come see him again.
How do I handle this situation? Refuse to let her come out again? I want to be polite and professional, but I have a gut feeling that this is not the best match for either of them. |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Good for you, we need more like you  I wonder if your horse was the first horse that she has looked at and rode? I would tell her that she needs to go ride a few more befor she decided what she wanted. |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | I suppose if I were in your situation, I would politely email her back that your horse is important to you and you want to find him a good match, and at this time, you feel that she could find a horse better suited for her and that you can find a better match for him. And wish her luck in her horse search.
Then I would stop responding to the emails and leave it at that.
If you don't have a good feeling about it, trust yourself.
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 Expert
Posts: 1898
| I think you did a good job of handling her at the first visit. I would email her back and tell her that you would like to think her for her interest but because of his talent on the barrel pattern you would prefer he goes to someone who will continue his training in that area.
Edited by cyount2009 2016-02-23 5:06 PM
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | cyount2009 - 2016-02-23 5:59 PM I think you did a good job of handling her at the first visit. I would email her back and tell her that you would like to think her for her interest but because of his talent on the barrel pattern you would prefer he goes to someone who will continue his training in that area.
This ....is perfectly said |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Tell her you'd like to see the horse go to a barrel racing home and you don't want to sell him under the false pretense is that he is a jumping horse. |
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Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
Location: Dearing, GA | Thanks y'all. I did recommend a local English isntructor who could help her find a horse more in her discipline, but I really need to trust my gut here. Just hate to burn bridges, but I'm not so desperate to sell that I have to take this offer. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| Good for you looking out for the best interest of her and your horse |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | cyount2009 - 2016-02-23 4:59 PM
I think you did a good job of handling her at the first visit. I would email her back and tell her that you would like to think her for her interest but because of his talent on the barrel pattern you would prefer he goes to someone who will continue his training in that area.
This is perfect! Tell her you're selling him as a barrel horse and prefer he go to a barrel racing home.
She probably has a case of "fell in love with the first horse I saw" because she's so eager to get back to it. Glad you're doing the right thing :) |
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Veteran
Posts: 110
| Yeah for you! I had a friend (who was on the larger side) look at a 2yo that she wanted to buy and ride right away. The seller told her she felt a more "petite" rider was a better match for the horse and sent her on her way. My friend was surprised and angry that someone would walk away from a sale but i wanted to give that lady a hug for protecting her horse. Kudos, we need more like you! |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Northwest Florida | I just want to say it's great that you're willing to do what's best for your horse. So many people will say anything to get a sale with no concern for the future of the horse or the buyer. I usually ask people who want to set up a viewing appointment what their intentions are for the horse, riding level, etc. if they don't offer up that information on their own. You always have people who over estimate their riding abilities as well, that's why a viewing appt benefits both them as the buyer and you as the owner.
I would tell her you don't believe he is suited for the discipline she is interested in, and you prefer to find him a home where he can continue barrel racing.
I have to wonder though.. How much of what she said she wanted to do would actually happen. A 57 year old that hasn't ridden in 30 years is not exactly the prime candidate to pick up jumping as a new hobby. As someone who has competed in nearly every discipline, I have to say jumping is the most challenging personally. I'm young and in great shape and my legs feel like jello after a day of eventing. I wish her luck, though! And I hope you find the perfect home for your horse.. He will thank you! |
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