Selling a Horse

A horse bill of sale is used anytime a horse’s ownership changes from one person or entity to another. Even if the horse is a gift from one person or another, the receiving receiving the horse will need a completed bill of sale should they intend to sell or gift the horse down the line.

1. Get the Horse Ready

The horse should be taken to the vet to ensure it has all its vaccinations, its teeth are cared for, and to obtain an overall pre-sale health inspection. Unless done very recently, the horse should also be reshod.

2. Determine the Horse’s Value

Age, bloodline, health, and training all play a role in how the horse should be priced. The best way to find the approximate value of the horse is by conducting market research and looking into the sale price of similar horses online or by other means.

3. Photograph the Horse

Quality photos will go a long way in increasing the activity around the listing. For high-value horses, hiring a professional is recommended. The horse should have photographs taken for each gait.

4. Gather Health & Registration Documents

Anything that shows the history of the horse can improve the selling price. Health records, proof of lineage, and registration forms are just some of the documents that should be collected.

5. Advertise

Choose one or more online horse-selling platforms to list the horse. Having other friends who know or own horses share the listing is also recommended.

6. Speak with Potential Buyers

Respond to inquiries fast, and allow people to schedule times to come and view the horse in person. Be prepared to answer any and all questions about the horse.

7. Complete Transaction & Bill of Sale

Once a price is agreed upon, the buyer will need to pay for the horse. Unless the owner is a professional at selling horses, they should only accept cash or a bank check to avoid getting scammed. Upon receiving the payment in full, the bill of sale can be drafted and signed by the seller and buyer.

Sample

HORSE BILL OF SALE

1. THE PARTIES. This bill of sale was created on [MM/DD/YYYY] between a Buyer known as [BUYER NAME] with a mailing address of [BUYER MAILING ADDRESS] and a Seller known as [SELLER NAME] with a mailing address of [SELLER MAILING ADDRESS].

2. HORSE DESCRIPTION. The Buyer agrees to purchase the horse described as:

Name: [HORSE NAME] Breed: [HORSE BREED] DOB: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Gender: [HORSE GENDER] Coat Color: [HORSE COAT] Reg. Number: [REG. #]
Other: [ENTER ANY NOTES ON THE HORSE HERE]

3. PURCHASE PRICE. The Seller agrees to the sale of the above-described horse for the amount of $[SELLING PRICE].

4. HORSE HEALTH CHECK. The Seller agrees to allow the Buyer to inspect the horse with a third (3rd) party health expert until [MM/DD/YYYY].

5. SECURITY DEPOSIT. The Buyer agrees to put forth a Security Deposit in the amount of $[SECURITY DEPOSIT] being credited to the purchase price on the Sale Date. The following terms/conditions are associated with the Security Deposit: [SECURITY DEPOSIT TERMS & CONDITIONS].

6. OTHER CLAIMS.

The Seller certifies that the horse:

• Is free of any liens, debt, or encumbrances;
• That the Seller is the lawful owner of the horse with the right to sell it.

The Buyer claims that:
• They are purchasing the horse in an “as-is” condition on the Date of Sale with the right of inspecting the horse being waived or satisfied;
• They are aware of the health and safety risks of owning, riding, and caring for the horse;
• They will not hold the Seller liable for any claims after the Date of Sale in reference to the horse.

7. GOVERNING LAW. This agreement shall be bound under the laws in the State of [STATE NAME].

8. SIGNATURES. The buyer and seller agree to the above-described terms and conditions for the horse’s sale/trade/exchange.

Seller Signature: _______________________ Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Printed Name: [SELLER NAME]

Buyer Signature: _______________________ Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Printed Name: [BUYER NAME]

Witness Signature: _______________________ Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Printed Name: [WITNESS NAME]

Horse Bill of Sale Form