Buy Horses in Cyprus

Horses for sale in Cyprus: Buying and selling horses in Cyprus

For a small island, Cyprus has a surprisingly lively horse scene, and that’s exactly what makes buying and selling horses here so interesting. You’ve got a blend of local riders, British expats, ambitious juniors, and a growing group of serious sport riders all competing in a relatively compact market. That mix creates real opportunities for both buyers and sellers who understand how the Cypriot horse world works.

Cyprus has a long relationship with horses, from the traditional use of local ponies in agriculture and transport to today’s focus on show jumping, dressage, endurance, and leisure hacking. You’ll find a lot of imported warmbloods from Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands, plus Irish and British types, ex-race Thoroughbreds off the Nicosia racetrack, and the hardy Cypriot pony for riding school and trekking work. The top competition horses tend to be based around Nicosia and Limassol, while Paphos and Larnaca have more leisure and trekking yards. The community is small enough that reputations travel quickly, which can work in your favor if you do things properly.

Because the island is relatively small, the number of horses for sale in Cyprus at any one time is limited compared to larger European markets. That said, you’ll usually see a reasonable choice of schoolmasters between 6,000–12,000 EUR, young prospects from 4,000–8,000 EUR, and ex-race or project horses starting from around 1,500–3,000 EUR. Top-level sport horses can reach 20,000–35,000 EUR or more, especially if they’re imported with a record abroad. What’s unique here is the mix of Mediterranean lifestyle riding—beach hacks, trekking in the Troodos mountains—combined with a competitive calendar that, while smaller than mainland Europe, is quite active for an island of this size. If you’re patient and ask the right questions, Cyprus can be a very rewarding place to buy or sell.

Buying horses in Cyprus – what you need to know

If you’re buying a horse in Cyprus, one of the biggest advantages is that you can see a lot of horses within a short driving distance. Many buyers start online, browsing Facebook groups dedicated to horses for sale in Cyprus, local equestrian center pages, and regional classifieds. There are also a few established dealers who regularly import from Greece, Bulgaria, and central Europe and then resell locally. It’s very common here to find horses through word of mouth, so don’t hesitate to message riding clubs or trainers; some of the best horses never actually get publicly advertised.

Prices in Cyprus tend to be a bit higher than in Eastern Europe but often lower than in central and northern Europe for comparable quality. A nice amateur show jumper competing 1.10–1.20m might be in the 10,000–18,000 EUR range depending on age, record, and temperament. A safe, solid schoolmaster for lessons or hacking often sells between 6,000–10,000 EUR. Young, unproven but well-bred warmbloods normally sit around 5,000–9,000 EUR. Keep in mind that horses with good temperaments and genuine “all-rounder” ability are especially sought after on the island and can command a premium. When you view, try to see the horse both in the arena and outside—on the road, around other horses, and if possible out on a small hack—because many Cypriot buyers want horses that can handle varied environments.

For international buyers looking at importing a horse from Cyprus, the key is planning. Cyprus is an EU member, so moving horses within the EU is straightforward in terms of paperwork: you’ll need an EU health certificate, valid vaccinations, and a microchip and passport in order. Transport is usually by lorry via ferry to Greece and then overland, or in some cases by air from Larnaca for higher-end horses. Expect transport costs to mainland Europe to run roughly 1,200–2,000 EUR depending on the destination and type of service. Always arrange a full pre-purchase examination with a local equine vet who is used to working with international buyers. Standard practice here is a 2-stage or 5-stage vetting with flexion tests and, for more expensive horses, X-rays. You should ask specifically about any history of laminitis or tendon issues, as some horses are kept on relatively rich grazing or worked on hard ground in summer. A written contract is not always standard in Cyprus, but I strongly recommend it; include details of any trial period, vetting conditions, and what happens if a problem is discovered shortly after purchase.

Everything about selling horses in Cyprus

When you’re selling horses in Cyprus, you’re catering to a mixed audience: local riders upgrading from a school horse, parents shopping for safe ponies, riding schools looking for reliable all-rounders, and international buyers hunting for good value sport horses in a slightly less “shopped-out” market than mainland Europe. Buyers from nearby countries sometimes look to Cyprus because they know that many horses have already adapted to heat, dry conditions, and varied terrain, which can be a real asset for endurance, trekking, or outdoor competition.

To sell successfully, presentation matters more than fancy wording. Clean, clear photos in good light, ridden videos at all three gaits, and footage over fences if you’re marketing a jumper are essential. Cypriot buyers often want to see the horse in different situations: in the arena, being tacked up, and ideally hacking quietly. Be honest about any vices—cribbing, weaving, or sensitivity to flies in summer—because the market is small and word spreads quickly. Most sellers advertise on Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, local equestrian club pages, and sometimes on European horse sale sites if they’re targeting international buyers. Dealers can help if you’re time-poor, but they’ll naturally factor their margin into the final selling price.

Pricing strategy in Cyprus needs to reflect both the real quality of the horse and the limited pool of buyers on the island. Overpricing can leave a horse sitting for months, especially in the summer when it’s very hot and many riders are less active. The most active selling periods are typically autumn and early spring, when new competition seasons are starting and temperatures are more comfortable. If you’re open to selling abroad, make that clear in your adverts and be prepared to assist with export documents, organizing vettings, and coordinating transport companies who know the Cyprus–Europe routes. International buyers expect full transparency: veterinary history, competition record, and any quirks. The more open you are, the smoother the sale and the better your reputation will be for the next horse you put on the market. In a tight-knit equestrian community like Cyprus, that reputation is one of your most valuable assets.