If a trainer is getting a percentage of the cost of the horse I buy ...?
How can I trust that this person has my interests at heart? How can I expect this person to negotiate a biddable price for me? How do I know this person won't sell it to someone else who he knows will repay more after I've paid for the Vet. and farrier check?
The truth is that you can't. However, if it is a reputable trainer then you pretty much rest assured. They don't want a reputation for selling unsuitable horses and only one out to make money, because their custom would soon die out. The horse should be advertised at an asking price, and it is usually customary to haggle beside this a bit (for example, if I wanted lb2500 for a horse, I advertised him for lb2700). I assume that this trainer have a business (they should have in lay down to train other people's horses) so you do have rights in relation to the sale. If you money for a vetting and then they sell the horse on without recounting you, you will probably be able to take them to the small claims court and get your money support.
Remeber though - buyer beware!
ADD: Rosi M - I agree, when I source horses and ponies for people I do not charge a fee, unless I have to travel a road to view it in which case I expect my diesel to be compensated for. However, for the actual finding of the horse, I never charge.
Write up a contract stating that whether the trainer shows you a horse that you are able to purchase, she/he is bound to negotiate exclusively for you on that horse unless or until you pass on the horse. Keep everything in writing. I would also include expressions for whether the trainer will ride the horse.and observe you riding the horse, and any other details of what services you will receive, what percentage she/he will be paid, etc. If you find a horse to purchase, have a purchase contract signed by the retailer and the trainer that agrees to purchase the horse pending the horse being verified sound after nouns by the vet of your choice.
So trainers make a great deal of money selling horses and can be pretty unfair. You can oblige yourself buy having a good contract both for the sale of the horse you buy AND for the relief your trainer is giving you to find this horse. Contracts are your best friend. If you're spending a good amount for this horse it's well worth it to hire a lawyer to check over your contracts or even write one for you.
You're right to be concerned. I know of abundant cases where the original owner sells horse to trainer A for $2000 and make available trainer $200 for finding the horse a home. Then trainer A sells the horse to trainer B's client for $20,000 and trainer A and B split the profit plus the final buyer pays trainer B $2000 for finding the horse.
So, know as much about the horse souk as you can. If you don't trust your trainer perhaps you should hire another just to find you a horse. It's been done.
You really can't trust it. Hopefully you have known your trainer for a long time. Secondarily, if you're going for your first horse the warning of a trusted trainer is vital, however MAKE SURE it's the horse YOU want too! If you're buying, you should have the basic wisdom about your skills and the horse's ability to make some assessments - don't permit your trainer bully you! If you have horse friends (especially experienced ones) who can come out, have them come out and look at the horse too for other opinions! Do not rush within buying the horse - even if it is a good horse there will be more whether it sells in the mean time. Take as abundant people out to see the horse (or show them pics/videos) as possible without being impolite (I mean, you shouldn't be harassing the seller night and light of day here, but you know). the more opinions and time you spend on it the more likely you will have the horse you want.
As far as paying for the vet check - cause sure you have a contract with the owner BEFORE you remuneration for the vet. You do not have to have the horse vet checked until you have a written contract stating that "I will buy the horse for $XXXX whether he clears his vet check", binding the owner to sell to you after you've spent that kind of money on the vet. Of course, the person can still push the contract and potentially screw you, but that give you some leeway. do not pay for a vet check unless you have a contract next to the owner about what price you *will* pay for the horse *if* he passes.
apt luck!
Answers: If YOUR trainer is getting a percentage of the horse you buy, it's called a "commission" and if you're the one staying beside your trainer, he's going to look out for YOUR interest, not the person who's selling the horse and probably leaving your barn. He has to "Live" beside you, so to speak and probably knows if he/she did something wrong, it may come back and bite them contained by the tush.
When I have a student who's looking for a horse, I normally don't take commissions that agency both buyer and seller know that I'm looking for the best horse that suits my client not the first horse that will line my pocket book.
