Can we discuss horse trades?

[One_Two_Three]

So, I’ve got my horse listed for sale (recently posted here about that whole dealy…) and took the advice of fellow COTHERS and ramped it up a bit by talking to some trainers in the area.

It just so happens I got the contact info through my barn owner to the lady who first started my current pony. She’s a local big name trainer in the area (mostly dressage) and she’s familiar with my pony. (broke her, has seen her for tune ups, took her on consignment with her previous owner, etc). It just so happens that she’s looking for a pony as her program is expanding and she needs something smaller for her intermediate/advanced kids. This pony fits the bill, and if anyone should have this pony in their program, I agree that the one who originally broke her would be a good fit!

Anyways, so she isn’t sure that she’s interested in an outright buy, but she said she has two potential horses to offer as a trade. I don’t personally know this lady, but my BO does, and has had two of her personal horses started by this trainer, and regularly recommends her to those with problem horses (this trainer has extensive ground work experience), so I trust her as much as one can without meeting someone.

What do I need to know about a trade? I’ve never done one before. I’ve received a free horse, I’ve sold and bought, but never traded.

Obviously it could be a well matched trade, or one person could be making off with one heck of a horse. And of course, everyone feels like THEIR horse is one heck of a horse. How can I evaluate that the trade is a good deal? I’m looking for something bigger (my mare is 14.1) green okay, younger than 10 (should I be open for something older with more training? My mare is 6) Jump friendly, and I already know the horses she has to offer are of dressage basics, because that’s her main deal, so I don’t think I have to worry as much with flat work, or ground manners for that matter, considering everyone brings their troubled souled horses to this trainer.

I just don’t want my emotions and excitement to cause me to overlook things (like age, maintenance, training, etc). My mare is greener, but brave, smart, with LOADS of potential. She is schooling up to 2’3 with scope for more. Doesn’t have a WHOLE lot of dressage flatting, just the very basic stuff. She’s 6, BAREFOOT, easy keeper when you do the math right and make sure you feed properly. No maintenance, is on joint supp for preventives. What kinds of things should be deal breakers? Obviously I’d like to get at least as much from the trade as she is…I would like to keep it low maintenance (hence the age cut off) and while many trainers throw shoes on their horses because they “need them” (and really don’t), I’ve seriously always had barefoot horses (as an adult owner–junior years all my leases were shod) and I don’t even know that I want a horse who “needs” shoes all round. I’m not opposed to them, I just see it as an added cost that I’m not paying now.

Anyways, who here has done a trade? What did you get/give?

Does it work similar to a ‘free horse’ sale? Bill of sale for new horse, bill of sale for new horse, and call it done? Is there anything different that needs to happen?

Help!

[Tiffani_B]

The best kind of trade is when both parties feel they’ve gotten the better end of the deal LOL!

That said - treat a trade just like a purchase. Except, instead of paying with cash, you are paying with horseflesh. As long as the new horse is worth what you’re paying (i.e. the pony) then it’s easy. If either the new horse or your pony is worth less, then there is the discussion about cash added.

Go look at what she has. If you like one of them, try to get 2 or 3 rides on it before finalizing the deal.

I always get a new horse thoroughly vetted, especially on trades. Xrays, a drug screen (have the vet pull blood the day you go ride the horse), everything.

I also do a bill of sale, where the terms are laid out. Even trade or trade plus cash.

[Hulk]

One of the best horses I have ever owned came out of a even trade. It most likely looked like a nightmare to any educated horseperson but it worked out great. Both parties felt like the cat that swallowed the canary.

Just make sure the horse you are getting is right for you. Good luck.

[One_Two_Three]

I’ve set up a time to see what she has tomorrow. I feel surprisingly calm, but I know tomorrow at about 4pm my nerves are going to start going nuts. I came across her facebook (not much info) and youtube (all 3 videos) and came across a horse in the same price range as mine, and I recall her talking about a TB she had (which he is). The video is dressage work, with a little X at the end, and the video is also i believe two years old. Who knows. Guess it’s part of the thrill to show up tomorrow and not have any idea what I’m seeing.

Keeping my fingers crossed! She’s a lovely trainer with a good facility, so I know at very minimum, my pony will get a great home if this works out!