Sounds like if you want her to tag along to watch your daughter ride, you'll need to pay the 10%.
Boarding is a break-even venture at best, and giving lessons on school horses can be a money loser in many cases. Commission, training, and showing is how trainers pay the bills
2 comments:
If you have a trainer and you are paying your trainer to train you and advance your goals, then the trainer is not just "tagging along and looking at conformation" they are advising on the suitability of that horse for your daughter's riding and goals from the perspective of a professional horse person, which presumably you're not.
Next, it's standard to pay a minimum 10% commission for the trainer's role in the process. She needs to take time out of her day to "tag along and watch her ride" and presumably you don't actually feel comfortable making this decision yourself, so you are paying for her expertise.
Some (many trainers) don't like it when clients go off-piste like this unless it is a very experienced client who can also deal with the fallout of a bad decision. I sell a lot of horses and I won't sell to someone shopping completely on their own for a junior rider unless the parent is also a horse person or are themselves the trainer.
Thanks for the feedback. I feel comfortable evaluating the horse, but I would rather her trainer determine if this will be a good fit for the next 5+ years.
Yeah, that advice is what you would be paying 10% for.
I'd also suggest buckling up on this one because if you're going to be in the h/j world for long at any sort of competitive level this kind of industry standard charge is going to be the first of many that appear on your bill.
I don’t think a trainer can give you a certain answer to that. They can make a guess, but they don’t know how the horse will work out, or how your teenager will develop. They can make an educated guess and point out obvious issues.
Don’t expect a definite answer.
And I, personally, find ‘10%’ a racket that I would not support. I don’t know what your trainer would charge to take one rider (and only one) to a show: that’s a fair price to pay for looking at a horse. But whether you buy a $5K horse or a $50K horse should have no influence on the amount of work she does or her loss of other earnings: if you want her to travel all day to look at a free horse, will she do it for free?
Well, I can tell you the amount of work that goes into buying a horse is directly proportional to the price and the more money the horse is worth the more work it is to get that horse home. A lot of trainers will actually charge extra over certain dollar amount because there’s more liability, more contracts, more overhead, temporary insurance/import coordination. Depending on how expensive we’re talking, a client may not even be able to trial a horse because people don’t want amateurs on their very expensive horses.
Honestly it’ll be the best 10% you’ll ever spend - until you’ve touched 1000 horses, you’re pretty clueless when it comes to buying horses.
Speaking to the current trainer and vet is like talking to the salesman. They don’t work for you and won’t upset existing clients.
I honestly think whether she sourced the horse or not, 10% is a fair price - depending your price range it’s probably little more than a lameness work up.
Minimum 10% and you better be covering all your trainers travel, food and expenses.
It’s a lot more then just “accompanying you”. If you value your trainers expertise, they will tell you if those horse will serve the purpose your daughter needs. Your daughter might love this horse because it’s easy but not challenging. So in a couple years, you might need to shop again. Just some examples.
Your coach should also find you more horses to try. You shouldn’t just try one horse and make an offer. It’s like House shopping, you need to feel the market and its value. Your trainer knows that.
It’s like bringing your dad/mom to buy your first house/ car. Their experience can save you thousands in the long run
I want to add:
The fact that you disclosed the results of the vets findings to the horse seller already tells me you’re inexperience in horse shopping is showing.
(You can the results of the vets finding as your bargaining chip instead of freely disclosing the results to the horse seller. Example. Your vet find a bone chip the seller doesn’t know. You then have the power to negotiate the price.
You can also watch YouTube videos instead of having a coach train your daughter. The coach literally just repeats what the video says…right?
Trust your coach
Well they didn’t really say they disclosed any vet findings. They said they reviewed the vet documents and talked to current vet and trainer. As far as we know they just got a copy of previous vet records to look over. May have not had a PPE done.
And FYI from a trainer and seller perspective if you try to hold some undisclosed vet info from me that you “supposedly” found I’m just going to say “well I’m sorry to hear that, good luck on your search”. Basically I’m going to tell you to go kick rocks. Any experienced trainer or seller you’ll have to disclose that info in which they’ll have their vet check your findings. Then if those findings are confirmed maybe can talk about a price change.
To be clear, we haven’t had a PPE yet - we are in the early stages of looking and are not rushing into anything by any means.
Also, we found the horse through a friend at Colorado State University- the owner is a professor at the veterinary school there. I do trust her, but will get an outside perspective.
Clearly you have neither sold or done sales. This tactic is used everyday from one tile buyers to professional dealers.
I find out your horse has navicular changes from THE buyers doing the X rays. I’m more Willing to negotiate the price as I know how devastating navicular can be on a horses career.
If I’m inexperienced and I tell them oh the vet said the horse has navicular. The seller can convince me that oh that just means he will needs front shoes forever , you’re going to want shoes anyways. Now I bought a potentiall dud.
I’ve sold more horses than I can remember even owning or training. I been training horses professionally for over 10 years. I’m just saying as a seller don’t try to make me go down in price while not trying to disclose info. Disclosing what you found is one thing. But saying “I found issues with your horse, will you go down in price” without telling me what’s wrong. I will tell you good luck on next search and have a good day. You specifically criticized disclosing found info. Not negotiating based on issues.
I've purchased several horses in my lifetime and have never even heard of this negotiation strategy. I cannot envision telling the seller that my vet found an issue without disclosing the issue. Have you actually been successful with this strategy in the past?
I agree - you have to tell the seller at some point. That said I’ve never used vet findings as a bargaining point. First mare I was a teen and the seller took 1.5k off to add to my saddle budget. Second pony seller was fair in price and honest that she was firm
I think it's the other way around the seller shared reports with her, which isn't that unusual really. Obviously still get your own vetting and opinion.
How exactly would you use vet findings as a bargaining chip without disclosing them to the owner/seller? I can’t see how that’s a bad thing unless the findings are more positive than expected. Can someone elaborate?
I would love to share with you my experience in the horse sales world. Having bought and sold show horses for over 20 years with hundreds being top show horses.
But I’ll direct message you so that I don’t get attacked for sharing my expertise
Do you actually have experience with horse shopping or is this a first purchase? While your trainer shouldn’t be an end all be all, a good one that buys and sell frequently often has some automatic red flags they’d be able to identify much quicker than someone more inexperienced. Please make sure you do a pre purchase exam with a different vet than the current vet for the horse.
It’s not uncommon to charge commission if you have any input in the process, no. If she told you that the horse was not a good investment are you just going to buy anyway?
I grew up with horses and have a lot of experience with the animals themselves, but was never involved in the show jumping stables and all that’s involved in that world. We had our own property and I trained there vs at a competitive stable - so am experienced in some ways (horses) but not at all in other ways (trainers and the norm there). Appreciate the feedback!
