Tips for a safe transaction
Buyer and seller best practices for a clean sale.
Reinly handles the marketplace and the messaging. The vet check, the wire, the bill of sale — those are on you. A few practices that protect everyone.
For buyers
Always vet-check
An independent vet check is the single biggest piece of leverage you have. Skipping it to save $500 on a five-figure horse is the wrong tradeoff every time.
See the horse in person before money moves
Or send a trusted trainer. Video doesn't catch everything.
Get a written bill of sale
Includes horse identity (microchip if relevant), price, "as-is" disclosure, both parties' info. Ask the seller for a template if you don't have one.
For sellers
Be specific in disclosures
"Old fracture in 2019, X-rayed clean since" beats "fully sound". Honesty up front prevents disputes after.
Wait for cleared funds
Wires take 1-2 business days. Don't release the horse until the bank confirms the funds, not just the wire.
Document handover
Take photos at pickup. Save the bill of sale, vet records, registration papers, and any communication around handover.
Red flags either way
- Pressure to move money off-platform fast
- Refusal of a vet check or in-person visit
- Story keeps changing
- "Shipping agent" who needs payment up front
If anything feels off, slow down and message support.