Buy Horses in Kuwait

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

What makes Kuwait’s horse market so interesting is the mix of deep Bedouin tradition with a very modern, well-funded equestrian scene. You feel it the moment you step into a Kuwaiti stable: Arabian bloodlines carefully preserved alongside powerful Warmbloods imported for showjumping and dressage, and plenty of Thoroughbreds and local crosses for racing, endurance, and leisure riding. For a relatively small country, Kuwait has an impressive density of serious horse people and high-quality facilities.

The culture here is proud and horse-centered. Arabian horses are still the heart of the heritage, especially for endurance and showing, but over the last decade I’ve seen growing demand for European Warmbloods, especially for showjumping at 120–140 cm and above. You’ll also find some solid local and regional riding horses suited to club-level riders and families. Many horses for sale in Kuwait are kept in professional barns, with good feed, air-conditioned stables during the worst heat, and regular farrier and vet attention, which is a big advantage for buyers.

What makes buying and selling horses in Kuwait unique is the combination of high expectations and a relatively small, well-connected community. Word travels fast. A good jumper or endurance horse can change hands quickly, often through WhatsApp videos, Instagram accounts, or private referrals. At the same time, serious buyers expect transparency: clean vet records, clear ownership papers, and realistic discussions of training level and temperament. If you understand how the local market works, you can find very good value—whether you’re looking at horses for personal use within Kuwait or for export to neighboring Gulf countries or further abroad.

Buying horses in Kuwait - what you need to know

For buyers, Kuwait is attractive because you can see a wide range of horses within a short distance and usually in well-organized facilities. For example, you can view a 1.30 m European-imported Warmblood in the morning, then an Arabian endurance prospect in the afternoon, without leaving the city area. Prices vary widely: you’ll find basic riding horses from around 800–1,500 KWD, decent club-level jumpers and all-rounders usually in the 2,000–4,000 KWD range, and competitive jumpers or high-quality Arabians often between 5,000–15,000 KWD or more, depending on pedigree, results, and age. Prices can be higher for proven FEI horses or top show-quality Arabians.

Most buyers start online now. Local Instagram accounts, regional classifieds, and GCC-focused Facebook groups are very active, and there are specialized equestrian WhatsApp networks where videos are shared before horses ever hit public ads. There are also reputable dealers and trainers who act as intermediaries, especially for Warmbloods and imported horses. Auctions are less common than in Europe, but some larger barns periodically organize sale days or informal “viewing days” where multiple horses are shown to interested buyers. When you find a horse, it’s normal to arrange several viewings, ideally watching the horse under saddle with its regular rider, then trying it yourself if you’re an experienced rider.

Pre-purchase vetting is increasingly standard in Kuwait, especially for horses over about 2,000 KWD. Expect at least a basic clinical exam and flexion tests; for higher-value horses, buyers often request X-rays of front feet, hocks, and stifles, and sometimes back and fetlocks. Many buyers use vets who are familiar with export requirements, which helps if you’re an international buyer. If you’re planning to ship a horse out of Kuwait, factor in export blood tests, quarantine if needed, health certificates, and air transport. Depending on destination, export and flight costs can easily add 1,500–4,000 KWD on top of the purchase price.

The buying process itself is usually straightforward: you agree on a price, pay a deposit (commonly 10–20%), complete the vetting, then settle the balance and arrange transfer of ownership. Make sure the horse’s passport, microchip details, and any FEI registration are in order before you pay in full. In Kuwait’s market, temperament and soundness are key value drivers, along with competition record and origin. Be cautious with very young horses presented as “almost ready” or horses with flashy videos but no show record. Take your time, ask for recent competition results, and don’t skip the vet check, even if the horse comes from a well-known stable.

Everything about selling horses in Kuwait

As a seller, you’re speaking to two main audiences: local riders and owners within Kuwait, and regional or international buyers looking to import from Kuwait. Local buyers often want safe, rideable horses for showjumping, dressage, or endurance at amateur levels. Regional buyers—especially from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—may look to Kuwait for well-started Warmbloods, reliable schoolmasters, or Arabians with good movement and type at slightly more competitive prices than in Europe. If your horse has a solid temperament, clear vet history, and is correctly presented, there is usually a market for it.

Presentation matters a lot. Clean tack, good condition, and clear, honest videos are essential. Buyers in Kuwait expect to see walk, trot, canter on both reins, transitions, and for jumpers, a small course with a few related distances. Photos in a decent arena, not a cluttered yard, go a long way. In terms of platforms, most sellers combine Instagram, regional online horse sales sites, and word-of-mouth via trainers and riding clubs. If your horse is more valuable, working with a trusted trainer or agent who already has a network of buyers can shorten the selling time and help you set a realistic price. In Kuwait’s current market, a well-schooled amateur jumper with a record around 110–120 cm might sit around 3,000–6,000 KWD, while a competitive 130–140 cm horse with results and clean vet history can reach 8,000–15,000 KWD or more.

Pricing strategy in Kuwait is about balance. Overpricing by 30–40% hoping for negotiation often backfires; serious buyers simply move on. It’s better to set a fair, defendable price based on age, breeding, results, and health, then leave a small margin for negotiation. For export buyers, be ready with accurate information on height, age, vaccinations, past injuries, and existing X-rays if you have them. They’ll also want to know approximate export and shipping costs, so having contact with a local shipper helps. Seasonally, the busiest period for selling tends to be from late autumn through early spring, when the weather is good and competition seasons are active. Summer sales are quieter, though some international buyers use that window to prepare imports for the next season. Above all, be transparent; in Kuwait’s close-knit equestrian community, honest dealing is your best long-term marketing tool.