Lurking Buyer wants to know, where do you sell your foals?

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

Due to limited budget, I, and many more like me need to look at youngstock as opposed to a started horse. I call it the pay as you go plan--pay a trainer instead of coughing up tens of thousands up front. I've thought about buying a suitable mare, but really would like to leave the breeding up to you. My friend did ET on her show mare and that baby hasn't been born yet but has over $12K into it. Too risky for me.

So I lurk on the Breeding page and go and check out everyone's websites, but don't take it any further for a couple of reasons. #1 Reason--I don't want to waste your time and have no idea (because no price is listed) of what the price range on the colts and fillies is. So do breeders generally just list on their own sites or do you also list elsewhere (where a price would be published)?

And are you willing to sell to someone who's Olympic aspirations involve buying a ticket for the grandstand? Honestly I find some of the breeder sites intimidating. I'm just an adult amatuer (with access to good trainers) who wants a solid all-around sporthorse with more of a medium (dare I admit...sometimes forgiving) termpermant then a fiery one. I'll even admit that I want to have fun!

So where should I be looking? Is there a site I don't know of? Is it best to just ask price right away?

[YankeeLawyer]

Some good websites are

www.ewarmbloods.net (click on the forums icon on the right; there is a sales forum where a lot of good breeders advertise)

www.warmbloods-for-sale.com

RE prices: the ads on the above sites generally disclose the price

Some don't put prices on their websites because youngsters' prices may change as they mature, and some people have trouble updating their sites frequently. In some cases, the price may be very negotiable so people are reluctant to post something that might scare someone off.

Regarding desirable homes: I can't speak for others but I would be equally happy if a nice amateur bought one of mine and gave it a really nice home as I would be if a GP rider bought one. In fact, I might even be happier for the foal to go to a long-term loving home than one where arguably it is more likely to be passed on through a number of owners. My 3 ideal buyers would probably be, in no particular order: (a) good ammie looking for dream horse; (b) top show home; and (c) top breeding home.

[Fairview Horse Center]

I also use ewarmbloods and warmbloods-for-sale to list my babies. I have sold them to local people, and also to people in Tennessee, Louisana, Ohio, Minnesota, Connecticut, etc.

I am quite happy selling to Amateurs that are not going to go to the olympics.

[MagicRoseFarm]

Regarding desirable homes: I can't speak for others but I would be equally happy if a nice amateur bought one of mine and gave it a really nice home as I would be if a GP rider bought one. In fact, I might even be happier for the foal to go to a long-term loving home than one where arguably it is more likely to be passed on through a number of owners. My 3 ideal buyers would probably be, in no particular order: (a) good ammie looking for dream horse; (b) top show home; and (c) top breeding home.


Ditto...... and this IS where most of our young stock goes....

[Edgewood]

You might want to check out the MidAtlantic Hanoverians breeders club website (www.mahanoverians.com (http://www.mahanoverians.com)). They have a sales page and links to breeders. You can also email the president and she will send out an email to the members of what you are looking for.

And don't be discouraged, many breeders will like to sell to an amateur that will care for and have fun with the horse! That is usually their largest market.

[Cold Spring Farm]

Someone like you are the type of buyer who - I would venture to guess -- most of us would LOVE our beloved youngsters to go to!

Thank goodness for the internet -- because not only can you study all the aforementioned sales websites, but can easily check out lots of breeders websites and gain great insight into their philosophy and into how those youngsters were raised. And if you don't see a price -- just ask!

On the occasion that I do sell a horse, I do everything possible to make sure they go to someone who will take the time to truly enjoy their character and company -- and have fun with them, as well as accomplish whatever goals they might have.

[horsetales]

I breed aimed at the ammy market. I'm far from an Olympic caliber rider and know there are many out there like me who enjoy an athletic horse with an ammy friendly temperment. My ideal home is someone who is going to love and care for the horse and enjoy riding at whatever level suits them.

I put my foals on Dreamhorse and the Irish Draught Society web site. I always list my price as I personally hate "private treaty" ads. I like to know up front if its even worth taking up the sellers time.

