o in the next year I’m looking to sell my horse and get an upgrade. We bought him as a 3’ horse and that’s what we’re currently doing. However I’ve been thinking that I might want to try and move into 3’3 with him for 6 or so months before we sell him. He’s a pretty nice horse with miles and we bought him for kind of cheap, and even though he’s not exactly a spring chicken I definitely think we could do the 3’3. Mainly I think this would help when selling him- that it would add more $ to his price tag if we can advertise him as a junior hunter versus a children’s. And he is capable of it So basically I’m just asking for affirmation… is this something commonly done and/or something that will help? You guys on here answering all my endless questions are the best… thank you!!!
How is he going to qualify for JHF if he can’t win in the 3’ division? Is this older horse one that was stepping down to the lower division when you bought him? If so it sounds like you are just trying to make more $ at his expense.
If he is truly able to be comfortable and competitive in the higher divisions then discuss this with your trainer but yes in general a 3’6” horse is going to sell for more than one competing in the lower divisions.
So if you bought him while he was stepping down, and now you want to move up, but dont think he is good enough to do that with you…I’m just confused about how representing him as capable of stepping up when you dont see him as capable of stepping up makes sense for anyone. Or the horse.
Honestly, if he’s really best suited as a 3’ horse people will recognize the move-up for what it is, an effort to bump up the price, and you may or may not get it. I saw that a lot when I was shopping this winter. It might get you a little bit more money, but not if he looks like it is a stretch for him. If you think he could put up better results in the 3’3" with the fences up a notch, it could be worth it, but don’t overlook the fact that there is a lot of demand for a solid 3’ horse with scope to jump people out of mistakes. Prices are pretty high for the 3’ horse these days, so if he could move someone up to the children’s or adults, there is a lot of value in that, too. Just depends on how much you are looking to get for him. But I can tell you I had a lot of people selling the 3’3" horse at higher prices offering to drop their price to my 3’ budget to get a deal done, so I don’t think you should assume you would automatically get more.
Why is the title of this post “stepping down?” I’m confused.
Also, how old is this horse and how much maintenance does he require to do the 3’ job? Has he been successful (ie winning) with you at 3’?
I agree with the previous posters here - it sounds like you’re just trying to bump up the “value” of your horse by saying he showed in the 3’3 juniors for 6mo with current owner. But, if the horse can’t do it well and can’t ribbon or win, it’s really not a money add. If he is a solid 3’ horse and can do the 3’3 juniors, great. If he’s older and has issues doing the juniors consistently - soundness, has a stop, etc - it probably isn’t worth pushing it just to make a little more money. If YOU want to show in the juniors with him because that’s your goal, you should do it for that reason alone, not because you want to try and squeeze an extra 10k out of him. In my zone there are PLENTY of fancy 3’ hunters that will be more expensive than a mediocre 3’3 horse. Just because it CAN jump that height doesn’t mean it should. Height does not necessarily equal more money. There are many factors!
id recommend advertising him for what he is, not what you want him to be 
I’m sorry, and maybe you didn’t mean it this harshly, but your first sentence just rubs me the wrong way. (“and get an upgrade.”) He’s not a sportscar. Do what’s right by your guy, if that’s the 3’ then leave it at that.
Oh I didn’t mean it like that at all!! That’s just what people in my family have been calling it so it’s kind of stuck. I love him tons and of course will be making sure he is happy and comfortable and goes to an amazing home! He’s done so much for me! I’m so sorry to come off like that. ðŸ˜
nvm