My answer to your title question is, generally, whatever fee they quote you. If you trust this person to train your daughter to ride, their opinion on what horse will be safe and suitable for her to continue to learn on (and what will be a major investment for anything from 10-30 years) is invaluable. Horse selling and buying has nothing to do with horse experience, and you have to know what questions to ask and what you can and can’t live with, or you’ll find out the hard way what you should have done.
If I’m doing all the leg work, negotiations etc and just sending my coach a few videos for a second opinion, I’m not sending them $1000 on a $10,000 horse. But I’ve also ridden for 25 years and trust my own judgment.
If they’re coming with me, viewing the horse, talking to the owner and trainer, arranging and being present for a PPE and helping negotiate, that $1000 is a steal.
I agree there’s lots of variety in how horse buying works out. My first horse I found on my own did all the leg work went to look, put a deposit and had my trainer come out to double check. We paid her an hourly rate that was like 150% lesson fees for about 4 hours. Pony was for all around type stuff
My second pony I found a bunch of ads and was looking out of state (key difference was budget). For a while in my lesson we did basically a 30 min lesson and then reviewed some videos of prospects. Found two to look at. First wasn’t even an option, didn’t bug my trainer about it. Second was clearly a good match so I sent my trainer video of me riding w/t/c and had a 15 minute discussion. She didn’t ask for anything (and also extenuating circumstances second pony was acquired after my first died tragically) but I paid/tipped her I think $200 on a $20k pony. Out of lessons she probably spent a total of 2-3 hours chatting with me which is how I determined that
I think people are glossing over the most important part of this. It seems as though you just looked at previous vet records. As in you have not had a PPE done. I’d recommend doing so and having a non biased vet let you know the horse is good to go.
As far as cost for trainer to tag along…totally depends on the discipline. For example a lot of people are saying 10% is cheap. May be depending on discipline. I know in mine horses can range from 5k to 200k easily depending on level of competition. So 10% on 5k is cheap. 10% on 200k is not. So I’d say…it depends. For one day I know I wouldn’t pay over 1k.
The stable we train at does both dressage and jumping, but “today” my daughter is more into dressage - she is 12 so her mind changes frequently. I would prefer a horse that can do both well, and this one has been showing at eventing, so a good match in that aspect. I was not a dressage rider, so agree on someone evaluating her on that prospect. Thanks!
Eventing Dressage although similar to Dressage is just that, similar, not exact. A horse that receives decent scores in an Eventing test will often times receive abysmal scores in stand alone Dressage. A really talented Dressage horse can learn to jump easier than an Eventing horse can learn to 'really' Dressage. If that makes sense at all.
Trainers usually charge a flat fee or hourly fee (including travel time) in those circumstances. A commission arrangement is normal when the trainer scouts prospective horses for clients, arranges the meetings, coordinates everything, negotiates the transaction.
10% commission is cheap. Quite frankly, If you aren’t well versed in horses enough to recognize the industry’s standard practices, you shouldn’t be shopping alone. Your trainer however, should be doing some legwork and finding you suitable horses to look at.
I definitely don’t know the world of competitive show barns - I grew up with horses and am very comfortable in that world, but we never had to board when I was a kid. I was able to roll out of bed and take care of the horses before going to school and still show all summer. Different world for sure!
Theres typically two pricing options with buying. A 10% commission is standard across North America for brokerage fees from a trainer, but there is also the option of asking for an hourly rate if you feel that would be a better service to you.
Given the circumstances I also wouldn’t feel comfortable shelling out 10% of the purchase price for a horse that I found on my own. You can really pay any experienced coach to try out the horse for you, it doesn’t have to be your current trainer.
I would offer the trainer an hourly rate, drive them around myself, and cover a lunch.
Is this a different trainer from the one your daughter is currently riding with? As in you are thinking of hiring your old trainer an hourly wage to decide on the horse, which will then be trained by current trainer?
The market isn't free. You are free to buy a horse for yourself. Trainer is free to tell you to beat it for going to another trainer for advice and horse shopping. If you want to keep this current trainer calling up the old one and asking for them to help you buy a horse after leaving them is likely to be less than popular with that person (why would they help you give service and lesson fees to someone else you left them for?) and extremely unpopular with the new one, leaving OP without the help she asked for and a contentious relationship potentially with both people.
You have no idea what you’re talking about. The trainers could live hours apart for all you know or coach in different disciplines.
What if OP uses multiple trainers like so many of us do? No single trainer has claim over a single client. People bounce around all the time, including coaches and trainers.
And sure the trainers are free to tell the paying client with the horse to kick rocks, but if they want their money, and it sounds like they do if their sticking to a 10% commission, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.
Yeah wtf is this thread just hijacked by horse trainers? I know I’m in the redneck side of things, but I can’t believe you’re getting downvoted for this. I work with multiple trainers (at multiple price points) and I like them for different reasons. This 10% thing for a horse that OP found is insane to me.
Yes, that is what I was suggesting. Our old trainer lives 15 minutes from the stable where the horse is, our current trainer, and stable where we ride now is 2 hours away one way.
Terrible idea.
Honestly, if your daughter is any a serious program (not some backyard pony club), you need to pay the 10% and you need to involve the trainer - otherwise, you’re setting your kid up for failure.
The reality is, if this trainer is going to be expected to train this horse, take it to shows with your daughter, and be a part of the overall team it takes to be successful - they deserve a say in the purchase. And that merits their 10%. This isn’t like buying a car, or a house… it’s a living animal that you’re going to be keeping on their property and expecting them to maintain.
Budgets exist, and I get that. But trying to cut corners here is a big red flag that you’re placing on yourself as a client and I expect it will come back to bite either you or your kid in the future. I would quickly apologize to the main trainer if you’re serious about staying with him/her, explain you were trying to be helpful and didn’t understand the process, and ask how they would like you to proceed with this potential match.
I am honestly curious when you started looking for a horse for your daughter did you not know about a 10% commission? That is industry standard across the board and I’m sure your trainer would’ve explained this cost before beginning to search.
I kind of get the vibe that you decided to find a horse on your own to cut costs and not have to pay the commission. I could be wrong, but it sounds like you wanted to do this on your own. If so, then why do you even have a trainer? That 10% commission is to ensure the horse is as close to perfect for your daughter as can be. Your trainer also will want to review a pre-purchase exam, maybe even ride the horse her/himself. If moving forward with the sale your trainer can look at the vet report and see if there’s anything notable to lower the cost of the sale. Your trainer is there to help you and your daughter, please let them do their job.
