Buy Horses in Italy

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

Italy’s horse market has a particular charm: it combines old-world equestrian tradition with a very modern sport and trading scene. You’ve got classical riding schools in Tuscany, serious showjumping yards around Lombardy and Veneto, and hardy working and trekking horses in central and southern regions, all feeding into a surprisingly diverse marketplace for buying and selling horses in Italy.

The equestrian culture here is strong, though more regional than in some northern European countries. In the north, you’ll find a concentration of sport horses: Italian Sport Horses, warmbloods with French, Holsteiner, and Oldenburg bloodlines, plus a good number of imported Dutch and Belgian jumpers. In central Italy, you see a mix: Quarter Horses for reining, Lusitanos and Iberian types for working equitation, and reliable leisure horses for agriturismi and trekking centers. Native breeds like the Maremmano and Sardinian Anglo-Arab are still present, especially for eventing, trekking, and traditional work, though they’re less visible on the big international sales circuits.

What makes buying and selling horses in Italy interesting is the contrast between very professional competition yards and more informal local setups. You can walk into a top show stable near Milan and see horses priced from €40,000 to well over €150,000, and an hour away find honest schoolmasters or young prospects between €8,000 and €20,000 in smaller family-run yards. The community is fairly close-knit: reputations matter, word-of-mouth is powerful, and many deals are still done through personal contacts rather than glossy advertising. If you understand this mix of tradition, relationship-based trading, and growing online presence, Italy can be a rewarding place to buy or sell.

Buying horses in Italy - what you need to know

If you’re buying a horse in Italy, the first advantage is variety. For sport, Italy is particularly strong in showjumpers and increasingly competitive in eventers and dressage horses. You’ll find everything from lightly backed 3-year-olds around €6,000–€12,000 in provincial areas, to 1.30–1.40m jumpers in the €25,000–€70,000 range, and experienced FEI horses easily reaching six figures when dealing with top yards. Leisure and trekking horses, especially crosses and older schoolmasters, often sit in the €4,000–€10,000 bracket depending on training, age, and location.

Most buyers start their search on Italian online platforms and social media. Websites such as local equestrian classifieds, Italian Facebook groups for “cavalli in vendita,” and the networks around major show centers like Arezzo, Verona, or San Giovanni in Marignano are where many serious horses quietly change hands. Professional dealers and trainers often don’t list everything publicly; sending a clear message about your budget, discipline, and level usually opens doors to “off-market” horses. Viewing trips are common: you might see 3–5 horses per yard, often with a coffee in the office and a very open conversation about each horse’s strengths and weaknesses.

For international buyers, the process is straightforward if you plan properly. Within the EU, it’s mainly a matter of correct ownership documents (passaporto, microchip, and registration), an invoice, and transport arranged with a licensed horse transporter. For buyers from the UK, US, or other non-EU countries, you’ll need to factor in export papers, health certificates, and quarantine or border checks depending on your country’s rules; most professional Italian sellers are used to this and have shipping agents they trust. Pre-purchase exams (visita veterinaria) are standard practice: basic vettings in Italy start around €250–€350, with full clinical plus a set of X-rays often running €700–€1,200 depending on how extensive you go. Many buyers bring their own vet or ask for the report and images to be reviewed by a vet at home, which is widely accepted.

Prices in Italy are influenced by results, pedigree, and rideability, but also by geography. Horses near major show hubs or in fashionable regions can be 20–30% more expensive than a similar type from a quieter area. Be clear on your budget from the start, and don’t be surprised if negotiation is expected; it’s normal to discuss price after a serious trial and vetting, especially if there are small findings. Pay attention to video vs. reality, ask for recent competition records, and always ride the horse more than once if possible. When you take your time, Italy can offer very good value compared to some northern European markets.

Everything about selling horses in Italy

On the selling side, Italy attracts a mix of domestic riders, European professionals scouting for young horses, and international buyers looking for competitively priced sport or leisure partners. Italian-bred jumpers with good records are especially interesting to foreign buyers because they often cost slightly less than equivalent Dutch or Belgian horses, while still having strong bloodlines. Well-schooled older horses with kind temperaments also sell well to riding schools, amateur riders, and trekking centers, both inside Italy and abroad.

If you’re selling a horse in Italy, preparation matters. Buyers expect recent videos on the flat and over fences (or in the chosen discipline), clear conformation photos, and honest information about vet history and any quirks. Clean, professional presentation at home–tidy stable, groomed horse, proper footing–helps a lot. Most sellers use a mix of Italian classifieds, Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, and personal contacts through trainers and vets. Auctions exist, often tied to young horse circuits or studbooks, but the majority of mid- to upper-level horses are sold privately via trainers and dealers.

Pricing strategy in Italy should reflect current market conditions: young but green 3–4 year olds with good movement or jump might be set at €8,000–€15,000; solid amateur 1.20m horses often sit in the €20,000–€40,000 bracket; proven international horses can go far beyond that. Leisure and school horses usually move between €3,500–€8,000 depending on reliability and health. Be realistic: overpriced horses tend to sit unsold, especially in regions where there’s a lot of supply. For international buyers, have your paperwork in order: correct passport, ownership history, vaccination records, and, if asked, access to previous X-rays or veterinary reports. Buyers from abroad will expect transparency and responsiveness; slow communication is one of the quickest ways to lose a serious sale.

Marketing timing also plays a role. In Italy, many people shop after the summer show season and in late winter before the outdoor season starts. Listing your horses for sale in Italy around these periods often brings more serious inquiries. Work closely with your trainer or a trusted broker if you’re not comfortable negotiating in Italian or dealing with export details. When you present the horse honestly, price it sensibly for the Italian market, and choose the right channels, selling in Italy can be efficient and rewarding for both you and the buyer.