1.50m Horses for Sale

1.50m horses for sale: Buying and selling 1.50m horses

When you start talking about 1.50m horses, you’re in that fascinating space between “serious sport horse” and “true Grand Prix partner.” These are the horses that can jump under big lights on a Saturday night, handle technical tracks, and still come out again the next week ready to work. In show jumping terms, 1.50m is typically ranking classes, World Cup qualifiers, and the step just below the very top five-star Grand Prix height. A horse competing consistently at this level has already answered a lot of questions about scope, rideability, and mentality.

A 1.50m horse usually has several years of proper training and competition behind it. You’re looking at an athlete that knows its job: adjustable stride, careful in front, quick behind, and mentally tough enough to handle tight combinations, open water, and delicate verticals off short turns. These horses generally suit ambitious amateurs with experience up to at least 1.40m–1.45m, as well as professionals needing a reliable ranking-class horse or a step-up mount for a talented client. The demand is steady and global: riders want something that can step into 1.45–1.50m ranking classes, provide consistent results, and, ideally, still have potential to reach 1.60m.

Because of that, 1.50m horses sit in a very specific price bracket. They’re more proven than a young 1.30m star and often more attainable than a confirmed 1.60m championship horse. The market watches performance: FEI results, consistency on different venues, and soundness history all influence what you can ask or expect to pay. Training and management at this level are also more specialized—these horses aren’t just jumping big rails, they’re working on fitness, carefulness, and longevity. Whether you’re buying or selling, you’re dealing with sport partners that already have a résumé, and that makes transparency and detail incredibly important.

Buying a 1.50m horse - what you need to know

When you’re buying a 1.50m horse, you’re usually looking for something that can walk into the ring and do the job now, not “maybe in two years.” That’s the big attraction: you get a horse with confirmed scope, proven ring experience, and a clear record of what it is, not just what it might become. For a professional, a 1.50m horse can be a competitive ranking-class ride or a nice second string. For an amateur, it might be the horse that takes you from 1.35m into the bigger FEI classes safely and confidently. Because of that, buyers are very focused on reliability, rideability, and soundness, not just raw scope.

Most buyers start the search on a mix of online platforms, trusted dealers, and personal networks. Sites and social media pages advertising “1.50m horses for sale” are useful to get a feel for prices and bloodlines, but the serious horses often move quietly through trainers and agents. Viewing usually involves seeing the horse at home and, if possible, at a show. At this level, you should ask to see it jump a full course at height, with related distances and combinations that simulate a proper 1.50m track. If you’re an amateur, bring your trainer and be honest about your ability; some 1.50m horses are straightforward, others are sensitive, strong, or quirky, and that matters more than one extra inch of scope.

The vetting process for a 1.50m horse is non-negotiable and usually quite thorough. Expect a full clinical exam, flexions, and a comprehensive set of X‑rays, sometimes including neck and back. Many buyers also review old images if available to compare changes over time. A little “wear and tear” is normal at this level, but you want a clear, reasoned explanation from both your vet and the seller’s. On trial, pay attention to how the horse feels between the jumps: does it wait, does it rush, how does it land and turn, does it get stronger as you go? These details tell you more about daily life with the horse than one spectacular oxer.

In terms of prices, the range is wide but there are patterns. In Europe and North America, a genuine, sound, consistent 1.50m horse with solid FEI results will often sit between €250,000 and €600,000. A younger horse just stepping into 1.50m with big potential but limited record might be in the €150,000–€300,000 range. A seasoned 1.50m campaigner that’s a bit older, maybe 12–14, and perfect as a teacher for an amateur could be anywhere from €120,000 to €300,000 depending on soundness, record, and temperament. Prices climb further if the horse has wins at five-star shows or has already jumped 1.60m with good results. Red flags include vague or incomplete show records, reluctance to provide vet history, big gaps in competition seasons without clear reasons, or a seller who refuses a proper trial. When you’re buying at this level, you’re not just buying a jump—you’re buying a history, so insist on seeing it clearly.

Everything about selling 1.50m horses

When you’re selling a 1.50m horse, you’re usually talking to three types of buyers: professionals needing a solid ranking-class or Nations Cup backup, ambitious amateurs wanting to move into FEI 1.45–1.50m, and trainers looking for a reliable “teacher” for strong junior or young riders. Each of these buyers values slightly different things. The pro cares about raw ability, carefulness, and speed against the clock. The amateur cares just as much about rideability and forgiveness as about scope. The trainer wants a horse that can do its job safely week after week without drama.

Preparing your 1.50m horse for sale means presenting the full picture. You’ll want up-to-date competition videos at the correct height, ideally from different venues: one indoor, one outdoor, and at least one FEI class. Buyers will ask for the FEI record, national federation results, and a basic overview of the horse’s soundness and management routine. Have documentation ready: passport, ownership papers, vaccination and shoeing history, and any recent vet reports you’re comfortable sharing. Good flatwork videos matter more than many sellers think; serious buyers want to see that the horse is adjustable, supple, and not just a scopey rocket over fences.

As for where to sell, the combination of targeted online marketplaces, social media, and professional networks works best for 1.50m horses. General “horses for sale” sites can be useful for visibility, but the real traction often comes from trainers, agents, and being seen in the ring. Well-chosen shows are powerful marketing—getting your horse into a 1.45–1.50m ranking class where it jumps clear under a good rider often does more than any advertisement. Auctions can be an option for younger 1.50m horses or those with big future potential, but for proven performers, private treaty sales are still the norm.

Pricing strategy at this level should be realistic and grounded in recent results and current market conditions. Horses that are jumping clear rounds in 1.50m at FEI shows, under a recognizable rider, and staying sound are easier to price at the top of the range. If your horse is older, has a few manageable maintenance needs, or is better suited as a teacher than a winner, lean toward a more accessible number and highlight the horse’s educational value. Timing matters too: the months leading into major tours (Wellington, Sunshine Tour, Global Champions circuits, summer European tours) are prime for selling 1.50m horses, as riders are organizing their strings. Above all, be transparent. Buyers at this level expect to see the good and the bad—clear communication about quirks, management, and history builds trust and usually leads to smoother negotiations and a better long-term match for both horse and rider.