What does Private Treaty mean?

I have had some questions on what this term means on Curly Horse Country,
so thought I would explain the term for this website.

In a nutshell, Private Treaty simply means that the Stallion Owner OR Seller is leaving their options open. But more specifically it can mean the following:

Regarding CHC's Curly Stallions at stud:

It can mean that the stallion owner is screening mares, as well as mare owners.
They are willing to work out special terms and breeding arrangments with the owners of certain mares. This allows them to not only limit the number of foals by their stallion but keep the quality of them high.
If the stallion is good enough it can keep not only the value of, but the demand for, his foals high.

Private Treaty breedings can mean: special consideration to APPROVED mares that.... have certain, bloodlines, National Titles, so many and certain show wins, winning produce...... as well as breeders willing to advertise and promote their foals by this stallion by showing in certain shows, enrolling in certain futurities and/or breed related programs....as well as advertising in the breed publications.

It can be a breeder taking the first foal from the mating and sending the mare home rebred to the stallion, a every other foal arrangment, or even the breeder getting a specific sex foal (colt/filly) from the mating.

Regarding For Sale Curly Ads:

When you see Private Treaty on a horse ad, it can mean a few things.

1. The owner has a set price in mind, but is willing to negotiate if special considerations were met, such as promoting the horse to prove their breeding lines, work to help the horse reach his/her potential etc. In some cases it could be that the seller sees this particular horse highly valued and before disclosing the price would like to evaluate the buyer's intentions for that horse - making sure it is the right match and a home they deem suitable.

2. In some cases, this is used to mean the horse would be of very little cost to the right home. I don't like to use the term "free" on CHC, so you will see private treaty on occassion instead. The owner might work something out where the buyer pays for paperwork for the horse and that's all or they might offer the horse at no charge at all. Best to ask to be sure.

SUMMARY

So in summary, don't be intimidated when you see Private Treaty. =] Just email and ask the seller or stallion owner what is involved in their Private Treaty agreement.