National Horses for Sale

National horses for sale: Buying and selling National horses

National-level horses sit in that sweet spot of the equestrian market: trained enough to be competitive and reliable, but still with room to develop and add value. When you see “National horse for sale” in an advert, it usually means a horse competing successfully at recognized national shows in its country, but not yet (or not primarily) aimed at FEI or international circuits. These are your 1.10–1.30m jumpers, solid Medium/Advanced Medium dressage horses, reliable 2* eventers, and strong show or sport types that can hold their own at major domestic championships.

In practical terms, a National horse has been out, seen the ring, and done the homework. They’ll have a competition record you can look up, consistent training under a professional or experienced rider, and a skill set that allows them to step right into the ring for most riders with a decent base of experience. This level suits ambitious amateurs moving up from local or unaffiliated shows, young riders wanting a schoolmaster type, and professionals needing a competitive partner that doesn’t carry the international price tag. Demand is steady because these horses fill that crucial gap between green prospects and top-end international horses: they are “ready to go” for National championships, ranking classes, and serious regional circuits.

Training at this level is more systematic than many people realize. These horses are used to a weekly program, conditioning work, regular coaching, and structured show schedules. They know about traveling, stabling away from home, and working in busy warm-up arenas. For you as a buyer or seller, that means the stakes are a bit higher: prices reflect proven performance, and expectations around soundness, behavior, and rideability are sharper. But it also means you’re working with horses whose ability and temperament can be evaluated much more clearly than a raw youngster or lightly-used pleasure horse.

Buying a National horse - what you need to know

When you’re buying a National horse, what you’re really paying for is a combination of mileage, training, and a record that reduces your risk. A straightforward, 1.20m jumper with consistent clear rounds at National shows, suitable for an amateur, will often sit in the €25,000–€45,000 range in much of Europe; in the US, similar horses might be in the $40,000–$80,000 bracket depending on coast, trainer, and pedigree. A dressage horse confidently schooling flying changes and competing at around Medium/Advanced Medium can range from €30,000–€70,000, with prices rising sharply for horses that are easy to ride and score well under multiple judges.

To find the right horse, combine online platforms with real-world networks. Use reputable sport-horse sites, national federation classifieds, and well-known dealers who regularly handle National horses for sale. Trainers are still one of the best sources: many know of horses that are quietly available in their barns. Viewing should always include seeing the horse both at home and, if possible, at a show. For this level, I like to see unedited videos: a full flatwork session, a full course at competition height, and simple everyday handling like tacking up and loading.

Evaluating a National horse means looking beyond the flashy moments. Pay attention to rideability: does the horse accept the contact, stay in front of the leg, and recover quickly if something goes wrong? In a jumper, watch the canter quality and balance between the jumps, not just the style over the fence. For dressage, look for clarity in the basic paces and the mental willingness to repeat movements calmly. Always do a proper pre-purchase exam; at this level, many horses will have some radiographic findings, and that’s normal. What matters is whether those findings are compatible with the workload you have in mind. Trial rides should be done more than once if possible, and include at least some of the work you expect to do: combinations at competition height for jumpers, full tests for dressage, or a cross-country school for eventers.

Be realistic about suitability. A sensitive, careful 1.30m horse might be a dream for a confident young rider but a nightmare for a nervous amateur. Red flags include inconsistent competition records with multiple eliminations or withdrawals, frequent changes of ownership within a short period, heavy sedation during viewing, or sellers who refuse a vet check or access to the horse’s show history. Buying at this level is about honesty and fit: the right National horse should feel like a partner you can immediately start planning a season with, not a gamble you’re hoping to “fix” later.

Everything about selling National horses

When you’re selling a National horse, you’re usually speaking to two main groups: ambitious amateurs who want a reliable partner to win at National shows, and professionals or young riders who need a competitive horse to step up a level or fill a gap in their string. These buyers are attracted to horses that can walk into a National ring tomorrow and do the job: clear rounds at 1.20–1.30m, consistent 65–70%+ scores in dressage, or solid, safe cross-country records. They are not just buying potential; they’re buying predictability and a track record.

Preparing your horse for the marketplace starts long before the first advert goes live. Make sure the horse is fit, in regular work, and competing at the level you’re advertising. Good, recent videos are crucial: a full schooling session, a full round at the advertised height, and a few clips showing behavior in the warm-up or at home. Keep the presentation honest: if the horse needs a competent rider, say so; if it’s suitable for a careful amateur, that’s a major selling point and justifies a higher asking price. Documentation makes a huge difference. Have full competition records ready (national federation printouts or links), up-to-date vaccination and shoeing records, any previous vet reports you’re willing to share, and a clear passport. Buyers of National horses expect transparency.

As for pricing, study comparable horses on your circuit. A reliable, older National schoolmaster with a strong record might be priced €20,000–€35,000, while a younger, scopey horse already competitive at 1.30m with potential for more can run €45,000–€90,000 or higher, especially if it’s amateur-friendly. Market conditions matter: prices often rise in late winter and early spring, when riders plan their show season, and soften a bit after championships or towards the end of the year. Use multiple channels: online sport-horse marketplaces, social media (especially discipline-specific groups), and your trainer network. Competing the horse while it’s for sale is often the best marketing you can do, as buyers love to see recent, clean performances.

Buyers of National horses look for clarity and confidence from the seller. Be ready to answer questions about soundness history, maintenance (joint injections, special shoeing), and behavior at shows and at home. Serious buyers will expect to vet the horse; make it easy by having your usual vet prepared to share records, while understanding that the buyer will want their own independent exam. The more open and organized you are, the smoother the process. In the end, whether you’re buying or selling, success in the National horse marketplace comes down to realistic expectations, honest communication, and a shared goal: matching the right horse to the right rider so both can move forward confidently in their National careers.