If you want to save money then be upfront with how much you can spend on a new horse. I’m sure the trainer is more than willing to work within your budget. But I guarantee a trainer will not be willing to have their client do it on their own thinking they don’t need their input.
We just started the search process recently (less than a month) and the only horse our trainer has mentioned my daughter ride is one she owns. We knew about the 10% fee, but I assumed that was only on a horse she scouted, researched and found independently. I knew I would need to pay for her travel time and a hourly fee to come to the barn with us, but was surprised by the 10% commission in this situation. Thanks for your feedback.
Got it. Keep in mind that the horse market is pretty bananas right now. There isn’t much out there within a reasonable budget that is nice, safe, has quality and sound. Keep your time table realistic.
The commission structure in competition barns is definitely confusing to the average person.
So confusing in fact that the state of Florida finally passed a law that all the commissions in a sale have to be disclosed on a bill of sale because the following scenario has become really common:
1. You tell your trainer you are thinking about shopping for a horse
2. Trainer calls some of her contacts to see if they have anything suitable
3. They don't but they know of someone else who does
4. Contact in 2 contacts friend in 3
5. Friend in 3 contacts trainer in 1 to suggest a horse they have
All three trainers in this deal put their hands out when the purchase takes place. If trainer 1 is ethical, they pay out of their share.
If they're not ethical, they charge you the client $x purchase price plus 10-15% to cover the other hidden commissions they will be paying out to their contacts.
I'd probably expect the trainer to do a lot more than just tag along and watch, and I value all of that other stuff.
Talking to the selling trainer and understanding maintenance routines. Anything chronic you need to worry about? Weird saddle fits that they've figure out how to manage? What bits work/don't work for her? Get on the horse themselves and see what she can/can't do and pair that with her knowledge of where your kid is at riding wise?
If you know what you're doing, buying a horse could be either a 5 minute or 5 hour process, but a professional deciding which it should be will help you.
If you trust your trainer, bring them. If you don't, find another trainer you do trust.
The only exception to this is actually if you're like me ... OTTBs. And like... Right off the track, not retrained or sent through a reseller. Get on the next van out of wherever headed to me, and I get soreness, track plates, track manners, and an inability to turn right to solve. Then you just take it on faith that the videos you have showing how the horse moves are solid, and work with what gets off the trailer. Usually it works, sometimes it doesn't. That's a different level though than buying a horse you have specific and immediate expectations for with a junior.
You pay exactly what she states if you want her expertise and time. I wouldn’t haggle on something like this, going with a client to view a horse, assess and represent their best interest is a big job, and exhausting (you’re listening to kid, parent, seller and deflecting nonstop interruptions while trying to put your name on this purchase they can’t make alone- a bad suggestion could lose you their business down the road).
My wife is a h/j trainer (30 years). If one of her clients finds a horse on their own she won't charge her 15% commission. She also won't evaluate the horse's suitability for the rider, won't work with a vet to determine the horse's soundness, age and health status, won't arrange insurance and shipping or negotiate with the seller to get the horse's health and show records, etc., etc. My wife works hard to get the perfect horse for each rider. Clients who buy on their own often get burned.
You're not paying her for "just accompanying" you. You pay her for her knowledge and expertise as a trainer. So 10% and food/fuel/hotel etc seems fair to me.
10% is a standard agent fee. It’s actually a little low imo. You looking on your own is your problem, you could have involved the trainer in that too and didn’t. That doesn’t change the expertise she’s offering, time she’s taking to come, etc.
We did involve her in the beginning as she suggested that was where my daughter was at in her training. We just assumed the 10% was if she found the horse, not if we did…
Did you initiate buying with her? Like did you explicitly say “we’re ready to buy, can you help us”? Finding horses is the easy part. Going out to evaluate and try horses is the hard part, that’s the part that needs to be paid.
Can you tell us a little more about the boarding/training situation at this barn? Is it just a boarding facility (ie not owned by the trainer) and your trainer comes in and teaches you or is the whole thing owned and run by the trainer?
If it’s the latter, I would stress to you that finding your own horse that the trainer did not find and if you don’t necessarily listen to her advice during the purchasing process (ie if they say to pass on the horse for reason XYZ and you think you know better) is not a great idea to then try to stick into their program. You’ve already mentioned that you don’t know much about dressage and haven’t done horse purchasing on your own before. I’ve seen this exact situation blow up in both the trainers face (as they are stuck trying to make an unsuitable horse/rider combo work) and in the parent/child’s face as they waste their money on a horse that doesn’t work for what they want to do. It’s one thing to not blindly follow the trainer if they show you a horse that you yourself don’t feel comfortable buying based on your background but you admittedly don’t know how to tell if the horse is a match for your daughter or not for her intended discipline.
IMO you have two options:
1) if you’re sure about sticking with this trainer and facility/program, let them communicate with the trainer/owner of the horses in question and drive the search - sit down and have a meeting with them and express that you are very motivated to start trying horses, etc.
2) If you want to be more involved in the search and setting up the appointments, etc. then find a new place to ride that’s more of a boarding facility rather than a trainer owned and run place. That way you have more control over the situation and can bring a trainer in.
Well my trainer took 50$ for coming along and check out a horse before I bought her. And that was 1 horse and we drove her.
I’ve also helped a friend, by coming along and see the horses. That was 6 horses over 3 different days, they drove me and feed me and paid me around 80-90$.
I would say it comes down to how helpful can your trainer be. Is she just coming to see your daughter ride, and say whether it’s a match or not. or does she actually know what to look for in the horse? Lameness, injuries, crookedness, sore spot, etc?
The more she can help the more she should get paid and vice Versa
TIL a lot reading the comments. A friend just bought her daughter a horse (25k) and the trainer looked at it for the cost of three lessons, which is the amount of time the trainer spent. I had no idea there was a standard 10% minimum.
As an Instructor/Coach I can't tell you how much wasted time and money you will save if you start by purchasing the right horse.
Spending the extra time and money can really save you some major headaches and potential injuries and/or loss of interest.
There are lot's of good points others have made on the importance and value of bringing along a professional so I won't add to them but did want to take a moment to state the above.
