legged horror show”. So, with this in mind, I make sure my “client” is comfortable with me diving in head first and doing a complete and total analysis of the horse, stopping just short of a full vet check, which is something you should strongly recommend anyway. So, when I purchase a horse for myself there are several steps I always go through; but bear in mind this is NOT a purchase for you or me, this is a purchase for someone else. If I buy a horse that doesn’t work out, oh well, chalk it up to whatever mistake I made, take it on the chin and move on. I’m the only one (hopefully) hurt by this bad buy. But, when you advise on a purchase for a “client” there is no room for any mistakes….ZERO mistakes. Gary and Tizrobertcharles, who he adopted from Florida Trac* in Loxahatchee, Florida. The retired racehorse is now a mounted police horse. * https://fltrac.org/
Obviously, the level of riding skill and horsemanship of your client must be considered, as well as what the horse’s primary job will
Consulting on a Sale; Where are Your Loyalties?
be. I may feel I owe loyalty to the seller (commission) as well as the “client”, but more importantly I feel I owe the most amount of loyalty to the horse. If the horse is unsuitable or unsafe for the “client”, where is the fairness for the horse? He or she has no say in the matter; they go where we tell them
By Gary Cortolillo
to go, regardless of the situation we will be putting them into. The horse will be put into I am often put into a situation where I am
Of course, this all depends on your level of
a position where they may not reach their
asked to consult on the purchase of a new
involvement or consultation. If it’s just a
full potential; they will be cheated. In this
horse for a friend, student, or business as-
passing glance and a simple, “Yeah, that
sociate. I would not be exaggerating in the
mare looks ok” and you’re done, you might
least, if I said I am not thrilled when this
be fine. But if your “client” wants a more in-
happens. Don’t get me wrong, I want to be
depth analysis and consultation, Pandora’s
as helpful as I possibly can be, but…
Box may be ripped open, and all kinds of ghastly things may emerge.
Consulting on a new purchase for whoever it may be, carries a tremendous amount of
Any commission or consulting fee notwith-
responsibility. If you advise yes or no, your
standing, if I agree to advise on the purchase,
name is forever tied to that horse and its fu-
I go about it the same way every time. The
ture, good, bad, and everything in between.
most important thing to me is my reputa-
Add into the mix the element that the seller
tion. You can have all the accolades, ribbons,
may also be a friend, student, or business
medals, certifications and wealth available,
associate. ALSO, throw in there a little tid-
but these are all fleeting; your reputation
bit that they may be offering a substantial
stays with you forever. One bad recommen-
commission on the sale, and you can easily
dation and you’ll always be remembered as
see my trepidation.
“that guy/gal who told me to buy that three-
14
Fall 2020 | Riding Instructor
If the horse is unsuitable or unsafe for the “client”, where is the fairness for the horse? He or she has no say in the matter; they go where we tell them to go.