[TKR]

I agree, most of the buyers are ammie owners and mostly women who want a horse that is kind and agreeable and fun. I think most of us breed with that in mind and temperment being at the top of the list. A good home is the prime target. My website is out of date, so my young ones aren't even on there. I have listed with warmbloods for sale and some others for them. I think we are all interested in hearing from someone who is looking and help out even if our "babies" aren't a match. The networking and meeting people with common interests is a big part of the fun and process.
PennyG
www.krugerrandrunfarm.com

[Tiki]

I don't list foals anywhere but my website, as I don't want to sell them solely on the 'cuteness' factor. They need to go to someone who knows a little (or a lot) about foals - i.e. they're not just small horses - they don't come preprogrammed to lead (although we do teach them that and they are very well handled) - they should NEVER just live in stalls all day.

For that reason I don't generally put prices on them, but am completely open to someone asking about a foal, or a youngster, if they are interested.

NO, you will not be wasting our time. We breeders are in the business of breeding, raising (properly) and selling horses. We LOVE to talk about them. All my (and I'm sure every other breeder on here) teaches their foals to be good citizens, i.e. lead and load, pick up their feet for the farrier, stand to be groomed and for the vet, be caught and haltered.

Please don't be afraid to contact us - we don't bite - and neither do our horses. :lol:;)

[clint]

The more I see of the life of an upper-level show home, the more convinced I am that I would rather my foals go to an individual who will love them to death, and ride them to the best of their ability. I know where almost all of my foals have gone, and I love it when I hear they have become an adored member of the family. I have a website, but my foals are also advertised on www.dreamhorse.com (http://www.dreamhorse.com), ewarmbloods.net, and http://www.bayequest.com/

I agree that looking at websites can be intimidating. When I look for horses to buy, I seldom go to individual websites with any expectation that I will find a horse I could afford.;)

[Sakura Hill Farm]

You might also want to look on the uncouth bulletin board. They have recently added a "Classified" section in addition to the "Horses for Sale" section. Uncouth is a group of dedicated and knowledgeable breeders.

[Edgewood]

You might also want to look on the uncouth bulletin board. They have recently added a "Classified" section in addition to the "Horses for Sale" section. Uncouth is a group of dedicated and knowledgeable breeders.

here's the address www.uncouthbb.com (http://www.uncouthbb.com)

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

Tiki, that is a good point--I hadn't really thought it through from the breeder's perspective for a young filly or colt. I'm lucky to board with someone is who also a breeder and has acres of turnout for the babies to just hang out, run around and grow up. But I know that is not the case for a lot of other people. I guess that is a benefit of living in the rural midwest. The con is all of the shows are quite a haul, so we can only do a handful each year.

[pintopiaffe]

Some of us breed specifically to keep prices low, but still allow the average amateur with dedication and desire to go as far as they would like show-wise.

I'm *awful* about advertising. Sometimes if I am really in a pinch, I will use DreamHorse & AgDirect. I used to always have an updated sales page on my website, but I'm in cyberhell at the moment where I can't email or do webstuff at work, and home is a sturdy but handicapped windoze 98 with dialup. :dead:

The reason I say that, is I think many breeders--even those of us who post on BB's AREN'T all that cybersaavy, or don't have time to update stuff etc. We're doing the stalls, on foalwatch, teasing and breeding and such.

MY suggestion--and how I found my stallion a few years ago now--is to just CONTACT breeders whose programs you like and horses catch your fancy. You never know when they might have something for sale that's not advertised. Perhaps even older horses. (an example--not an ad--I have a 4yo who is not actively for sale, but *could* be to the right situation. I think there are probably others like me that the right PERSON comes along, we might have the right horse... but we're not quite ready to just throw them out there to the masses... ;) )

Final suggestion, don't be afraid to look at crossbreds. Unless you are looking for a breeding animal, often a crossbred has all the attributes you are looking for, with a lower price, and sometimes they hybrid vigour means better than either of the breeds might be on their own.

[Dressage-ryder]

If the match is right we always try to make it work- that means payments, bringing the price down so we both are happy and so on. Last year both of our foals sold to AA riders looking to bring along a nice youngster- I couldn't be happier with the homes they they are now in. I think if you find a foal you like- just talk with the owner and see what you can work out.