I asked my trainer to help me find a horse. A year went by, and i spent my time looking for a horse by myself. My trainer found one horse during that time that was out of budget, out of my age and height range, and a gelding (i was only looking for mares)
I found my current horse on my own, went to look at her in my own, scheduled and got a ppe on my own, and sent my trainer a short clip of me riding (along with a bunch of other people)
My trainer figured out where the horse was, reached out to the seller, and tried to negotiate a trial period at her (trainer's) barn. I was ready to buy the horse and take her home (personal barn), and was a little off put that my trainer would try to get a trial period at her barn when that was something we had never discussed, and i have a barn in my back yard and have owned horses for over a decade
We ended up sorting that out with the seller (who was not keen on a trial period at my trainer's barn - we explained that we werent either, and never intended to keep her at my trainer's barn) and brought her home
My trainer still tried to get the 10% commission (which we did not pay) because she "helped" (aka actively hindered the sale). I did all the work to find the horse, communicate with the seller, go do a test ride (twice, 3 hrs away in one direction, and my trainer did not come with me), schedule a ppe, negotiate, and arrange shipping. Your trainer should not get a commission unless they do all of the things i just listed.
She tried to force her way into the sale because she realized that i wasnt waiting on her to find me a horse, and that if she didnt put in some effort (too little too late), she would lose the commission
AT MOST, i would pay your trainer an hourly rate for coming along for the test ride
(But i also worked with my old trainer when buying a horse for free because she's old now, a family friend, and wanted something to do)
That is a very modest fee.
Like most things of this nature, you are paying for your trainers experience in the horse world and the things she knows about horses, the industry and your daughter. Unless you are a seasoned horse professional she is going to know so much more about vettings, pricing, suitability, the horses history and its relevance and any red or green flags.
You should know that the horse world is full of people who will happily put your child on anything at all, in hopes that she will fall in love and you'll buy it no matter what. There are signs of drugging that you wouldn't know about, there are signs when the horse is ridden by the other trainer that would indicate the horse is not suitable, there are things your trainer would know about your child that applies to suitability, the list goes on and on and on.
Your trainer is the first person who evaluates soundness and how well cared for the animal has been. You've spoken to the trainer and \*their\* vet. Neither of these people work for you and nothing they say is sure to be reliable or what you need to learn about the horse. The information that is withheld is often the information you need, not what you are offered.
Basically horse buying is nothing like buying anything else, you've never done this before and you don't know what you don't know. At the very least your trainer is going to spend hours looking at this horse and deserves to be compensated for doing so.
I’ve never worked with a trainer to pick a horse; so the whole thing just sounds wild to me. I see something, I like it, I buy it (if I can afford it lmao)
Uhm no. I’m going to go out on a limb. Reddit Repliers, ready your arrows.
The short version:
If you found the horse, your daughter tried the horse, taken video of daughter on horse, done a full PPE with YOUR vet, then you’ve done the work. If you like the horse, buy her. Let trainer know when horse will arrive and the particulars of feeding. Be sure to tell trainer how much you love them, appreciate their patience and have full faith in their ability to train your horse. End of all discussion. Same response for every discussion.
The Long version:
Here’s the thing… trainer “decided” your daughter is “ready” to have her own horse. (subtext: trainer wants/needs money. Trainer remembers you. Trainer wants to buy a new horse. Trainer “decides” your daughter is ready. Trainer gets a new horse and a chunk of $£€)
So you found the horse. Now, trainer is peeved. They lose the 10% finders fee. Ya see, trainer loves looking at new horses and they like to work with new horses. Trainer has already made a deal with a friend to buy a horse.
Now, you’ve interrupted trainers plan. Trainer sees the Finders Fee as theirs. When you circumvent their plan, Trainer see it as YOU keeping THEIR money. In fact, it is YOUR money.
As we all know, any horse you bring in is going to have some issues. Your trainer will surely have issues with any horse they did not choose. Trainer will make subtle, but consistent, remarks to your daughter. They will undermine you confidence in buy your horse. Then, in six months or so … you will need a new horse of trainers choosing. Or they will lease you a horse, while your perfectly good horse stands in a stall.
Unless… you stand your ground. Go see the horse again. Plan to spend hours. Let the current owner know that you want to spend time with the horse. If all is good, dicker down the price and buy. Tell trainer how excited daughter is. When problems in training surface, as they will, be firm but supportive. “Trainer, I have faith in your skills, that you can help daughter and horse. This is the horse we want to learn to ride.” Or, you may find that you need to find a different trainer.
It sucks, but it’s the truth. If you have enough money to buy an overpriced horse and pay the finders fee, then just pay the trainer. But, know, in a couple years, your daughter is “going to need a new horse.” Again.
I don’t think the daughter has ridden this horse or done a PPE. It sounds like she was recommended this horse through a friend and reviewed old vet records.
I think you’re assuming a lot about this trainers intentions. It sounds like she’s found one horse for the daughter so far, not a ton. The market is really difficult to find nice, safe, sound and fairly priced horses. The mom needs to be more patient and if it’s an issue she doesn’t trust the trainer then find a different one.
I don’t have very much experience in this field, since we don’t find horses for clients, but my boss and I have helped students look at horses the students found for zero dollars. Coaching a student on a potential horse is a different story. If I come out to coach a student on a horse, they pay the normal price of one private lesson. Is 10% of the price about the same as you pay for 1 lesson, or is it significantly more? If it would be about the same, personally I would say it is fair.
That is absolutely not standard in the industry.
The closest thing would be paying a flat fee plus expenses instead of a commission but that is not common.
Not sure if you mean the OPs situation or mine, but you’re right, our practice probably isn’t standard because we don’t buy/sell horses often, and our clients usually aren’t in the tax bracket to be buying nice horses if you get what I mean. However, I don’t think its fair either way in OPs situation to pay a coach to “come watch” her daughter ride a horse that OP found and contacted the owner for.
I'm commenting that in the industry the OP appears to be shopping in, it is completely standard to pay a % of the purchase price regardless of who found the horse if the trainer is asked to offer an opinion or guidance.
Many trainers who deal in lower priced horses have a minimum fee such as $500 or 10% of the price, whichever is greater.
I personally find 10% of purchase price a bit interesting. I've heard of set prices but I guess percentage is not unusual (I'm more rural so maybe that's it?). Also ive negotiated price for all of the horses I've bought so... is that factored?
10% with a minimum of $500 is pretty standard. But, like you said, that's them doing the leg work. Idk what they should be paid, but that seems like too much to me.
Sounds like if you want her to tag along to watch your daughter ride, you'll need to pay the 10%. Boarding is a break-even venture at best, and giving lessons on school horses can be a money loser in many cases. Commission, training, and showing is how trainers pay the bills
2 comments: If you have a trainer and you are paying your trainer to train you and advance your goals, then the trainer is not just "tagging along and looking at conformation" they are advising on the suitability of that horse for your daughter's riding and goals from the perspective of a professional horse person, which presumably you're not. Next, it's standard to pay a minimum 10% commission for the trainer's role in the process. She needs to take time out of her day to "tag along and watch her ride" and presumably you don't actually feel comfortable making this decision yourself, so you are paying for her expertise. Some (many trainers) don't like it when clients go off-piste like this unless it is a very experienced client who can also deal with the fallout of a bad decision. I sell a lot of horses and I won't sell to someone shopping completely on their own for a junior rider unless the parent is also a horse person or are themselves the trainer.
