Protocol when using a bloodstock agent

[danacat]

Three weeks ago I called a well known/trusted quarter horse bloodstock agent hoping he could look for a nice riding horse for me via private treaty. Navigating horse sale ads and auctions was making me nuts. After I told him my budget and exactly what I was looking for he couldn’t have been nicer and agreed to start searching.

I was actually surprised that he took me on at all being that I’m small potatoes – not SMALL small but certainly not what he’s probably used to.

I realize that finding the right horse can take time, but I’m feeling the itch to check in with him because I haven’t heard a word back yet.

I don’t want to bug him or be a greenhorn PITA, so I’m wondering how long should I wait?

Also, there is a once a year invitational auction/sale coming up at the end of September – there are several horses in the sale that might be a really good fit, and the sale is being held close enough to me that I could go – ride the various horses, meet the consignors, and bring the horse home myself without paying for transport.

Awkward situation #2 – how do I (potentially) buy a horse at a sale while using a bloodstock agent at the same time? How so I broach THAT subject with him? At least the sale is another 4 weeks away so there’s time in between for him to find me something.

Anyway, I’m in crazy town wondering what to do because I don’t want to wait months upon months to get a horse – the bomber horseflies are just about gone, great riding weather has finally arrived after a brutal summer…and, and, and.

[Xanthoria]

@danacat

Awkward situation #2 – how do I (potentially) buy a horse at a sale while using a bloodstock agent at the same time? How so I broach THAT subject with him? At least the sale is another 4 weeks away so there’s time in between for him to find me something.

Do you have a contract w the agent that lists the terms you’ve agreed on to buy through them, and if so what does it say? If this isn’t covered:

“oh hi Agent, I forgot to ask: what happens if I buy a horse myself outside our agreement? The terms of our contract don’t say.”

Not awkward: just not specified. It’s business, not dating

And if you want the agent to speed up a bit and earn their commission, add “I’m going to x auction on x date so just a heads up!”

[danacat]

You know, I hadn’t even thought about a contract. Agent didn’t even mention one. When we spoke on the phone, the gist was more like he was interested in helping me as a favor ‘on the side’ rather than as a contracted bonifide ‘client’. He was very casual about it but still interested in looking for a horse for me.

Upside is that I’m not bound to a contract. But our gentleman’s agreement, cowboy handshake so to speak, should still mean something on both sides, so I’m trying to respect that.

But yes, giving him a heads up that I’m going to an auction seems like the best course.

[Lusoluv]

The upcoming auction is a good excuse (not that you need one) to reach out and see what’s happening, or not, with the agent’s search. You can tell them this auction may be a great opportunity for you to look on your own OR with their help. Hopefully they’ll update you whether they’ve just been keeping an ear open for you or actively looking. I would imagine the former vs latter, especially if there’s no contract or thorough discussion of terms, commission, etc.