[thumbsontop]

I agree with "just ask". You might also get some guidance on where to look if you give an idea of what you're looking to spend. I am also intimidated by the "call for price" ad. It makes you think "really expensive". Heck I've got a (large pony so not advertising to you) yearling right now that I KNOW is fantastic, but I'd be willing to take a heck of alot less than what he's worth to get a quick sale to a loving home. So in that sense I don't want to put an ad up for what I think he's worth because of the potentially long time to sell, but if I price less expensively I'm guaranteeing that I won't get the money - so I understand that "private treaty" can mean anything (but I still won't usually call on them!).

I would also suggest considering looking for a 2 yr old, or at least a yearling - unless you have your heart set on the fun and love of a weanling. That way someone else pays for care for the first two years. Oftentimes people with older youngsters just want them moved and you can get a better deal than on a weanling.

[ShowjumpersUSA]

You sound like the ideal buyer, the one we are all hoping will buy and love our babies. I look at my new foals and get a bit queasy at the thought of selling them. It would be wonderful if they're loved and appreciated in their new homes.

You will definitely get the biggest bang for your buck when you buy youngsters and raise them yourself. It's good to look at both parents, even if it's only a video clip, and their pedigrees. Do as much homework as possible and be patient. I'm sure you'll find exactly what you're looking for.

I only advertise my horses and foals on my own website and the Holsteiner Foals website. Funny you should mention the posting of prices. I've been thinking about it and have decided it's a good idea. As soon as I recover from foal watch (we've had two new babies this week) I'm going to add prices to my website.

Bonnie

[CathyKb]

The more I see of the life of an upper-level show home, the more convinced I am that I would rather my foals go to an individual who will love them to death, and ride them to the best of their ability. I know where almost all of my foals have gone, and I love it when I hear they have become an adored member of the family.

Ditto, I have contact with all my babies owners, which to me is an extended family, except one. I so agree, what most breeders want is for their babies to be loved and well taken care of, no matter if they are turned out in the pasture, ridden a few times a week or just simply loved on.

All the sites listed are great and also if you check with a few breeders and tell them what you are looking for, most breeders network and are glad to help each other out.

Good luck and hope you find the perfect lucky youngster.:):)

[carolprudm]

Some nice babies here
http://www.irishdraught.com/list_custom/list.php?salessection[]=20

[HFSH]

warmbloods-for-sale.com
ewarmbloods.com
breedersgroup.com
dreamhorse.com is okay
agdirect.com has some nice horses listed too.

[Altamont Sport Horses]

I have my horses listed, with prices and loads of information on my website. Having bought horses before I don't like it when there is no price and very limited information because I also do not want to waste people's time. So I put plenty of info on there so the potential buyer can get a better idea if this horse is worth inquiring about. I would also list on the usual like http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com/ as well as Equine.com, etc. I don't have any listed on the for sale sites now because I'm waiting to get better photos. So for now it is solely limited to my website...not nearly as much traffic as a for sale website.

Also, if you already know the breed you are interested in you can often find a classifieds section on the registry's website. I know the American Trakehner Association has one. http://americantrakehner.com/Saleslist/SalesIndex.htm

I also agree, I have no problem selling to an amateur rider and there are certainly benefits to raising your own youngster or buying an unbroke horse and doing it yourself/with a trainer you like. You know what your horse has experienced, you don't have to retrain the bad stuff out, etc. There are a lot of advantges there, IMO.

[Blacktree]

The more I see of the life of an upper-level show home, the more convinced I am that I would rather my foals go to an individual who will love them to death, and ride them to the best of their ability. I know where almost all of my foals have gone, and I love it when I hear they have become an adored member of the family.

I totally agree with this - a good loving home where our foals will be long-term is ideal - seeing them go to shows is just a bonus. Having waited a long time for a horse of my own at all (and then needing an upper level prospect on a budget), I totally understand 'the pay as you go plan'. If you are willing to wait for a while as they grow up and put some training in, buying a youngster is a great way to get a wonderful horse at a good price. Most breeders are super nice and love to talk to you about their 'kids', too, so don't be too intimidated. :)

We advertise on these sites as well as on our own website:
http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com
http://www.dreamhorse.com
http://www.equine.com

Good Luck on your search, you sound like a super buyer to me!

[Oakstable]

As someone mentioned, a lot of us cannot update our websites ourselves. I don't want prices on my site because the situation is in flux with training, or sometimes things outside our control, like HUGE vet bills.

