Buy Horses in France

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

What makes the horse market in France so appealing is the combination of deep equestrian tradition and a very modern, professional trading environment. You have centuries of breeding behind the Selle Français and Anglo-Arab, world-class sport programs, and at the same time a huge base of everyday riders looking for reliable leisure horses and ponies. Whether you are buying or selling, you’re stepping into a culture where horses are part of daily life, not just a weekend hobby.

France has one of the largest horse populations in Europe, with strong centers in Normandy, the southwest, and around major show hubs like Fontainebleau and Jardy. Sport horse breeding is especially developed: Selle Français and French-bred warmbloods are highly sought after in show jumping and eventing, while Anglo-Arabs and French Trotters have their own specialist markets. You’ll also find solid leisure types, Iberian horses imported from Spain and Portugal, and a very active pony market thanks to the strong pony club system. This variety means you can genuinely shop across a wide spectrum of quality and price points, from a 4,000 € hacking partner to a 150,000 € Grand Prix prospect.

What makes buying and selling horses in France unique is the mix of local professionalism and international demand. French breeders and traders are used to working with foreign buyers, and many speak at least basic English. At the same time, the domestic market is strong, so prices tend to reflect real performance and pedigree rather than pure hype. If you understand how the French equestrian community operates, and you’re prepared to navigate a bit of paperwork and some cultural nuances, France can be one of the best places in Europe to buy or sell a horse.

Buying horses in France – what you need to know

From a buyer’s point of view, France is attractive for three main reasons: quality, variety, and relative value. For sport horses, you can find well-bred 3–4-year-old Selle Français prospects starting around 10,000–15,000 € for honest, unproven types, moving up to 25,000–40,000 € for 5–7-year-olds competing reliably at 1.20–1.30m, and considerably more for horses with results at 1.40m and above. Leisure horses and all-rounders often sit in the 5,000–12,000 € bracket, depending on age, training, and temperament. Because breeders and professional yards are used to selling internationally, you can often see full competition records on FFE or FEI databases and get access to X-rays and veterinary reports.

To actually find horses for sale in France, most people start with online platforms and Facebook groups, then refine their search via professional dealers, breeding studs, and trainers. Sites that cater to the French market usually allow you to filter by discipline, region, and price, but the best horses often move quickly through networks: coaches, competition contacts, and established dealers. If you’re traveling to view horses, try to cluster visits in regions like Normandy or the Loire, where you can see several prospects in a short radius. When you go to try a horse, it’s normal in France to ride in the home arena first; a second test on terrain or at a show can be discussed for more serious candidates.

The buying process in France usually includes a full pre-purchase examination, often called a “visite d’achat.” Most international buyers will request at least a clinical exam plus a set of X-rays (commonly 12–24 views of feet, fetlocks, hocks, and sometimes back). Expect to pay 350–800 € depending on the extent and the clinic. It’s acceptable to use the seller’s vet, but for higher values I strongly recommend using an independent vet not connected to the seller’s yard. Once you agree on a price, a simple written sales contract is standard, including horse identity, price, any known issues, and who covers vetting and transport. For buyers from outside France, factor in export papers, Coggins test, and transport. Transport within Western Europe can range from 600–1,500 € per horse depending on distance and service level; overseas shipping from France to North America can easily run 6,000–10,000 € including quarantine and agency fees. Build these costs into your budget from the start so you’re comparing horses on a realistic total price.

Everything about selling horses in France

On the selling side, France gives you access to a diverse pool of buyers: ambitious pony riders, adult amateurs, professional riders, and a steady stream of foreign clients looking for French-bred sport horses. Riders from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the UK, Scandinavia, and increasingly North America regularly shop in France because they trust French breeding and value-for-money. If you’re selling a competition horse with a clear show record and clean veterinary history, you’re not just in a local market; you’re on an international stage, especially if you’re near major show circuits.

To sell successfully, you need to present your horse the way French and international buyers now expect. That means clear, recent videos on the flat and in the horse’s discipline, ideally at a show for sport horses; up-to-date vaccinations and shoeing; and an honest, detailed description in your advert. Mention height, age, breeding, level of work, temperament under saddle and on the ground, and any known limitations. Many serious buyers in France expect to see recent X-rays for horses above roughly 15,000–20,000 €, and having a pre-existing set from a reputable clinic can speed up the sale. In terms of where to advertise, French online marketplaces, specialized sport horse sites, social media, and connections with trainers and dealers are the main channels. Auctions, especially young horse auctions in Normandy and major show venues, can be a good option for well-bred youngsters with potential.

Pricing horses for sale in France is all about aligning with current market conditions. The mid-range all-rounder market (6,000–15,000 €) is very active but also sensitive to economy and season; horses often move best in spring and early autumn when riders are planning their year. Competition horses with results can command strong prices, but buyers are increasingly data-driven: they will check FFE and FEI records, videos, and vet reports carefully. If you know your horse is attractive to foreign buyers, be prepared to discuss export logistics and allow time for their vetting process and transport arrangements. Above all, buyers in France expect transparency. If your horse has quirks, say so. The more honest and organized you are with information, the more serious buyers you will attract and the smoother your selling experience will be, whether the horse stays in France or crosses a border to its new home.