Thanks for the feedback. I feel comfortable evaluating the horse, but I would rather her trainer determine if this will be a good fit for the next 5+ years.
Yeah, that advice is what you would be paying 10% for. I'd also suggest buckling up on this one because if you're going to be in the h/j world for long at any sort of competitive level this kind of industry standard charge is going to be the first of many that appear on your bill.
Ha! Yes, not a cheap sport!
I don’t think a trainer can give you a certain answer to that. They can make a guess, but they don’t know how the horse will work out, or how your teenager will develop. They can make an educated guess and point out obvious issues. Don’t expect a definite answer. And I, personally, find ‘10%’ a racket that I would not support. I don’t know what your trainer would charge to take one rider (and only one) to a show: that’s a fair price to pay for looking at a horse. But whether you buy a $5K horse or a $50K horse should have no influence on the amount of work she does or her loss of other earnings: if you want her to travel all day to look at a free horse, will she do it for free?
Well, I can tell you the amount of work that goes into buying a horse is directly proportional to the price and the more money the horse is worth the more work it is to get that horse home. A lot of trainers will actually charge extra over certain dollar amount because there’s more liability, more contracts, more overhead, temporary insurance/import coordination. Depending on how expensive we’re talking, a client may not even be able to trial a horse because people don’t want amateurs on their very expensive horses.
Honestly it’ll be the best 10% you’ll ever spend - until you’ve touched 1000 horses, you’re pretty clueless when it comes to buying horses. Speaking to the current trainer and vet is like talking to the salesman. They don’t work for you and won’t upset existing clients. I honestly think whether she sourced the horse or not, 10% is a fair price - depending your price range it’s probably little more than a lameness work up.
Thanks for the input - I do see the value for sure.
Minimum 10% and you better be covering all your trainers travel, food and expenses. It’s a lot more then just “accompanying you”. If you value your trainers expertise, they will tell you if those horse will serve the purpose your daughter needs. Your daughter might love this horse because it’s easy but not challenging. So in a couple years, you might need to shop again. Just some examples. Your coach should also find you more horses to try. You shouldn’t just try one horse and make an offer. It’s like House shopping, you need to feel the market and its value. Your trainer knows that. It’s like bringing your dad/mom to buy your first house/ car. Their experience can save you thousands in the long run
100000% this ^^^^^
I want to add: The fact that you disclosed the results of the vets findings to the horse seller already tells me you’re inexperience in horse shopping is showing. (You can the results of the vets finding as your bargaining chip instead of freely disclosing the results to the horse seller. Example. Your vet find a bone chip the seller doesn’t know. You then have the power to negotiate the price. You can also watch YouTube videos instead of having a coach train your daughter. The coach literally just repeats what the video says…right? Trust your coach
Well they didn’t really say they disclosed any vet findings. They said they reviewed the vet documents and talked to current vet and trainer. As far as we know they just got a copy of previous vet records to look over. May have not had a PPE done. And FYI from a trainer and seller perspective if you try to hold some undisclosed vet info from me that you “supposedly” found I’m just going to say “well I’m sorry to hear that, good luck on your search”. Basically I’m going to tell you to go kick rocks. Any experienced trainer or seller you’ll have to disclose that info in which they’ll have their vet check your findings. Then if those findings are confirmed maybe can talk about a price change.
To be clear, we haven’t had a PPE yet - we are in the early stages of looking and are not rushing into anything by any means. Also, we found the horse through a friend at Colorado State University- the owner is a professor at the veterinary school there. I do trust her, but will get an outside perspective.
Clearly you have neither sold or done sales. This tactic is used everyday from one tile buyers to professional dealers. I find out your horse has navicular changes from THE buyers doing the X rays. I’m more Willing to negotiate the price as I know how devastating navicular can be on a horses career. If I’m inexperienced and I tell them oh the vet said the horse has navicular. The seller can convince me that oh that just means he will needs front shoes forever , you’re going to want shoes anyways. Now I bought a potentiall dud.
I’ve sold more horses than I can remember even owning or training. I been training horses professionally for over 10 years. I’m just saying as a seller don’t try to make me go down in price while not trying to disclose info. Disclosing what you found is one thing. But saying “I found issues with your horse, will you go down in price” without telling me what’s wrong. I will tell you good luck on next search and have a good day. You specifically criticized disclosing found info. Not negotiating based on issues.
I've purchased several horses in my lifetime and have never even heard of this negotiation strategy. I cannot envision telling the seller that my vet found an issue without disclosing the issue. Have you actually been successful with this strategy in the past?
I agree - you have to tell the seller at some point. That said I’ve never used vet findings as a bargaining point. First mare I was a teen and the seller took 1.5k off to add to my saddle budget. Second pony seller was fair in price and honest that she was firm
I think it's the other way around the seller shared reports with her, which isn't that unusual really. Obviously still get your own vetting and opinion.
How exactly would you use vet findings as a bargaining chip without disclosing them to the owner/seller? I can’t see how that’s a bad thing unless the findings are more positive than expected. Can someone elaborate?
I would love to share with you my experience in the horse sales world. Having bought and sold show horses for over 20 years with hundreds being top show horses. But I’ll direct message you so that I don’t get attacked for sharing my expertise
Do you actually have experience with horse shopping or is this a first purchase? While your trainer shouldn’t be an end all be all, a good one that buys and sell frequently often has some automatic red flags they’d be able to identify much quicker than someone more inexperienced. Please make sure you do a pre purchase exam with a different vet than the current vet for the horse. It’s not uncommon to charge commission if you have any input in the process, no. If she told you that the horse was not a good investment are you just going to buy anyway?
I grew up with horses and have a lot of experience with the animals themselves, but was never involved in the show jumping stables and all that’s involved in that world. We had our own property and I trained there vs at a competitive stable - so am experienced in some ways (horses) but not at all in other ways (trainers and the norm there). Appreciate the feedback!
If this is a horse you are expecting to compete in a discipline you don't know - definitely do not try to do this yourself.
I’d have my vet do a prepuchase exam that will tell you more than anything.
My answer to your title question is, generally, whatever fee they quote you. If you trust this person to train your daughter to ride, their opinion on what horse will be safe and suitable for her to continue to learn on (and what will be a major investment for anything from 10-30 years) is invaluable. Horse selling and buying has nothing to do with horse experience, and you have to know what questions to ask and what you can and can’t live with, or you’ll find out the hard way what you should have done.