I started a blog so I can have the control of putting up and taking down information.

www.oakhollowstable.blogspot.com

[Tiki]

Your vet bills should never be part of the sales price. It should only depend on quality, pedigree, and performance, or it's potential for performance.

[railmom]

As much as we all would like to breed the next Brentina :) The reality is a huge percentage of US breeders foals will sell to the Adult Amateur market. So while I plan the breeding of the next olympic champion, I must keep in mind that he must have a temperment that is amateur friendly.....for when he retires from international competition ;) Nothing makes me happier than placing my foals in a great home and sometimes the amateur is the best match!

I have used www.ewarmbloods.com www.foalsforsale.com www.warmbloods-for-sale.com my own site and www.mshanoverians.com

I price my foals when I advertise, except in utero on my website. That is really about me being lazy and having to make the changes myself.

[KingstonFarm]

Take a look at the sales list for the NC Warmblood group. We can help coordinate your trip so you can visit alot of farms during your visit to maximize your time so you can see lots of horses while you're here. :-)

http://www.ncwarmbloods.com/

------------------------------------
Mary Messinger
Kingston Farm
www.kingstonfarm.com

[Bayou Roux]

Rubbing her hands together in eager expectation...:)

We do most of our advertising through word of mouth and personal connections-- for all the reasons already stated. We want loving, personal homes for our babies. That doesn't mean we don't think they've got talent and couldn't go far, but we want to try to keep them reasonably protected, so we generally work with people we know.

So, we've got them on our website, which we update at a pathetically inadequate rate, a couple three on dreamhorse, and now and then through a few yahoo-based discussion groups that allow "for sale" posts.

And, hey, don't forget the American Warmblood-- the mighty-mighty Morgan! ;)

[Hillside H Ranch]

I use dreamhorse, equine.com, warmbloods-for-sale and my website. I sometimes uncouthbb.com and the breeders' groups that I belong to (www.breedersgroup.com and www.midamericasporthorse.com).
I've had the best success with dreamhorse and warmbloods-for-sale. This year I advertised 4 foals in-utero and have sold 3 of them. And I always have up-to-date prices on my ads and website. I've found not having prices listed is a big turn-off to buyers and when I'm looking for a horse I will rarely inquire if the price isn't listed.

[Mozart]

And, to put in a plug for my Canadian breeder friends, if you are near Canada have a peek at www.canadianwarmbloods.com (http://www.canadianwarmbloods.com)

If you have access to boarding with a breeder who has lots of turn out, you are further ahead than a lot of people. Good luck in your search!

[Bearskin]

You are who I am breeding to sell to! The committed ammie!

[Clarion]

We always list them--when they are for sale-- with prices on our website. We also advertise on dreamhorse.com, equine.com, and warmbloods-for-sale, although I must say I've never gotten a serious buyer from warmbloods-for-sale. As many others have said, I am far more interested in my babies going to a good home than to the Olympics. The buyers I love the most are those who make our babies part of their family, give them lots of attention and quality care, and have fun with them. I like them to go to homes that will get them going well undersaddle--because a trained horse has a much better chance of having a good home throughout its life--but I certainly don't need them to go to professional riders. Nothing makes me happier than hearing back from doting owners who love my youngsters to pieces. I doubt most breeders, including myself, would feel anyone who was genuinely interested in learning about purchasing and raising a youngster was wasting their time. I often have several months of e-mail and phone exchanges with potential buyers.

[TouchstoneAcres]

See www.Lipizzanworld.com; Dreamhorse; breeders' websites such as my www.touchstoneacres.com - google others; registries' breeders directories like USLR = www.uslr.org and LANA = www.lipizzan.org. There you'll find a breed about 450 years old made for dressage but one that can also jump quite well, drive and even work cows.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

You guys are a hoot! I'm almost overwhelmed by the avenues before me.

Mozart--I actually think we are heading up to Canada in July. I've never been, but my trainer's mare (who will be competing in the six year olds this summer) is from Canada and she is a big cheerleader for some of the breeders "up there." The reason for the trip is that one of our barn's favorite clinicians is up there as well.

