1.00m Horses for Sale

1.00m horses for sale: Buying and selling 1.00m horses

The 1.00m horse sits in a very sweet spot of the equestrian market: big enough to feel like “real sport,” but still accessible and forgiving for a wide range of riders. At this height, horses are usually past the greenest stages of training and are starting to look like genuine partners for consistent competition, whether you’re riding show jumping, eventing, or even more ambitious riding club goals.

When we talk about a 1.00m horse, we’re generally referring to a horse confidently schooling and competing around 0.90–1.00m courses with enough scope, rideability, and balance to do the job safely and repeatedly. They should be comfortable with related distances, simple combinations, fillers, and a bit of atmosphere. This level suits ambitious amateurs, junior riders moving off ponies, and adult riders who want to compete seriously without stepping into the pressure cooker of higher FEI heights.

In the marketplace, 1.00m horses are in steady demand because they’re so versatile. A solid 1.00m horse can be a competitive show jumper, a fun low-level eventer, or a classy all-rounder that schools higher at home. Unlike true beginners’ horses, they’re usually athletic and forward-thinking, but they don’t yet command the same prices as 1.30m+ campaigners. That combination of usability and affordability makes them a very active segment of the buying and selling market year-round.

Buying a 1.00m horse - what you need to know

If you’re buying a 1.00m horse, you’re often looking for something more than a schoolmaster but not a raw project. You want a horse that is educated on the flat, understands basic lateral work, and can jump a 1.00m course without drama. The attraction is that many of these horses are already competition-ready, meaning you can step into local or national shows relatively quickly, rather than investing years into bringing a green horse along.

Most people start searching online: specialist sport horse classifieds, social media groups, and dealer or trainer websites. These are useful, but at this level I strongly recommend involving your trainer early. They’ll know which local professionals have suitable 1.00m horses for sale and can help you interpret videos honestly. Try to see horses in a normal work setting, not just a polished sales video. If you can, watch them being tacked up, warmed up, and then jumped over a simple course with fillers, an oxer off the turn, and at least one combination.

Key considerations at 1.00m are rideability and brain. You don’t need a horse with 1.50m scope, but you do need one that is brave to the jumps, doesn’t fall apart mentally in a busy warm-up, and has a rhythm you can actually ride. On a trial ride, pay attention to how the horse reacts if you miss a distance or get a bit deep. A good 1.00m horse doesn’t hold a grudge and will try to help you out. Have the seller set a small course, then build to 0.95–1.00m so you can feel what it’s like at the intended level, not just over cross-rails.

Vetting is important. At this level, you’re often buying horses in the 6–12-year-old range, where minor findings are common. It’s less about finding a “perfect” vetting and more about understanding what’s manageable for 1.00m sport. A standard pre-purchase exam with flexions and x-rays of key joints is normal. Don’t be afraid to discuss the findings with both your vet and your trainer in the context of 1.00m work rather than hypothetical Grand Prix careers.

As for prices, they vary by region, pedigree, and record. As a broad guide in many European and North American markets, you might see green but talented 1.00m prospects from roughly $10,000–$20,000, straightforward amateur-friendly campaigners around $20,000–$40,000, and particularly attractive, young, well-bred horses with scope to move up priced from $40,000 and up. Temperament, soundness history, recent competition results, and how genuinely “easy” they are to ride can all push the price either way. Red flags at this level include a horse that has only ever jumped 1.00m at home despite being older, frequent changes of ownership in a short period, or sellers unwilling to share videos of full courses, not just single fences.

Everything about selling 1.00m horses

When you’re selling a 1.00m horse, you’re usually targeting ambitious amateurs, juniors stepping up from ponies, or professionals shopping for quality resale prospects. Many buyers at this level want something they can enjoy right away: a horse they can take to a training show next weekend, not one that needs months of remedial work. Being honest about who your horse is suitable for—confident teen, experienced amateur, or pro ride only—will save you a lot of wasted viewings.

Preparation matters. Before advertising your 1.00m horse for sale, make sure it’s fit, correctly shod, and going in consistent work. Good sales videos are crucial: show walk, trot, and canter on both reins, some basic flatwork, and then a full course at 0.95–1.00m with fillers and a combination. Include clips from competition if you have them, even small local shows. Clear, recent photos in a plain bridle, plus a short video of loading, can be very reassuring for buyers. Have your competition record, vaccination history, dental and shoeing schedule, and any previous vet reports organized and ready to share.

For platforms, online sport horse marketplaces and social media are powerful, but don’t underestimate word of mouth. Tell your farrier, vet, and trainer that your 1.00m horse is for sale; many horses at this level sell quietly through networks. Some sellers also use auctions, especially in Europe, where 1.00m/1.10m types are popular. If you go that route, choose an auction known for transparent vetting and realistic reserves. Pricing strategy should reflect both the current market and how quickly you need to sell. If your horse is a safe, forgiving amateur ride with a tidy 1.00m record, you’re generally looking at the mid to upper end of the range for your region. If it’s more of a professional ride or lightly competed, be realistic and price accordingly rather than chasing “what similar horses are advertised for” online.

Buyers of 1.00m horses are usually looking for three things: consistency, rideability, and a believable story. They expect to see at least training videos, preferably some show results, and a coherent explanation of why the horse is for sale. Be upfront about quirks—“needs a confident ride to the first fence,” “better with a quiet leg,” or “not suitable for complete beginners.” The more transparent you are, the smoother the vetting and handover process will be. Timing also plays a role: many people shop in late winter and early spring ahead of the show season, and again in late summer for juniors moving off ponies. If you can plan your sale around those windows, you’ll often get more interest and better offers for your 1.00m horse.