What's selling right now?

[Tha Ridge]

...If anything.

Regardless of geographic location, what's selling right now? Young? Old? Made? Green? Under $50K? Over $50K? Hunters? Jumpers? Etc., etc.

Would be curious to hear from recent buyers and sellers. I have nothing for sale, but am thinking about an investment horse to sit on for awhile.

[Blue Star]

....very little of anything.

I think people are "waiting" to see how the economy goes, afraid to sell too low, afraid to buy too high...buyers waiting for fire sales...sellers holding on longer than usual. With that said, I am buying a prospect this year, trying to ignore the scarey economy...buying a nice foal for a fair price. No guts no glory....:eek:

[InstigatorKate]

My friend can't get so much as an inquiry on a $6500 5yo AQHA mare with some decent local ribbons.

I, on the other hand have been bombarded with good offers on my 6yo for free lease.

[shawneeAcres]

I sold quite a few horses up thru early May. Sold one fancy 4 yr old prospect for around $20K, sold one jumper prospect for a bit under $10K, sold a couple in the $5K range. Have one now that I have had TONS of inquries about, but apparently people are not being realistic about what under $5K will buy them, so not sold yet, although he is a good buy for the money. Other than that horse, pretty "dead" right now. ALthoug economy plays a part, having sold horses for years, this is just a bad time of year for sales, kids just got out of school, parents going on vacations, people have what they want to show for this year etc. If you buy a prospect plan to sit on it until it is going pretty solid in the market.

[Coppers mom]

My barn's been selling one or two a month pretty religiously. Most are in the under 10K because we mostly have young horses, but we've sold two in the 20-30K range this year. We have about 2 people come out a week looking at the sale and lease horses. A lot of time wasters, but a lot of serious people too.

People are being kind of a pain though. We get a lot of people expecting the world for nothing. Payment plans, asking if the $2,500 horse is negotiable, etc. I don't get so much silliness from the people looking at more expensive horses, but it seems like people looking at horses under 5K have no clue, as if because others are hurting, an AA show prospect is suddenly going to fall into their lap for $3,000.

I've found that it goes in waves. Everyone wants a prospect in the winter, and then when spring rolls around, the established show horses are more likely to go. Now that it's summer, things have slowed even more, and only the dressage horses are getting any real interest. You can't go wrong with a big bay gelding (chrome not necessary) with a sweet temperament and decent way of going. Those will sell within a few weeks. Whatever you do, don't get a mare. We've sold 8 geldings so far this year, and only one mare. She's nice too, more of a man than any of the guys. People are applying the stereotype now more than ever it seems, and some have called and said "No, I will absolutely not look at a mare" when it was suggested she might be better at packing their beginner butts around. Before the ecomonomy went to pot, people were a little more willing if it seemed like a mare would be perfect for them, but not anymore.

[pixie]

I have a Child/Adult Hunter/Equitation horse (mare) that I have been trying to sell for a year now. I have only had one person try her and after she had me out on a Sunday to show her to her she tells me she has to sell her horse first! LOL Nice horse too and she has multiple Equitation Final mileage and a great show record in the Hunters and Equitation.
Four years ago when I was looking for a horse like this I couldn't find one! It took me 9 months to find a nice 3' horse for another student then.

[*DS*]

The big show horse market hasn't really been affected. I mean the economy hasn't really affected the people that can afford the 1.30 + horses. So those are all selling fairly well, because regardless a good horse is still a good horse, and their prices have definately not gone down.

[melissap51]

Here in Texas, the $8k to 20k are doing ok. The warmblood is the big demand although we specialize in off the track or unstarted TB's. I have two coming 4 yr old TB geldings that I won't even market until they show. They are both so nice and will be able to compete and win with the WB's, but wouldn't get what they are worth until they show. A year ago, we were selling them as soon as they got to Texas in 3 days. I have alot of people wanting me to find them "A" show quality horses for $2500!! I tell them to look at the Canter website and find them like we do.