[ljshorses]

I totally agree with this - a good loving home where our foals will be long-term is ideal - seeing them go to shows is just a bonus. Having waited a long time for a horse of my own at all (and then needing an upper level prospect on a budget), I totally understand 'the pay as you go plan'. If you are willing to wait for a while as they grow up and put some training in, buying a youngster is a great way to get a wonderful horse at a good price. Most breeders are super nice and love to talk to you about their 'kids', too, so don't be too intimidated. :)

We advertise on these sites as well as on our own website:
http://www.warmbloods-for-sale.com
http://www.dreamhorse.com
http://www.equine.com

Good Luck on your search, you sound like a super buyer to me!

Totally agree. These are the places we advertise, but am ashamed to say, breeding season has put a bit of a halt on updating. I do try to keep the website updated though. Best of luck in your search.

[FriesianX]

Probably the same answers as everyone else, but I also advertise on Bay Area Equestrian Network, which serves primarily Northern CA. Curious, do any of you use a local network too? And of course, my big goal is just to get people to my website (www.MysticOakRanch.com). I DO list prices - because, back in the days when I was a buyer (oh, so long ago, grin), I HATED when prices weren't listed.

[YankeeLawyer]

Your vet bills should never be part of the sales price. It should only depend on quality, pedigree, and performance, or it's potential for performance.

I of course don't know what Oakstable meant, exactly, but I could see how large vet bills could impact the price in favor of the buyer, e.g., circumstances require a quick sale, or the large vet bills reflect an illness that warrant lowering the price.

[YankeeLawyer]

You guys are a hoot! I'm almost overwhelmed by the avenues before me.

Mozart--I actually think we are heading up to Canada in July. I've never been, but my trainer's mare (who will be competing in the six year olds this summer) is from Canada and she is a big cheerleader for some of the breeders "up there." The reason for the trip is that one of our barn's favorite clinicians is up there as well.

There are some amazing breeders there. A couple of them advertise regularly on ewarmbloods.net and their youngsters are very impressive. For example, check out Kathleen's horses at Sunny Days Hanoverians -- http://www3.sympatico.ca/sunnydays/ and Martha's horses at Never Say Never farm (I don't have the link but you can probably google it).

[acottongim]

I am one of the few that don't put prices on my website. The main reason for that is actually my life OUTSIDE of horses. I work in child protective services and unfortunately some of my "clients" are all too computer savy. I don't want them to know what my horses sell for - since they also can figure out where I live LOL. Between that and prices can change as the babies grow up, get show experience, etc.

That being said I am VERY flexible with my prices and a good home can make a DRASTIC difference in price! The bottom line is I want one of my horses (espcially the ones that I have been there from the very beginning) to have a good home that is a "fit" with the new owner. I don't want to wonder/worry about what happened to one of my babies.

There is never a time when someone will "bother" me by asking about one of my horses (don't we all love to talk horse??), and the worst thing anyone can say if you ask about a price is "no"... and that has not hurt anyone yet! :-)

[camohn]

Ocaasionally others but primarily on Dreamhorse and Equine.com
FOr some reason I get the most lookers (aka Tire Kickers) on DH but the most buyers off Equine.com so I do spend more at Equine for upgraded ads etc.
Warmbloods for sale works for WBs, AgDirect works for the Paints but not the more English types so I only bother with Ag if it is a Paint foal that could go either way (Eng/Western).

[Erin Pittman]

We don't usually put our young ones on the website as "for sale" - just the ones going under saddle (in addition to our website, for sales in general, we use Dreamhorse and Warmbloods-for-sale). However, that doesn't mean our young horses aren't for sale....you just have to call and ask! I guess pretty much everything at our farm is for sale with the exception of MY horse, Willy, and Steuart's mother's 2 horses.

[hansiska]

I list foals on many of the sales websites already posted. My USDF GMO, the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) also has a website and BB. I just sold one I bred by posting an ad on that BB, so if you have a similar GMO it might be a good place to try. It was a nice bonus that someone local bought him and that I'll be able to see them at shows.

As for Amateurs, they are definitely my market! Some have differing talents and goals, so it's important to try to match those up with the horse. Personally, I try to breed a horse with the ability to go up the levels as well as a mind that's suitable for most riders (myself included!)