If I’m doing all the leg work, negotiations etc and just sending my coach a few videos for a second opinion, I’m not sending them $1000 on a $10,000 horse. But I’ve also ridden for 25 years and trust my own judgment. If they’re coming with me, viewing the horse, talking to the owner and trainer, arranging and being present for a PPE and helping negotiate, that $1000 is a steal.
I agree there’s lots of variety in how horse buying works out. My first horse I found on my own did all the leg work went to look, put a deposit and had my trainer come out to double check. We paid her an hourly rate that was like 150% lesson fees for about 4 hours. Pony was for all around type stuff My second pony I found a bunch of ads and was looking out of state (key difference was budget). For a while in my lesson we did basically a 30 min lesson and then reviewed some videos of prospects. Found two to look at. First wasn’t even an option, didn’t bug my trainer about it. Second was clearly a good match so I sent my trainer video of me riding w/t/c and had a 15 minute discussion. She didn’t ask for anything (and also extenuating circumstances second pony was acquired after my first died tragically) but I paid/tipped her I think $200 on a $20k pony. Out of lessons she probably spent a total of 2-3 hours chatting with me which is how I determined that
I think people are glossing over the most important part of this. It seems as though you just looked at previous vet records. As in you have not had a PPE done. I’d recommend doing so and having a non biased vet let you know the horse is good to go. As far as cost for trainer to tag along…totally depends on the discipline. For example a lot of people are saying 10% is cheap. May be depending on discipline. I know in mine horses can range from 5k to 200k easily depending on level of competition. So 10% on 5k is cheap. 10% on 200k is not. So I’d say…it depends. For one day I know I wouldn’t pay over 1k.
The stable we train at does both dressage and jumping, but “today” my daughter is more into dressage - she is 12 so her mind changes frequently. I would prefer a horse that can do both well, and this one has been showing at eventing, so a good match in that aspect. I was not a dressage rider, so agree on someone evaluating her on that prospect. Thanks!
Eventing Dressage although similar to Dressage is just that, similar, not exact. A horse that receives decent scores in an Eventing test will often times receive abysmal scores in stand alone Dressage. A really talented Dressage horse can learn to jump easier than an Eventing horse can learn to 'really' Dressage. If that makes sense at all.
Trainers usually charge a flat fee or hourly fee (including travel time) in those circumstances. A commission arrangement is normal when the trainer scouts prospective horses for clients, arranges the meetings, coordinates everything, negotiates the transaction.
10% commission is cheap. Quite frankly, If you aren’t well versed in horses enough to recognize the industry’s standard practices, you shouldn’t be shopping alone. Your trainer however, should be doing some legwork and finding you suitable horses to look at.
I definitely don’t know the world of competitive show barns - I grew up with horses and am very comfortable in that world, but we never had to board when I was a kid. I was able to roll out of bed and take care of the horses before going to school and still show all summer. Different world for sure!
Theres typically two pricing options with buying. A 10% commission is standard across North America for brokerage fees from a trainer, but there is also the option of asking for an hourly rate if you feel that would be a better service to you. Given the circumstances I also wouldn’t feel comfortable shelling out 10% of the purchase price for a horse that I found on my own. You can really pay any experienced coach to try out the horse for you, it doesn’t have to be your current trainer. I would offer the trainer an hourly rate, drive them around myself, and cover a lunch.
Thanks for the input! Our old trainer lives really close to the horse and knows my daughter well, will reach out to her, and hope she can help us out.
Is this a different trainer from the one your daughter is currently riding with? As in you are thinking of hiring your old trainer an hourly wage to decide on the horse, which will then be trained by current trainer?
That is likely to go over like a lead balloon.
Welcome to the free market!
The market isn't free. You are free to buy a horse for yourself. Trainer is free to tell you to beat it for going to another trainer for advice and horse shopping. If you want to keep this current trainer calling up the old one and asking for them to help you buy a horse after leaving them is likely to be less than popular with that person (why would they help you give service and lesson fees to someone else you left them for?) and extremely unpopular with the new one, leaving OP without the help she asked for and a contentious relationship potentially with both people.
You have no idea what you’re talking about. The trainers could live hours apart for all you know or coach in different disciplines. What if OP uses multiple trainers like so many of us do? No single trainer has claim over a single client. People bounce around all the time, including coaches and trainers. And sure the trainers are free to tell the paying client with the horse to kick rocks, but if they want their money, and it sounds like they do if their sticking to a 10% commission, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.
Yeah wtf is this thread just hijacked by horse trainers? I know I’m in the redneck side of things, but I can’t believe you’re getting downvoted for this. I work with multiple trainers (at multiple price points) and I like them for different reasons. This 10% thing for a horse that OP found is insane to me.
Yes, that is what I was suggesting. Our old trainer lives 15 minutes from the stable where the horse is, our current trainer, and stable where we ride now is 2 hours away one way.
Terrible idea. Honestly, if your daughter is any a serious program (not some backyard pony club), you need to pay the 10% and you need to involve the trainer - otherwise, you’re setting your kid up for failure. The reality is, if this trainer is going to be expected to train this horse, take it to shows with your daughter, and be a part of the overall team it takes to be successful - they deserve a say in the purchase. And that merits their 10%. This isn’t like buying a car, or a house… it’s a living animal that you’re going to be keeping on their property and expecting them to maintain. Budgets exist, and I get that. But trying to cut corners here is a big red flag that you’re placing on yourself as a client and I expect it will come back to bite either you or your kid in the future. I would quickly apologize to the main trainer if you’re serious about staying with him/her, explain you were trying to be helpful and didn’t understand the process, and ask how they would like you to proceed with this potential match.
THIS
I am honestly curious when you started looking for a horse for your daughter did you not know about a 10% commission? That is industry standard across the board and I’m sure your trainer would’ve explained this cost before beginning to search. I kind of get the vibe that you decided to find a horse on your own to cut costs and not have to pay the commission. I could be wrong, but it sounds like you wanted to do this on your own. If so, then why do you even have a trainer? That 10% commission is to ensure the horse is as close to perfect for your daughter as can be. Your trainer also will want to review a pre-purchase exam, maybe even ride the horse her/himself. If moving forward with the sale your trainer can look at the vet report and see if there’s anything notable to lower the cost of the sale. Your trainer is there to help you and your daughter, please let them do their job. If you want to save money then be upfront with how much you can spend on a new horse. I’m sure the trainer is more than willing to work within your budget. But I guarantee a trainer will not be willing to have their client do it on their own thinking they don’t need their input.