[findeight]

As always, horses that are presented to buyers doing what they are represented as being able to do in a location where buyers can see several at once are selling if appropriately priced. The easier for the buyer to see and try multiples that meet their budget and criteria, the better chance of a sale.

Buyers are even more reluctant to spend more money chasing down single horses in remote locations that may lack the facilities to properly demonstrate the horse's claims...like claiming it's a level 6 Jumper and having only skimpy 3' fences on bad footing available to prove that or allow the buyer to see if it suits them.

So marketing is even more important. Also, if you are selling one, ask yourself if you know anybody at all who will spend what you are asking on a horse? If you don't know anybody who spends, say, 30k, on a horse, it's going to be hard to attract them to your place to look at a single horse at that price point.

They are still selling at shows and the bigger barns with better marketing and thru networking between trainers who routinley deal in that type and price of horse.

[eclipse]

Up here it's the middle of the road market that is affected. Those 3ft to 3ft9 horses are just not moving very fast (those are generally the $15,000 to $40,000 horses). The really cheap horses are moving fast and the upper 5 figures & 6 figure horses are still moving (I think those people have just not been affected like the lower/middle wage earners).

Horses that were $75,000 - $85,000 last year are this year in the $40,000 range! So, if you can afford it, you can get some really nice horses for 50% less!

[LWit317]

I've had my horse posted for sale since February with very little response. I have her posted at reasonable price (around 5k area) with what I feel is a good ad. She's a great all around horse that I expected to draw a lot of attention, but I've only gotten a handful of e-mails/inquiries and only had one person come out and try her... think the markets a little hit or miss right now!

[rupenthal2]

Any quesses on how the pony finals auction will be? Last year was suprisingly good.

I am not so sure about this year. Have one going, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

[sp56]

I've had my eq gelding for sale now for a few months. He's done lots of medal finals, some jumpers. Super safe, great teacher. Have had some interested calls, but most people are looking for a lease situation right now because the commitment is relatively low. I have him priced at 40k in Los Angeles.

People are still buying and selling, you just have to get it to the right market and for the right price. Taking them to shows and having people see them there helps too.

If he doesn't sell soon, I might send him to a sale barn as they have said they've had some good luck selling horses like him.

[findeight]

Any quesses on how the pony finals auction will be? Last year was suprisingly good.

I am not so sure about this year. Have one going, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I think they will have more to chose from consignment wise and this is a place like I mentioned earlier. Lots of Ponies to try and lots of buyers to try them.

Don't forget that many of these these Ponies will be there for the AA shows in the 2 weeks before PF. Some will sell there and be withdrawn from the sale and buyers will have ample opportunity to observe the Pony competing.

Any auction is more dependent on the quality of consignments and the ratio of made and proven to unproven prospects then the overall economy. If they get alot of good ones in there, it might be a higher average then you think. If they get alot of green and unproven...or those that have been passed around trying to sell for a long time...it will pull the average down in any economy.

[TheHunterKid90]

Not too many hits on my young green horses...people seem to think at 4 that they should be marching around the 3' division already.... :no:
I did however sell my 9y/o QH that is a 3' packer and a training level event horse for 18k...easy sale...he was advertised for 2 weeks...first people that came to look at him bought him.
I don't know what it's going to do but I'm not buying anymore horses until I can let go of a few...7 is wayyy too many! :lol:

[Tha Ridge]

So marketing is even more important. Also, if you are selling one, ask yourself if you know anybody at all who will spend what you are asking on a horse? If you don't know anybody who spends, say, 30k, on a horse, it's going to be hard to attract them to your place to look at a single horse at that price point.

Well, I guess I will sort of have the opposite problem. I'm in a barn that's selling upper-5 and low-6 figure horses right now... If, and when, I have my own project for sale, it will be priced significantly below that (i.e., I'm looking at a ~$5,000 investment to resell for ~$20,000 to a more local, smaller market).

[Tha Ridge]

I've had my eq gelding for sale now for a few months. He's done lots of medal finals, some jumpers. Super safe, great teacher. Have had some interested calls, but most people are looking for a lease situation right now because the commitment is relatively low. I have him priced at 40k in Los Angeles.

