Buy Mare

Mares for sale: Buying and selling Mare horses

When you’ve spent enough years in the horse world, you quickly learn that buying and selling Mares is a very particular game. Mares are often sharper, more tuned-in, and sometimes more opinionated than geldings and stallions, and that’s exactly why many experienced riders actively seek them out. They’ll give you everything if they trust you, but they won’t tolerate sloppy riding or inconsistent handling for long.

In most disciplines – from dressage and show jumping to eventing and endurance – good Mares are in steady demand. Buyers often like the idea that a successful competition Mare can later become a valuable broodmare, carrying forward proven performance bloodlines. That dual role affects both how Mares are priced and how they’re marketed. A sound, well-bred Mare with a solid competition record almost always attracts extra interest because she’s not just a riding horse; she’s a potential foundation for a breeding program.

Temperament-wise, you’ll hear all the stereotypes, but the reality is more nuanced. Yes, many Mares are more sensitive to their environment and to their handler’s mood. Hormonal cycles can influence behavior, but in a well-managed Mare, it’s rarely the drama some people expect. The real difference I see in the international market is mental: good Mares tend to be clever, quick to learn, and very loyal to “their” person. That makes them fantastic partners for riders who like a horse that reacts and thinks, rather than just “doing the job” mechanically. Because of that, Mares occupy a very particular space in the marketplace, and understanding that will help you enormously whether you’re buying or selling.

Buying a Mare - what you need to know

When you’re looking at Mares for sale, the first thing to be clear about is what kind of Mare personality suits you. If you’re an ambitious amateur in show jumping, you might actually want a slightly opinionated Mare that pulls you to the fence and tells you when you’re wrong. For dressage, many riders love Mares because they tend to sit and collect naturally once they understand the job. Eventers often appreciate their toughness and stamina. And, of course, if you’re thinking long term, a Mare with strong performance bloodlines opens the door to breeding later on.

Most people start searching for a Mare online now – specialist horse sales websites, social media groups, and professional dealers’ pages. That’s fine, but whenever you see a Mare that interests you, make sure you view her on more than one day if possible. Watch her being brought in from the field, tacked up, and ridden by her usual rider before you get on. Pay attention to how she reacts when other horses leave the arena, or when something unexpected happens. Ask specific questions about her seasons: is she more sensitive, crampy, or distracted at certain times of the month, and how is that managed? Some Mares go beautifully on a simple routine, while others benefit from veterinary management or supplements; that’s not a dealbreaker, but it affects both riding and overall cost.

When evaluating a Mare, I always advise buyers to look beyond the first impression under saddle. Check her mammary area for old mastitis scars or irritation, feel carefully along her back and flanks for sensitivity, and watch her in the stable next to other horses – some Mares are very herd-bound or defensive over food. For a pre-purchase exam, ask your vet to pay close attention to reproductive health if you may breed later: basic reproductive ultrasound, uterine condition, and any history of reproductive issues. Even if you never plan to breed, a clear reproductive history can influence resale value.

In terms of prices, the range is wide. In Europe and North America, a sensible amateur Mare for hacking and low-level competition typically runs from around $5,000–$15,000, depending on age, soundness, and training. For a well-bred sport Mare with a record at 1.20–1.30m show jumping or Medium level dressage, you’re usually looking at $20,000–$60,000. Top-level international Mares, especially with proven results and strong pedigrees, can easily exceed $100,000 and go much higher. Age, fertility history, and bloodlines all add or subtract value: a sound 10-year-old Mare jumping 1.30m with proven fertility is usually worth more than a sterile Mare with the same sport record, simply because she has that breeding potential. Take your time, don’t be afraid to walk away, and remember that with Mares, the right personality match is just as important as the x-rays.

Everything about selling Mare horses

When you’re selling a Mare, it helps to be clear about who is most likely to buy her. Amateur riders often look for kind, reliable Mares that they can compete on at weekends and maybe breed from in a few years. Professional riders may want a sharp, ultra-competitive type with plenty of blood and scope. Breeders are usually focused on pedigree, conformation, reproductive history, and, ideally, performance results. Each of these buyers will respond to slightly different information in your advertisement, so tailor your description accordingly.

Before you list your Mare for sale, invest some time in presentation. Make sure she’s in good condition – not overfed and hot, but looking fit, with a well-maintained coat and hooves. Get good, honest videos: walk, trot, canter in both directions, transitions, and, if she’s a jumper, a simple line of fences and a small course. Show her standing up square on hard ground for conformation. Don’t hide her behavior; buyers of Mares appreciate transparency. If she gets a bit clingy with other horses or can be grumpy in the stable, say so, and explain how you manage it. That honesty actually helps you sell faster, because you attract buyers who know what they’re taking on.

For marketing, use reputable online horse marketplaces, your national federation’s classifieds, and, if she’s a higher-level sport Mare, consider working with a trusted dealer or agent who regularly sells to international clients. Auctions, both live and online, can work well for well-bred young Mares or proven competition Mares, but they require careful preparation and good nerves. Pricing should reflect both current market conditions and her gender-specific strengths: a 9-year-old 1.20m Mare with strong bloodlines and clean x-rays might be priced around $30,000–$45,000 in many European markets, slightly more if she has consistent placings. If she’s older but has produced successful offspring, her broodmare value can maintain or even increase her price compared to a gelding of the same age.

Buyers of Mares are usually very interested in documentation. Have her passport, registration papers, breeding certificates, and any foaling records organized and ready. If she’s approved in a studbook, highlight that. If she’s had fertility checks or scans, keep those reports on hand. Timing also matters: sport Mares often sell best in late winter and spring, when riders are planning their competition season, while broodmare buyers may be more active just before or just after the main breeding season. Above all, be prepared to answer detailed questions and to allow more than one viewing. When you sell a Mare, you’re not just selling a riding horse; for many buyers, you’re selling the start of a long-term partnership – and possibly a future family of horses.