06/15/2026
Couldn't agree more! This is why sellers can get so burned out on all the extra pictures and videos requested anymore. If it's not the right fit no problem but being open about what you want as a buyer if you are serious could lead to me having another that would fit you perfect but we never know if you just ghost
🚨 Horse Buying Etiquette: A Conversation We Need to Have 🚨
I’m going to say what a lot of sellers are thinking.
If you’re interested in a horse, broodmare, prospect etc please inquire. Questions are welcome. Negotiations are welcome. Serious conversations are welcome.
But please remember there is a real person on the other side of that message.
I’m seeing more and more people ask for prices, ask if offers will be entertained, request additional photos, videos, height, pedigree information, vet records, and or riding footage, only to completely disappear without another word.
If you’re not interested, just say so.
If the horse is outside your budget, just say so.
If you’ve decided the horse isn’t the right fit, just say so.
A simple, “Thank you, but I’m going to pass,” goes a long way.
What is frustrating is when sellers spend hours gathering information, taking new photos and videos, answering questions, and making themselves available, only to discover the buyer had no intention of moving forward in the first place.
✔️ If you decide you’re no longer interested, communicate that.
✔️ If the horse is outside your budget, be honest.
✔️ If you ask whether offers will be considered, be prepared to make an offer.
✔️ If you commit to something, follow through.
✔️ If your offer is accepted, be prepared to move forward with the purchase.
❌ Don’t inquire and then ghost the seller.
❌ Don’t ask if offers will be entertained if you have no intention of making one.
❌ Don’t make an offer unless you’re genuinely prepared to buy the horse if that offer is accepted.
❌ Don’t ask for endless photos, videos, and information after you’ve already determined the horse isn’t within your budget.
❌ Don’t commit to purchases, deposits, viewings, or payment arrangements that you never intended to follow through with.
The reality is that horse shopping is not a hobby for sellers. Every minute spent chasing dead-end inquiries is time taken away from caring for horses, training, breeding, showing, marketing, and helping serious buyers.
Nobody owes a seller a purchase.
But everyone owes each other basic courtesy, honesty, and communication.
The horse industry would be a much better place if people simply said what they mean and followed through on what they say.
Who else has noticed an increase in this lately? What do you think is causing it?
Pictured is a 2025 AQHA filly who is out of a money earning dam and a proven sire! She is champagne dun and the owner needs to sell her and is open to offers (there is nothing wrong with this filly)!