I have found this to be very true out here in southern California, but oddly, it wasn't the case back in Texas, where I'm from.

[hj0519]

I just bought a really lovely 3' hunter...early teens, was in the 20-30k range, had been doing the 3'6 hunters, cute mover, cute jumper, vetted well. I was supposed to go try a couple more, but one of them sold so we didn't make the drive just to try one.

So far most people in my barn are sticking with their current horses, but another girl just bought a super 3' packer and one got a really cute made medium pony earlier in the year.

[unclewiggly]

I have been selling horses since October average 2 a month,once 3 in a week.
All green OTTB's and one Appendix. Priced from $30K down w/ the majority being under $10K, average about $5K.
Steady stream of customers mostly looking to replace a horse, and almost all sold before May have now been to the show ring, dressage arena or horse trialed and all have done exceptionally well for their new Moms:).
Last year the customers dried up by now and did not reappear until fall but have a steady flow. But I have a niche operation and try not to deviate from what works.

[SaturdayNightLive]

I think everything is still moving, just at prices that are a little bit more reflective of what the horses are actually worth. I really think that everyone got spoiled by an inflated economy and now have no concept of what anything is actually worth. It seems to me that "Nothing is moving" actually translates to "Nothing is moving for the inflated prices that they used to".

[Calhoun]

Most horses are paid for by discretionary income sources, it makes sense the market is down. I have a hard time believing the high dollar horses, for example 75,000+, are still selling. Maybe an occasional one here or there, but like they were up until October 2008, I highly doubt it. If sales of BMW, Mercedes, Nordstrom, Barneys and high dollar real estate is down it's common sense horse sales follow. Those who have commented on marketing are spot on, it's all about getting your horse in front of the buyer and honestly representing it.

[eclipse]

I think everything is still moving, just at prices that are a little bit more reflective of what the horses are actually worth. I really think that everyone got spoiled by an inflated economy and now have no concept of what anything is actually worth. It seems to me that "Nothing is moving" actually translates to "Nothing is moving for the inflated prices that they used to".

exactly true, and that's why you can once again get a lovely, winning 4ft'er for $40,000 again! (now if only I could afford THAT!!LOL)

[Coppers mom]

Most horses are paid for by discretionary income sources, it makes sense the market is down. I have a hard time believing the high dollar horses, for example 75,000+, are still selling. Maybe an occasional one here or there, but like they were up until October 2008, I highly doubt it. If sales of BMW, Mercedes, Nordstrom, Barneys and high dollar real estate is down it's common sense horse sales follow. Those who have commented on marketing are spot on, it's all about getting your horse in front of the buyer and honestly representing it.
I don't think that this is entirely true. Some people replace cars every year, but it's not typically that way with horses. Horses are generally thought of more sentimentally than a car. A car is usually considered more of a "toy" than pet or partner. So people might have slowed down on cars because they don't need to be replaced, but a horse can still get hurt, not be right for the owner, retire, or be unable to compete at a higher level.

And lets remember that it's not the well payed that are getting laid off in droves. There are going to be a lot less people with that kind of disposable income that are effected by the economy than those that are in the 30K and under market.

[ponymom64]

I don't think that this is entirely true. Some people replace cars every year, but it's not typically that way with horses. Horses are generally thought of more sentimentally than a car. A car is usually considered more of a "toy" than pet or partner. So people might have slowed down on cars because they don't need to be replaced, but a horse can still get hurt, not be right for the owner, retire, or be unable to compete at a higher level.

And lets remember that it's not the well payed that are getting laid off in droves. There are going to be a lot less people with that kind of disposable income that are effected by the economy than those that are in the 30K and under market.

In the New York City and its suburbs - it *is* frequently the well paid that are getting laid off and in high numbers, too.....

[rupenthal2]

I think they will have more to chose from consignment wise and this is a place like I mentioned earlier. Lots of Ponies to try and lots of buyers to try them.

Don't forget that many of these these Ponies will be there for the AA shows in the 2 weeks before PF. Some will sell there and be withdrawn from the sale and buyers will have ample opportunity to observe the Pony competing.