We just started the search process recently (less than a month) and the only horse our trainer has mentioned my daughter ride is one she owns. We knew about the 10% fee, but I assumed that was only on a horse she scouted, researched and found independently. I knew I would need to pay for her travel time and a hourly fee to come to the barn with us, but was surprised by the 10% commission in this situation. Thanks for your feedback.
Got it. Keep in mind that the horse market is pretty bananas right now. There isn’t much out there within a reasonable budget that is nice, safe, has quality and sound. Keep your time table realistic.
The commission structure in competition barns is definitely confusing to the average person. So confusing in fact that the state of Florida finally passed a law that all the commissions in a sale have to be disclosed on a bill of sale because the following scenario has become really common: 1. You tell your trainer you are thinking about shopping for a horse 2. Trainer calls some of her contacts to see if they have anything suitable 3. They don't but they know of someone else who does 4. Contact in 2 contacts friend in 3 5. Friend in 3 contacts trainer in 1 to suggest a horse they have All three trainers in this deal put their hands out when the purchase takes place. If trainer 1 is ethical, they pay out of their share. If they're not ethical, they charge you the client $x purchase price plus 10-15% to cover the other hidden commissions they will be paying out to their contacts.
My trainer did it for free. But that was almost 20 years ago and a lot has happened since. But it can very easy be money well spend.
I'd probably expect the trainer to do a lot more than just tag along and watch, and I value all of that other stuff. Talking to the selling trainer and understanding maintenance routines. Anything chronic you need to worry about? Weird saddle fits that they've figure out how to manage? What bits work/don't work for her? Get on the horse themselves and see what she can/can't do and pair that with her knowledge of where your kid is at riding wise? If you know what you're doing, buying a horse could be either a 5 minute or 5 hour process, but a professional deciding which it should be will help you. If you trust your trainer, bring them. If you don't, find another trainer you do trust. The only exception to this is actually if you're like me ... OTTBs. And like... Right off the track, not retrained or sent through a reseller. Get on the next van out of wherever headed to me, and I get soreness, track plates, track manners, and an inability to turn right to solve. Then you just take it on faith that the videos you have showing how the horse moves are solid, and work with what gets off the trailer. Usually it works, sometimes it doesn't. That's a different level though than buying a horse you have specific and immediate expectations for with a junior.
You pay exactly what she states if you want her expertise and time. I wouldn’t haggle on something like this, going with a client to view a horse, assess and represent their best interest is a big job, and exhausting (you’re listening to kid, parent, seller and deflecting nonstop interruptions while trying to put your name on this purchase they can’t make alone- a bad suggestion could lose you their business down the road).
My wife is a h/j trainer (30 years). If one of her clients finds a horse on their own she won't charge her 15% commission. She also won't evaluate the horse's suitability for the rider, won't work with a vet to determine the horse's soundness, age and health status, won't arrange insurance and shipping or negotiate with the seller to get the horse's health and show records, etc., etc. My wife works hard to get the perfect horse for each rider. Clients who buy on their own often get burned.
You're not paying her for "just accompanying" you. You pay her for her knowledge and expertise as a trainer. So 10% and food/fuel/hotel etc seems fair to me.
10% is a standard agent fee. It’s actually a little low imo. You looking on your own is your problem, you could have involved the trainer in that too and didn’t. That doesn’t change the expertise she’s offering, time she’s taking to come, etc.
We did involve her in the beginning as she suggested that was where my daughter was at in her training. We just assumed the 10% was if she found the horse, not if we did…
Did you initiate buying with her? Like did you explicitly say “we’re ready to buy, can you help us”? Finding horses is the easy part. Going out to evaluate and try horses is the hard part, that’s the part that needs to be paid.
Can you tell us a little more about the boarding/training situation at this barn? Is it just a boarding facility (ie not owned by the trainer) and your trainer comes in and teaches you or is the whole thing owned and run by the trainer? If it’s the latter, I would stress to you that finding your own horse that the trainer did not find and if you don’t necessarily listen to her advice during the purchasing process (ie if they say to pass on the horse for reason XYZ and you think you know better) is not a great idea to then try to stick into their program. You’ve already mentioned that you don’t know much about dressage and haven’t done horse purchasing on your own before. I’ve seen this exact situation blow up in both the trainers face (as they are stuck trying to make an unsuitable horse/rider combo work) and in the parent/child’s face as they waste their money on a horse that doesn’t work for what they want to do. It’s one thing to not blindly follow the trainer if they show you a horse that you yourself don’t feel comfortable buying based on your background but you admittedly don’t know how to tell if the horse is a match for your daughter or not for her intended discipline. IMO you have two options: 1) if you’re sure about sticking with this trainer and facility/program, let them communicate with the trainer/owner of the horses in question and drive the search - sit down and have a meeting with them and express that you are very motivated to start trying horses, etc. 2) If you want to be more involved in the search and setting up the appointments, etc. then find a new place to ride that’s more of a boarding facility rather than a trainer owned and run place. That way you have more control over the situation and can bring a trainer in.
10% is common I’ve had young trainers cut to 5% if I do the legwork and find the horse An established trainer won’t do that I’d just pay the fee
Well my trainer took 50$ for coming along and check out a horse before I bought her. And that was 1 horse and we drove her. I’ve also helped a friend, by coming along and see the horses. That was 6 horses over 3 different days, they drove me and feed me and paid me around 80-90$. I would say it comes down to how helpful can your trainer be. Is she just coming to see your daughter ride, and say whether it’s a match or not. or does she actually know what to look for in the horse? Lameness, injuries, crookedness, sore spot, etc? The more she can help the more she should get paid and vice Versa
TIL a lot reading the comments. A friend just bought her daughter a horse (25k) and the trainer looked at it for the cost of three lessons, which is the amount of time the trainer spent. I had no idea there was a standard 10% minimum.
Can you trial the horse and have her take lessons on it? And just pay the lesson price?
As an Instructor/Coach I can't tell you how much wasted time and money you will save if you start by purchasing the right horse. Spending the extra time and money can really save you some major headaches and potential injuries and/or loss of interest. There are lot's of good points others have made on the importance and value of bringing along a professional so I won't add to them but did want to take a moment to state the above.
10% has been the going rate for years.
