We all want to find that perfect Curly for ourselves or our family. If you are a first time horse owner or are unexperienced with horses you should consider an older experienced horse. Young horses need training and an experienced handler, even Curlies. For the first time owner, consider a 10 to 15+ yr old horse with experience. The older horse can teach you so much and more safely than a very young one.
When at all possible see the horse you would like to buy in person. It may be a long trip but could be well worth it. It`s always good to see how a horse responds to you & how you respond to him or her.
Ask questions of the seller:
What training has the horse had. Does the horse have any vices, how does it get along with other horses, does it trailer, is it good with the farrier & vet. Always get a vet check. Is the horse up on vaccinations & regular worming. Has the horse ever had colic or founder. Is the horse registered, and are transfers up to date. How many registries is horse registered in. Will all papers be turned over to you at time of sale. Who pays for transfers, you or the seller.
For your protection & the sellers protection get a sales agreement &/or contract. Know ahead of time what the sellers guarantees are if this horse does not work out. Is there a deadline on returning the horse. Is full purchase price refundable. Get all the details before the sale.
Be honest with yourself on the kind of horse you want. Are you are looking for an endurance horse, 4-H horse, family pet & light riding or trail buddy or breeding stock. Seek the horse that suits your needs. Color should be your last choice after all other considerations such as suitability & temperment.
Best of luck to all in their search for their perfect Curly, there is one out there just for you. Be sure and take your time finding the right one to suit your needs.
We all want our horses to go to good homes & be well cared for. Especially our babies we have raised & put so much time, money and training into. Take time to find out what the buyer really wants in their horse. What is the level of experience in the buyer. Are they interested in breeding or pleasure horses. Are they buying to resell or keep.
Encourange them to see the horse they are considering. Meet the buyer if at all possible. We have all bought & sold off video, but it`s best if buyer & seller meet & talk over terms face to face. Present all the facts about the horse for sale, be honest. This is good for your reputation and repeat sales. Encourage buyer to get a vet check. Are you going to pay for Coggins & health papers for transport or is buyer?
If you think the horse & buyer are not matched, do not sell. It will save headaches later. I think we`ve all felt it when the buyer & horse "click". It`s a wonderful match.
Tell the buyer what you expect in payment, the full amount or payments. Is horse leaving before paid for? You may want to hold the papers until payment is in full. Have a sales contract. Have everything spelled out clearly for the buyer so they know exactly what to expext fom the sale.
Do you have a return policy? Is there a deadline? Do you refund all or part of purchase price. Who pays for return transport. Make sure buyer knows all details before the sale. Ask the buyer if they have any questions you have not covered.
When all the details are covered ahead of time, all sales go much smoother, for both seller & buyer, as our Precious Curlies go on to a new home.
