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  Discussion on Return policy on sale horses
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 25, 2000 - 2:26 pm:

I just wanted to get several different views on what a return policy should be on a horse. We sell quality TWH. We get asked all the time what is your return policy. As of right now we do not offer one. We do however encourage vet checks and riding the horse extensively on the trail several times if need be before purchasing. We have on occasions taken a horse back on consignment to help the new owner out of a bind. It seems as if people want a ready-made horse for their exact situation and if it does not work out it is our problem to fix.
Before any horse leaves our property we know they are healthy and sound, however no one can look into the future and see if this horse is going to get along with the other horses on the new farm, fit in right away, be good with every situation they put them though, etc.

What do you think about a return policy?

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 25, 2000 - 3:56 pm:

I wouldn't have one. I've friends that got back horses in terrible shape after a "trial." If it leaves the property, I want a bank check in full.
I'd give them every opportunity to try the horse on my property and have it vetted. After that it is caveat emptor.

But I'm an individual, not a horse broker with a reputation to make and keep.

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 25, 2000 - 5:20 pm:

As I have only sold one horse my opinion comes from the buyers point of view. I would think a 2 week trial would be fair. There really is no way to get to know a horse's full personality or how it will get on with you in a few trail rides. When I bought my Arab this summer I left a check with the owners and had him on a one month trial. when I was sure i was keeping him (2 weeks) I called and said for them to cash the check. I would think it resonable to ask for a non refundable deposit during the trial period. Of course if I had a bad feeling about the folks I wouldn't want my horse ever leaving with them-and if the match isn't right why would you want them to keep the horse. I'm sure being in the business of selling horses means you can't be so picky if you want bread on the table. things do need to be looked at from an econmical point of view. Just my thoughts! Kim

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 25, 2000 - 7:42 pm:

Haveing been on both sides. It is really nice when you have the option to return. That said I have offered this arrangement in different forms on two occasions, first one went very well for everyone, the second one was a HUGH pain, I was taken advantage of and the horse was not returned in the condition he was sold in. I do not feel you really know a horse for quite some time and it is unreasonable to expect a seller to loose the cost of addvertisements and waste time while I play rent-a-horse. I realy feel strongly that as a buyer it is my rsponsibility to ask the right questions, have the appropriate vet checks, and have an evaluation by a trainer. I have been burned, but every time I take responsibility for not doing my homework.

Just my opinion

Posted on Thursday, Oct 26, 2000 - 12:40 am:

The place where I bought my TWH offers a 30-day exchange policy so that if you find within 30 days that you and your horse don't click, they will exchange for another horse. It seems to me that this way you both win. They get the money up front and you have the opportunity to keep or exchange until you find the right horse. However, they are so good at matching a horse and rider the exchange policy doesn't come into play very often.

Of course, the horse has to be in the same condition you bought him in.

Posted on Thursday, Oct 26, 2000 - 6:52 am:

Though I understand there can be business benefits from a return policy, I recommend to my clients that they not offer one. Too much can happen once the horse is out the driveway. On the other hand I do not recommend that my clients buy a horse without riding him under several times under similar conditions to what the horse will be used for.
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Oct 26, 2000 - 10:03 am:

I guess that my opinion is in the middle - of course I've never sold a horse, only bought one. When I purchased my horse I couldn't afford the full price right away so I offered a non-refundable deposit of $500 with the balance due on a specific date. If I didn't have the money on that date, the owners were free to keep the money. The horse stayed on their site and I was free to come and work with him during that time. I agree with Chris that the check should be in the bank and all papers (if any) signed over before the horse leaves the property. The vet check should be done prior to the horse going. I do like the idea that a horse can be returned if it's not a match but I would want to ensure that the horse came back in the same condition (new owners pay for any vet check or fees arising out of any damage). But I'm not a dealer, and I wouldn't want my horse to stay at a place where he wouldn't be treated properly. If I was a professional horse trader, I would likely not have a return policy and/or have an agreement of sale signed by the purchaser.


Teresa
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