Horse Selling Guide
Everything you need to know to create great listings and successfully sell your horse on Hayly.
Good photos are essential. Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles showcasing your horse's best qualities.
Transparency builds trust. Include any health issues, behavioral quirks, or limitations in your listing.
Research similar horses and price competitively. A fair price attracts serious buyers.
Gather Documentation
- Registration papers and bloodlines
- Veterinary records including vaccinations and deworming history
- Health certificates and recent vet exams
- Coggins test results (required for transport)
- Training certificates or competition records
- Insurance documents if applicable
Prepare Your Horse
- Ensure your horse is in good health and body condition
- Keep up with regular farrier work
- Groom thoroughly before taking photos
- Update vaccinations and deworming
- Address any minor health issues before listing
Know Your Horse's Strengths
Make a list of your horse's best qualities, training accomplishments, and what makes them special. This will help you write a compelling description.
Factors Affecting Price
- Age, breed, and bloodlines
- Training level and experience
- Discipline-specific achievements
- Physical condition and soundness
- Temperament and personality
- Overall conformation and movement
- Location and market demand
Research the Market
Browse similar horses on Hayly and other marketplaces to see what comparable horses are selling for. Consider factors like age, training level, and accomplishments when comparing.
Be Realistic
Price your horse competitively but fairly. Overpriced horses sit on the market longer, while fairly priced horses sell faster and attract serious buyers.
Consider Negotiation Room
Many buyers will negotiate, so you may want to price slightly above your minimum acceptable price to leave room for negotiation while staying in a fair range.
Taking excellent photos of your horse is one of the most important parts of creating a successful listing. Good photos showcase your horse's conformation, movement, and personality.
Quick Tips:
- Take photos in natural light during early morning or late afternoon
- Use a simple, uncluttered background
- Show your horse from multiple angles (front, side, back, profile)
- Include movement photos (walking, trotting, cantering)
- Take photos with rider if possible
- Capture your horse's personality
Start with a Strong Title
Your title should include key information: breed, age, gender, discipline, and a standout quality. Example: "Beautiful 8-Year-Old Warmblood Gelding - Perfect for Dressage & Jumping"
Be Comprehensive
Include all relevant details about your horse:
- Breed and bloodlines
- Age, height, gender, and color
- Training level and disciplines
- Competition history and achievements
- Temperament and personality
- Experience level of rider suitable for
- Ground manners and ease of handling
- Transport and vet/farrier behavior
Be Honest
Disclose any vices, health issues, or limitations. Transparency builds trust with buyers and prevents problems down the line. Most horses have minor quirks, and being upfront about them actually attracts serious buyers who appreciate honesty.
Highlight What Makes Your Horse Special
What unique qualities does your horse have? Maybe they're great with kids, excellent on trails, or have incredible potential in a specific discipline. Share these details!
Be Specific About Training
Detail what your horse can do: bridle path, ground ties, loads easily, picks up all four feet willingly, has been exposed to various environments, etc. Specific training details show buyers that your horse has been well-handled.
Use All Available Fields
Fill out every field in the listing form completely. The more information you provide, the easier it is for buyers to find your horse and the more trustworthy your listing appears.
Upload Multiple Photos
Listings with 10+ photos perform significantly better. Include photos from various angles, movement shots, and images showing your horse under saddle if applicable.
Include Videos
A video showing your horse moving under saddle is incredibly valuable. Even a short video can give buyers a much better sense of your horse's movement and demeanor.
Upload Documentation
Attach relevant paperwork: registration papers, health records, recent vet exams, and competition records. This adds credibility to your listing.
Respond to Inquiries Promptly
Serious buyers appreciate quick responses. Try to reply to all inquiries within 24 hours.
Pre-Screening Buyers
Ask prospective buyers about:
- Their riding experience level
- What they're looking for in a horse
- Their facility and setup
- Whether they have a trainer or instructor
Schedule Viewings
Arrange in-person viewings for serious buyers. Let them spend time with your horse, watch you ride, and if appropriate, allow them to ride as well.
Consider Trial Periods
Offering a short trial period (1-2 weeks) can help close the sale by giving buyers confidence that the horse is a good fit. Make sure to have a written trial agreement.
Finalize the Sale
- Get a written bill of sale with all details
- Transfer registration papers if applicable
- Provide all health records and documentation
- Accept secure payment (cash, certified check, or bank transfer)
- Update any microchip or ownership records
Best Practices
- Keep your listing updated if horse's condition changes
- Be professional and courteous with all inquiries
- Highlight your horse's training and accomplishments
- Update photos seasonally or if condition changes
- Consider lowering price after 30+ days on market
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpricing your horse
- Poor quality or too few photos
- Vague or incomplete descriptions
- Not being honest about issues
- Slow response to inquiries
Ready to List Your Horse?
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