Any auction is more dependent on the quality of consignments and the ratio of made and proven to unproven prospects then the overall economy. If they get alot of good ones in there, it might be a higher average then you think. If they get alot of green and unproven...or those that have been passed around trying to sell for a long time...it will pull the average down in any economy.

Do you think people will still be shopping for prospects at the pony auction? IE>Winners on the line? Are people still thinking investment? Maybe the economy will turn around in two years, just in time for the three year old prospects to be ready.

[Coppers mom]

In the New York City and its suburbs - it *is* frequently the well paid that are getting laid off and in high numbers, too.....
Depends on what you consider well paid. The people who are getting paid enough to drop 300K on a horse aren't going to get laid off unless they really screw up. Why? Because they're too expensive to replace to make it worth it. If a company needs to cut back say, 700K a year, what do you think they're more likely to do? Fire a couple people at a lower level so they don't have to pay those salaries and just make everyone else work harder, or close an unproductive plant? Or fire a CEO that they're just going to have to replace? You just cannot compare the two. Maybe "well paid" people in your area are getting laid off, but certainly not in the massive numbers that the rest of the country is experiencing, and they probably aren't the ones who can pay massive amounts of money for a horse.

[Coppers mom]

Do you think people will still be shopping for prospects at the pony auction? IE>Winners on the line? Are people still thinking investment? Maybe the economy will turn around in two years, just in time for the three year old prospects to be ready.

I think they will. I read in Time that the majority of people believe that the economy will turn around within the next three years. That doesn't mean it will, but I think that some will still be willing to invest in a prospect.

[Go Fish]

I think the market is somewhat confusing right now. It's really hard to price a horse to get it to sell quickly. I'm really surprised just how cheap some of them are selling for - nice, going, winning hunters for less than $50K. Same horse would have been closer to $75-$100K a year ago. Thermal was an eye-opener!

[ponymom64]

Depends on what you consider well paid. The people who are getting paid enough to drop 300K on a horse aren't going to get laid off unless they really screw up. Why? Because they're too expensive to replace to make it worth it. If a company needs to cut back say, 700K a year, what do you think they're more likely to do? Fire a couple people at a lower level so they don't have to pay those salaries and just make everyone else work harder, or close an unproductive plant? Or fire a CEO that they're just going to have to replace? You just cannot compare the two. Maybe "well paid" people in your area are getting laid off, but certainly not in the massive numbers that the rest of the country is experiencing, and they probably aren't the ones who can pay massive amounts of money for a horse.

I work in the financial industry, the people I know that have been laid off are *extremely* well paid. And contrary to what you think, in my industry, the high salaries are the ones being let go in big numbers because they are more expensive and many firms have decided that they can find cheaper, younger talent to do the job.

FWIW, I consider well paid individuals in my industry to be making somewhere in the mid to upper 6 figures, not including bonus....

These would be the ones in the past dropping 300K on a pony or horse

[findeight]

Do you think people will still be shopping for prospects at the pony auction? IE>Winners on the line? Are people still thinking investment? Maybe the economy will turn around in two years, just in time for the three year old prospects to be ready.

Depends on the quality of the prospect, how far along it is and what it's parents did.

This particular auction, Pony Finals, has always been a better market for the ones more finished that the kid can ride and try before mommy and daddy bid on it then a green prospect. That's your typical buyer here, somebody bidding on something they know their child can ride within a short period of time if not immediately.

Personally I don't think investment and anything equine belong in the same sentence. Not now, not then and not never.

[twobays]

I think everything is still moving, just at prices that are a little bit more reflective of what the horses are actually worth. I really think that everyone got spoiled by an inflated economy and now have no concept of what anything is actually worth. It seems to me that "Nothing is moving" actually translates to "Nothing is moving for the inflated prices that they used to".