And ditto to all who have already said we love to chat about our horses! I try to put as much info as possible on my website and in ads. I update my website myself, make videos/ movies myself most of the time, usually use my own photos, and try to keep everything updated. But sometimes it gets away from me. (I'm actually buying a new computer this week because my old one is dying, which is why my website hasn't been updated since January.)

I'm always happy to answer inquiries, provide prices, or refer a buyer to another breeder if I don't have what they're looking for.

Kendra

[lisa]

TrotTrotPumkin, your inquiry is especially timely for me, except I am more curious about those young horses that are either just started, or can be very soon.

I don't hesitate to reach out to breeders when I find a horse that is interesting to me. Most of the time, they are very accomodating, even to the "little people" like me who don't need the Devon winner, just a nice horse to take to the A shows and be competitive. :D But I am a dedicated amateur with good help.

Frankly, I will not import. I think there are plenty of nice ones here.

To the breeders: Do you often have older youngsters not listed on your websites? I hesitate to inquire if I don't see any listed, even though I like the bloodlines represented.

[Fairview Horse Center]

I always list all of my youngsters on my site, but they may not have updated photos. When they are in a growth stage that I don't want to preserve, ;) I will not post photos. If I have a youngster until 3, I prefer to get them started before really marketing them. I get a better price, and I know they are started right.

I am just beginning to develop relationships with a few local trainers that have purchased from me before, and that is helping me to get my started youngsters placed. I had one of the top Hunter trainers in the area tell me a few days ago to get my 3 years olds started now, as she can't find something else suitable for her client.

[Tasker]

Like a lot of other breeders, I try to keep the website current but life does get in the way at times of weekly changes and updates. Pricing...hmmm, there is nothing wrong with calling or sending an email to an owner, is there? I have done it many times and find it rather painless.

We have had our best success with word of mouth sales or existing client referrals with our stock. When the stallions & youngstock are out campaigning that is also an excellent draw for breeding clients as people like what they see. Dreamhorse has had mixed reviews.

And IMHO a buyer who will take excellent care and offers a long term home can often be more rewarding than a BN sale with lots of updates and feedback on how the horse is doing with their new 'person'. :) Although a BN buyer is always a good thing too in that the horse is more 'visible' to the public. (provided the name/breed/breeder/origin of the horse does not change)

[sixpoundfarm]

I breed with the intent to produce a horse that I (as an amateur)would enjoy riding and working with, and am happy to find individuals that will love and appreciate those qualities in my horses which I find so important.

I feel that I have been very fortunate to have found wonderful homes for the young horses I have sold. I have not only found wonderful owners for them, but have also made some great friends along the way. :D

As to website, updates etc... I personally try to keep my page as up to date as possible with photos, video etc..., and will utilize some of the classified sites that were mentioned.
But, as most breeders well know :winkgrin:, sometimes getting current photos and video can be a big challenge. (Especially when the weather is most uncooperative) I think everyone wants to show the products of their programs at their best, and with young, growing horses, sometimes you have to wait for the swans to emerge, or at least give you a peek of what is to come.

Good luck in your search, I think you have a great starting point!

[gortmore]

I am another one who says to contact the breeders and ask. I don't know HTML so have to get someone to update my website for me so I tend to not put what I have for sale on it.

As for older youngsters I would definately contact the breeder as well. Often if they don't have something for sale they will know of some that are. I have just received an e-mail and was able to direct that person to three other people who might have youngsters that will fit their goals.

I think most stallion owners will know of breeders that will have young stock for sale that may not have websites or updated websites.

So my suggestion would be to e-mail the stallion owner of stallions who offspring you like and see if they can help you.

What does everyone think of putting up a young horse with a price range, ie say posting a young horse with a price range of say $ 10,000 - $ 15,000? That should allow you to get away from having to keep the website totally up to date.

As for the person who said that price can change if there is a huge vet bill, I think that they were saying if you have a huge vet bill on another horse that you might very quickly change the prices on others to reflect that so that you could get a quick sale to pay that bill off.

[Maddie]

We also routinely use on line sales sites like equine.com and warmbloods for sale, etc. In addition to doing our own website. I'm no computer expert, but I find freewebs easy to use and it serves it's purpose well. It's so nice to be able to update whenever I want.

