05/08/2026
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Selling horses shouldn’t be this hard… so here’s a little PSA for buyers scrolling sale ads 👀
READ. THE. ENTIRE. AD.
Not just the first line. Not just the pictures. The whole ad.
If you message asking questions that are blatantly answered in the ad — where the horse is located, the price, the age, the height, whether it’s registered, etc. — you are immediately telling the seller you did not take the time to read it.
And if you can’t take 2 minutes to read the ad to see if the horse even matches your criteria, most sellers do not have time to answer repetitive questions from someone who is likely not a serious buyer.
Serious buyers read the ad.
Now, while we’re here:
➡️ “Needs consistent riding” — that usually means something changes when they sit. Maybe they’re cold backed, maybe they get fresh, maybe they’re just very green and lose their brain without miles. Either way, there’s a reason it’s included.
➡️ “Experienced riders only” — this does NOT mean “perfect for my 10-year-old if we pony them for a while.”
It means EXPERIENCED riders only. If a seller puts that in the ad, there’s a reason. Respect it.
➡️ “Has quirks” — ASK what the quirks are BEFORE loading your child up to come try it. Some quirks are manageable. Some are absolutely not suitable for inexperienced riders. Don’t assume “quirky” means cute and funny.
➡️ “Maintenance required” — ask what maintenance it needs before booking a viewing. If injections, meds, special shoeing, or supplements aren’t in your budget, that’s okay… but figure that out before wasting everyone’s time.
➡️ If the ad lists everything the horse has done… don’t ask “what else has it done?” Chances are, if it had extensive experience doing something else, it would’ve been included already.
➡️ When sellers post clear leg pictures, USE them. They’re there for a reason — to show conformation, blemishes, straightness, crookedness, swelling, scars, all of it. Learn what you’re looking at or bring someone knowledgeable with you.
➡️ And while we’re at it… shopping outside your budget is unnecessary. If a horse is listed at a certain price point and your first message offers 25% or more below the asking price, most sellers will immediately write you off. If you can’t afford the horse you’re shopping for, don’t waste the seller’s time. There’s nothing wrong with having a budget — just shop within it.
At the end of the day, good sellers are trying to honestly match horses with suitable homes. Reading the ad carefully before messaging makes the process easier for everyone — buyers, sellers, and most importantly, the horse.
If you've made it this far. Thanks for coming to my TED TALK.