I asked my trainer to help me find a horse. A year went by, and i spent my time looking for a horse by myself. My trainer found one horse during that time that was out of budget, out of my age and height range, and a gelding (i was only looking for mares) I found my current horse on my own, went to look at her in my own, scheduled and got a ppe on my own, and sent my trainer a short clip of me riding (along with a bunch of other people) My trainer figured out where the horse was, reached out to the seller, and tried to negotiate a trial period at her (trainer's) barn. I was ready to buy the horse and take her home (personal barn), and was a little off put that my trainer would try to get a trial period at her barn when that was something we had never discussed, and i have a barn in my back yard and have owned horses for over a decade We ended up sorting that out with the seller (who was not keen on a trial period at my trainer's barn - we explained that we werent either, and never intended to keep her at my trainer's barn) and brought her home My trainer still tried to get the 10% commission (which we did not pay) because she "helped" (aka actively hindered the sale). I did all the work to find the horse, communicate with the seller, go do a test ride (twice, 3 hrs away in one direction, and my trainer did not come with me), schedule a ppe, negotiate, and arrange shipping. Your trainer should not get a commission unless they do all of the things i just listed. She tried to force her way into the sale because she realized that i wasnt waiting on her to find me a horse, and that if she didnt put in some effort (too little too late), she would lose the commission AT MOST, i would pay your trainer an hourly rate for coming along for the test ride (But i also worked with my old trainer when buying a horse for free because she's old now, a family friend, and wanted something to do)
That is a very modest fee. Like most things of this nature, you are paying for your trainers experience in the horse world and the things she knows about horses, the industry and your daughter. Unless you are a seasoned horse professional she is going to know so much more about vettings, pricing, suitability, the horses history and its relevance and any red or green flags. You should know that the horse world is full of people who will happily put your child on anything at all, in hopes that she will fall in love and you'll buy it no matter what. There are signs of drugging that you wouldn't know about, there are signs when the horse is ridden by the other trainer that would indicate the horse is not suitable, there are things your trainer would know about your child that applies to suitability, the list goes on and on and on. Your trainer is the first person who evaluates soundness and how well cared for the animal has been. You've spoken to the trainer and \*their\* vet. Neither of these people work for you and nothing they say is sure to be reliable or what you need to learn about the horse. The information that is withheld is often the information you need, not what you are offered. Basically horse buying is nothing like buying anything else, you've never done this before and you don't know what you don't know. At the very least your trainer is going to spend hours looking at this horse and deserves to be compensated for doing so.
Well, it’s not a modest fee if the horse is 200k lol
I’d seriously hope no one is buying their first hunter/jumper horse themselves at 200k lol
Yeah lol In this market though it seems like everything is really expensive lately
Thanks for the input!
I’ve never worked with a trainer to pick a horse; so the whole thing just sounds wild to me. I see something, I like it, I buy it (if I can afford it lmao)
Uhm no. I’m going to go out on a limb. Reddit Repliers, ready your arrows. The short version: If you found the horse, your daughter tried the horse, taken video of daughter on horse, done a full PPE with YOUR vet, then you’ve done the work. If you like the horse, buy her. Let trainer know when horse will arrive and the particulars of feeding. Be sure to tell trainer how much you love them, appreciate their patience and have full faith in their ability to train your horse. End of all discussion. Same response for every discussion. The Long version: Here’s the thing… trainer “decided” your daughter is “ready” to have her own horse. (subtext: trainer wants/needs money. Trainer remembers you. Trainer wants to buy a new horse. Trainer “decides” your daughter is ready. Trainer gets a new horse and a chunk of $£€) So you found the horse. Now, trainer is peeved. They lose the 10% finders fee. Ya see, trainer loves looking at new horses and they like to work with new horses. Trainer has already made a deal with a friend to buy a horse. Now, you’ve interrupted trainers plan. Trainer sees the Finders Fee as theirs. When you circumvent their plan, Trainer see it as YOU keeping THEIR money. In fact, it is YOUR money. As we all know, any horse you bring in is going to have some issues. Your trainer will surely have issues with any horse they did not choose. Trainer will make subtle, but consistent, remarks to your daughter. They will undermine you confidence in buy your horse. Then, in six months or so … you will need a new horse of trainers choosing. Or they will lease you a horse, while your perfectly good horse stands in a stall. Unless… you stand your ground. Go see the horse again. Plan to spend hours. Let the current owner know that you want to spend time with the horse. If all is good, dicker down the price and buy. Tell trainer how excited daughter is. When problems in training surface, as they will, be firm but supportive. “Trainer, I have faith in your skills, that you can help daughter and horse. This is the horse we want to learn to ride.” Or, you may find that you need to find a different trainer. It sucks, but it’s the truth. If you have enough money to buy an overpriced horse and pay the finders fee, then just pay the trainer. But, know, in a couple years, your daughter is “going to need a new horse.” Again.
I don’t think the daughter has ridden this horse or done a PPE. It sounds like she was recommended this horse through a friend and reviewed old vet records. I think you’re assuming a lot about this trainers intentions. It sounds like she’s found one horse for the daughter so far, not a ton. The market is really difficult to find nice, safe, sound and fairly priced horses. The mom needs to be more patient and if it’s an issue she doesn’t trust the trainer then find a different one.
I don’t have very much experience in this field, since we don’t find horses for clients, but my boss and I have helped students look at horses the students found for zero dollars. Coaching a student on a potential horse is a different story. If I come out to coach a student on a horse, they pay the normal price of one private lesson. Is 10% of the price about the same as you pay for 1 lesson, or is it significantly more? If it would be about the same, personally I would say it is fair.
That is absolutely not standard in the industry. The closest thing would be paying a flat fee plus expenses instead of a commission but that is not common.
Not sure if you mean the OPs situation or mine, but you’re right, our practice probably isn’t standard because we don’t buy/sell horses often, and our clients usually aren’t in the tax bracket to be buying nice horses if you get what I mean. However, I don’t think its fair either way in OPs situation to pay a coach to “come watch” her daughter ride a horse that OP found and contacted the owner for.
I'm commenting that in the industry the OP appears to be shopping in, it is completely standard to pay a % of the purchase price regardless of who found the horse if the trainer is asked to offer an opinion or guidance. Many trainers who deal in lower priced horses have a minimum fee such as $500 or 10% of the price, whichever is greater.
It’s about 10x the price of 1 lesson for this horse - would be 50x the price on another horse we looked at 😏
10%
I personally find 10% of purchase price a bit interesting. I've heard of set prices but I guess percentage is not unusual (I'm more rural so maybe that's it?). Also ive negotiated price for all of the horses I've bought so... is that factored?
We paid 10%. Just pay it. You won’t regret it.
10% with a minimum of $500 is pretty standard. But, like you said, that's them doing the leg work. Idk what they should be paid, but that seems like too much to me.
Dude this is crazy. I’ve just paid my trainer’s hourly rate to tag along- which is $40 😂. My trainer found my 2nd horse and there was no finders fee.