We breed mostly for dressage, the most important thing to us when selling a youngster is a good and loving home, hopefully with plans to show in the future. It's a bonus if they end up in a high level show home where they can excell to their full potential, but we are super happy just to know that they are being enjoyed by their owners.

[YankeeLawyer]

Although a BN buyer is always a good thing too in that the horse is more 'visible' to the public. (provided the name/breed/breeder/origin of the horse does not change)

I would recommend getting the foal a lifetime USEF number before selling; that can help keep track of the little one, though not always, obviously. Plus, it is much cheaper to do so while the horse is a foal.

[Tasker]

I would recommend getting the foal a lifetime USEF number before selling; that can help keep track of the little one, though not always, obviously. Plus, it is much cheaper to do so while the horse is a foal.

Yep. It is a great idea (and each of our foals gets their lifetime registration in their birth year) but unless the fees have changed since 2007, it is cheaper to register a new horse (of undersaddle age) than to do a transfer + a name change...and there are no rules prohibiting it from happening in that order. :sigh:

[RiverOaksFarm]

My favorite is www.warmbloods-for-sale.com because it allows you to update the photos as often as you like, which is nice because young horses can change so much in such a short time! As a seller you can keep your photos current, and as a buyer you can see the most current photos. I have two foals listed on there, and also like to browse to see what everyone else has listed as well.

[YankeeLawyer]

Yep. It is a great idea (and each of our foals gets their lifetime registration in their birth year) but unless the fees have changed since 2007, it is cheaper to register a new horse (of undersaddle age) than to do a transfer + a name change...and there are no rules prohibiting it from happening in that order. :sigh:

Ooh, I didn't realize that. That stinks. The incentive should be the other way around.

[TrueColours]

It broke my heart when I sold a youngster to a fabulous, "top of the game" owner in their discipline and when I saw pictures of how sour and sad and beaten he looked as a 2 and 3 year old it made me want to cry. That such a fun loving, personable baby had been turned into a sour and sad robot that won lots of ribbons but had no joy left in life. His life became his stall and the show ring and that was it. He was too "valuable" to be turned out any more ... :(

You do sound like exactly the buyer 99.9% of the breeders hope ends up with their babies ...

Good luck in your search! :)

[FlashGordon]

Final suggestion, don't be afraid to look at crossbreds. Unless you are looking for a breeding animal, often a crossbred has all the attributes you are looking for, with a lower price, and sometimes they hybrid vigour means better than either of the breeds might be on their own.

So true! A friend of mine who was breeding but has now stopped, just sold an amazing ASB cross filly. She's coming 3 and stunning, an extravagant mover, and a temperament to die for. With a price tag far more reasonable than you'd expect if she were a more "traditional" breed.

[can't re-]

Due to limited budget, I, and many more like me need to look at youngstock as opposed to a started horse. I call it the pay as you go plan--pay a trainer instead of coughing up tens of thousands up front. I've thought about buying a suitable mare, but really would like to leave the breeding up to you. My friend did ET on her show mare and that baby hasn't been born yet but has over $12K into it. Too risky for me.

So I lurk on the Breeding page and go and check out everyone's websites, but don't take it any further for a couple of reasons. #1 Reason--I don't want to waste your time and have no idea (because no price is listed) of what the price range on the colts and fillies is. So do breeders generally just list on their own sites or do you also list elsewhere (where a price would be published)?

And are you willing to sell to someone who's Olympic aspirations involve buying a ticket for the grandstand? Honestly I find some of the breeder sites intimidating. I'm just an adult amatuer (with access to good trainers) who wants a solid all-around sporthorse with more of a medium (dare I admit...sometimes forgiving) termpermant then a fiery one. I'll even admit that I want to have fun!

So where should I be looking? Is there a site I don't know of? Is it best to just ask price right away?

I advertise a little on the websites mentioned (I prefer www.warmbloods-for-sale.com and a local florida one: www.flsporthorse.com) and I have my own website.
I think it would be best to ask the price right away, so you know if the horse is worth pursuing. I prefer not to put a price on my foals on my website, since the price does change as they mature. I find people are often surprised to find a yearling's price is now higher than when it was a month old. I am more than happy to discuss my horses and prices with any interested buyers.

Don't be intimidated by breeders no matter how big or small. You sound like the type of owner most breeder's dream of for their babies. :)