Bingo. Change "horses" to "houses" and we have a double bingo. :lol:

[unclewiggly]

I agree, when the bottom dropped and fuel went up, pre-purchases got cancelled and appointments broken.
When some people felt some what job secure they slowly but cautiosly reappeared.
Some customers who needed a replacement horse went to borrowing someone elses "olde reliable" and some who need a bit of maintanace got pulled out of retirement. Then cauciously some ventured back out w/ death grips on the wallet. Others wanted super glue gaurentes about soundness and future use.
But slowly its become a steady stream not a hope n prayer to get a horse sold. But your are so right it has to be priced fair for "what it is" not could be, and you have to make it worth the while by having options, good footing, some jumps and accommidate. Will stay off tire kicker rant have that one going over on "off Course".

[RugBug]

Well, I'm sort of horse shopping right now and I can tell you that I personally think there are a lot of over-priced horses out there. Why someone thinks they should get $20k for their green-broke, average in all ways (looks, moving, jumping, etc) horse with no show miles/results (schooling shows don't count as results) and no changes is beyond me. Hopefully that's not offensive to sellers, but I don't know how many ads I've looked at and thought 'Are they crazy?'

I've been extremely picky about what I will go see. Ads have to be great, there must be video and it all needs to match up. If text says horse is a great mover, great jumper, the video better show that. Say horse can jump 4'? I want to see a picture of it jumping 4'...not 2'. I want to see a course of decent size, complete with changes, not three 2' jumps strung together.

That said, I'm vetting the first horse I have tried and am REALLY hoping he passes. He was as described in every way and I am very grateful to the owner for not wasting my time (which includes 10 hours of driving to try/vet horse).

At some point soon, I will also be a 'seller.' I really hope that if I get no interest in my boy that I realize that a)he's priced too high, b)I'm not advertising him to the correct market or c)he just isn't what I think he is.

[findlymine]

I agree with the group that said things are selling at normal prices njot 300k for a 3 foot horse LOL

[SkipChange]

I agree with the group that said things are selling at normal prices njot 300k for a 3 foot horse LOL

No kidding! Bought a fancy, young warmblood jumper who I had going solid 3 ft at home and at shows within three months---8k. Should be doing 3'6" before the end of the year, potential for more (if can handle it!).

No one will buy my CUTE green 12h pony mare...all potential buyers have had children ages 4 and under...Been on the market for cheap for over a year. She doesn't have enough show experience, only half a season at 2ft in some bigger local shows. Beautiful pony, pretty good mover.

[maxxtrot]

i just showed horses all weekend. one for a kid wanting to get into the jumpers, 15k and under, one for a kid coming off a pony for the hunters, 35k, and an adult beg. lady to just do dressage and flat work on under 10k. hope to be sending/selling 3 out this week. so, people are still looking, just want a lot for their money.and there are horses out there, you just have to look :)

[lcw579]

My friend can't get so much as an inquiry on a $6500 5yo AQHA mare with some decent local ribbons.

I, on the other hand have been bombarded with good offers on my 6yo for free lease.


Not true! I know someone who inquired about your friend's mare today! As for your boy? He was just so darn cute - who wouldn't want him? My friend was interested - that's how she found out about the mare.

[melissap51]

Most horses are paid for by discretionary income sources, it makes sense the market is down. I have a hard time believing the high dollar horses, for example 75,000+, are still selling. Maybe an occasional one here or there, but like they were up until October 2008, I highly doubt it. If sales of BMW, Mercedes, Nordstrom, Barneys and high dollar real estate is down it's common sense horse sales follow. Those who have commented on marketing are spot on, it's all about getting your horse in front of the buyer and honestly representing it.
I'm on the same page as you!! You are exactly right!

[melissap51]

exactly true, and that's why you can once again get a lovely, winning 4ft'er for $40,000 again! (now if only I could afford THAT!!LOL) I know!! I couldn't believe the prices on some of those horses I've seen on Dreamhorse and Warmbloods for sale last year. Some of them I wouldn't take for free to resale!!

[rainechyldes]

I think it also depends on the region. Right now up here..ugh:/

I have a shown over flat and fences junior rider mare (last year) that
I can't give away this year. She's just sitting around my farm doing nothing atm - since I don't even have a rider for her.
I can ride her but she's a tad small for me to show (14hh) Beautiful mover and super feminine looking she's the one who gets the compliments when anyone comes by, even from non horse people. But sell her in this market . not a hope so far.

