I just went thru this with an Amish neighbor. 32" chestnut mini recently gelded, had bad manners
, would I want him and for how much. I tried to kindly explain,
1) I'm not looking to buy especially a recent gelding with my mares
2) price depends on alot
3) is he registered, yes he was R a ways back but not current
4) horse's condition...feet trimmed, flesh, coat, general attitude
5) what can he do
I told him he could be worth $300 or $3000 depending on what someone is willing to pay for him. I did go look. The horse was in fine flesh, a bit thinner than I like. Feet were a bit rough, chips and a wee bit long but healthy, cost would be a bit much to bring him permanent, and he was most definitely a strong personality, not a pasture pet "yet". He wasn't dangerous but cautious.
IF I were buying for a pasture ornament I would've paid no more than $500 as he had begun learning to drive but wasn't really into it yet because of the gelding. Short necked, long backed, cowhocked but I bet cleaned up he'd have been very nice. They sold him for $450.
IF you are looking to buy your guy and he has no price tag...make an offer of what you wish to pay, less $100 and see what kind of deal they'll make. They call it horse trading you know. Now before anyone gets outraged at that term, I use it with respect. I have always dickered over the price of horses. Sometimes the price comes down, sometimes not, but it never hurts to make an offer. If it is repectfully a proper amount and not an insult.
The Amish fella understood well, knew he didn't have time or a real job for this guy. Wanted him originally for breeding but realized he wasn't good enough. I commended him on the gelding. This boy will heal, and be taught to ride a little child and maybe later even finish driving school.
SO the long and short of it is...what do "you" feel he is worth to you? $500...$1000...kinda depends on if you'll be gelding him. If so, many folks will knock the price down by around $300. Good luck. For me IF I was buying him for purely a love boy and not for breeding I'd start at $750 just in case I had to geld him. Some older stallions are pure love bugs and don't "need" gelding if they don't have mares around.
