In this article I will discuss how to make money buying and selling horses.
No matter what kind of horse business you have, buying and selling horses can be a great financial opportunity. Since there is no blue book on horses, an animals value can vary from sale to sale. A horse that is worth $750 to you might be worth $2500 to someone else. Don’t be afraid to ask for the highest price, but still a fair price for your horses. People usually like to negotiate the price and you might have to come down to make the deal.
The secrets to making money with horses is to:
- Buy low
- Turn over quickly
- Sell for top dollar
- Be a salesperson
Buy Low:
Buying and selling horses to maximize profits, the first rule is to buy low. This involves thorough research and understanding of the horse market, including breed trends, age preferences, and specific disciplines. To find horses you can attend auctions. Just remember auctions don’t give refunds and many people dump unsound horses there. Another place to buy horses is from a breeder. You will usually only find weanlings for sale and it will take 2 years before they are in training. Make sure you are networking with horse people in your area. Develop a contact at the racetrack and the veterinarians office. They can contact you when they come across a horse that needs to sell quickly. Look for horses that may be undervalued due to factors like lack of training or a simple need for grooming and conditioning. Make sure to look the horse over and give him a health check to ensure that the horse is a sound investment. Factor in any potential veterinary expenses. There is always going to be some risk involved and you have to be willing to take some risk when buying horses.
Turn Over Quickly:
Time is of the essence in the horse trading business. With this in mind, the longer a horse stays in your possession, the more it costs you. Feed costs, healthcare, and other maintenance expenses will eat away at your profits. Predict how long it will take you to get the horse in shape to be sold for a profit. Develop a business strategy that emphasizes a quick turnover without compromising the horse’s well-being. Invest time in training horses to increase their market value. A well-trained horse is more likely to find a buyer quickly. Additionally, market your horses effectively through online platforms, social media, and local events to reach a broader audience and speed up the selling process.
Sell for Top Dollar:
While buying low is crucial, the ultimate goal is to sell for top dollar. Strive to sell the horse in peak conditioning and performance. A horse in peak condition and well groomed will sell better then one who is not. Showcase the unique qualities of each horse, including its pedigree, training, and any accomplishments. Take professional-quality photos and videos to create an appealing online presence. Establish a fair but competitive pricing strategy. Consider the current market trends, the horse’s training level, and any potential future prospects, such as its suitability for specific competitions or breeding. Be transparent about the horse’s history and health records to build trust with potential buyers.
Be a Salesperson:
As a horse trader, you are not just dealing with animals; you are also selling a dream or a lifestyle. Therefore, hone your skills as a salesperson by understanding what your customers’ needs are. Tailor your approach to each potential buyer, emphasizing the benefits and unique qualities of the horse you’re offering. Another thing that is so important is to be friendly to your customers. This may seem obvious but you would be surprised that people forget this. Now is not the time to critique their riding ability. Be a good communicator and answer questions quickly and return messages. Be honest about the horse’s strengths and weaknesses. Consider offering additional support such a a trial period or providing post-purchase advice. This will set you apart from others who sell horses and have a buyer beware policy. A satisfied customer is likely to become a repeat buyer and refer others to your business.
Buying and Selling Horses Wrap-up
Successfully buying and selling horses for profit requires a combination of business acumen, industry knowledge, and effective salesmanship. By following these tips of buying low, turning over quickly, selling for top dollar, you will be successful. You will be making money with horses in no time. Following these tips will help you navigate the horse trading market with confidence. Remember, in this business, reputation is everything. So prioritize the horses well being and maintain a high level of professionalism to ensure long-term success in the industry.
I hope you are able to put some of these principles into practice and find success buying and selling horses. What do you look for when buying a horse? Have you ever walked away from a deal because of the person selling? If you liked this article please save it and hit the pin button. It would really help me out.
Have an awesome day! Rosanna
If you enjoyed this article check out some other ones while you are here. Read these ones…
- Training a Spooky Horse to be Bombproof
- Fitness for Horse Riders – Exercise Plan to Get in Shape
- Turnout Blanket Shopping? Choosing the Best One for Your Horse
If you would like to learn more about making money with horses I recommend this book Starting and Running Your Own Horse Business by Mary Ashby McDonald. It is a great book that has many business ideas in the horse industry.
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