[MissIndependence]

I have had a phenomenal proven high end jumper for sale for months now with at a VERY reasonable price that has been dropped 2x. This horse is safe, honest, proven High A/O show record and sound. No holes or weird issues and easy to ride as an eq horse - and NOTHING. NOBODY is calling and he is being marketed. A few have tried him - but they struck me as real tire kickers. I have had dozens of calls about leasing him - which I am not interested in doing. I have dozens of friends with horses for sale and none of them are moving for the most part. I see the lower end priced horses moving, or people leasing - but very few buying at the upper end.

[melissap51]

I saw the pics of your and is a very nice horse. Looks like grand prix material!!

[Heineken]

I know what's NOT selling! I've got a made 2'6 packer who jumps great and wins the hack, could do the short stirrup, trail rides and works 2nd level dressage...for around 15k and he's sitting. Well, I'm riding him and I love him but I'd love for him to get moved along!

[Luv2Show]

I have found this to be very true out here in southern California, but oddly, it wasn't the case back in Texas, where I'm from.

Ive sold two this year. Im in Texas. The first one went in a week - well broke mare 10k. The second one I sold for 30k - 3yo green fiilly. This is AQHA.

A friend was looking at the last horse show and tried 3 at 30k, 60k and 100k. None of them were mind blowing...just good broke show horses. Another one we liked they wouldnt sell or even price.

I think the economy in TX isnt hurting as bad as the one in Cali so the horse prices arent as bad. Now you arent seeing people pay 50k for an unridden 2yo prospect very often. But if you have a tried and true show horse it is still going in the 6 figure range. If you have a lightly shown horse with a good mind they are still going in the 30-50k range.

[Jake's Dad]

Its very inportant that the tape u send to a professional,is not full of flat work .Any good pro. will be able to tell his movement in half a ring..What they want to see is jumping and not cross rails, in most cases...The pros receive a lot of sale tapes per wk and i have sat through many viewings...They have a need for a certian type of horse for customers.and if i had a horse for sale it would be through a pro..trainer...good luck...

[melissap51]

Ive sold two this year. Im in Texas. The first one went in a week - well broke mare 10k. The second one I sold for 30k - 3yo green fiilly. This is AQHA.

A friend was looking at the last horse show and tried 3 at 30k, 60k and 100k. None of them were mind blowing...just good broke show horses. Another one we liked they wouldnt sell or even price.

I think the economy in TX isnt hurting as bad as the one in Cali so the horse prices arent as bad. Now you arent seeing people pay 50k for an unridden 2yo prospect very often. But if you have a tried and true show horse it is still going in the 6 figure range. If you have a lightly shown horse with a good mind they are still going in the 30-50k range. You are absolutely right about that!! Good for you!! I live in Houston too, but all my sale horses are in the Austin area. We get them in unstarted, put some basic flat work, jumping, etc., and then sell them at an affordable price to people that don't have alot of money spend. Since you do AQHA's I would love to send you pics of a 16.2 hand, 4 yr old, chestnut with 3 white socks we have for sale. He is a "Dash for Cash/Special Effort baby,, just gorgeous! I mainly do the TB's and don't have a big AQHA clientel although I love them myself!!

[melissap51]

Its very inportant that the tape u send to a professional,is not full of flat work .Any good pro. will be able to tell his movement in half a ring..What they want to see is jumping and not cross rails, in most cases...The pros receive a lot of sale tapes per wk and i have sat through many viewings...They have a need for a certian type of horse for customers.and if i had a horse for sale it would be through a pro..trainer...good luck...That's true,, I must go thru 50 videos a week people send me and only about 10% are useable for my clients to even get an idea if they are even interested.

[SaturdayNightLive]

I see the lower end priced horses moving, or people leasing - but very few buying at the upper end.

Must be varying by region more than normal then. I had a high end A/O hunter that'll pack around the Derbies for sale and had tons of calls and tries within the first 2 weeks.