Buy Horses in Greece

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

What makes Greece’s horse market so appealing is its mix of old-world horsemanship and very modern riding goals. You’ve got small family studs breeding hardy Greek warmbloods next to competition yards importing top European bloodlines, plus a strong culture of trail riding and tourism. It’s not a huge market compared to Germany or the Netherlands, but it’s surprisingly diverse, and that works in your favor whether you’re buying or selling horses in Greece.

Greece’s equestrian scene is built around show jumping, dressage, and endurance, with a growing interest in eventing. You’ll see a lot of Greek warmbloods and crosses, Anglo-Arabs, some Iberian types, and quite a few imported warmbloods from Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Native breeds like the Pindos and Skyros ponies are more niche but have a loyal following, especially for leisure riding and children’s ponies. Because the community is relatively close-knit, reputation matters here more than flashy advertising; people ask around, trainers talk, and word of mouth travels fast.

What makes buying or selling horses in Greece unique is the balance between cost and quality. Prices are generally lower than in many central European markets, yet you can still find well-produced competition horses and very honest leisure horses. At the same time, it’s a country where you often negotiate directly with owners or small dealers rather than big commercial operations. That means you need to understand local customs, vetting standards, and realistic price levels so you don’t either overpay as a buyer or undersell as an owner.

Buying horses in Greece - what you need to know

If you’re looking to buy a horse in Greece, the first attraction is usually price. For example, a safe hacking horse or schoolmaster type often starts around €3,000–€5,000, a decent low-level jumper or dressage horse might sit in the €6,000–€10,000 range, and high-quality competition horses with results can go from €12,000 up to €30,000 or more, depending on age, record, and pedigree. Compared with similar horses in northern Europe, you can often save a noticeable amount, especially on younger prospects and leisure horses.

The best way to find horses for sale in Greece is a mix of online and on-the-ground networking. Greek equestrian Facebook groups and local classifieds are very active; there are also a few regional online marketplaces where you’ll see “horses for sale in Greece” listed by private owners, studs, and trainers. Serious buyers usually involve a local trainer or professional to pre-screen horses, simply because photos and videos alone rarely tell the full story. Viewing is typically arranged directly with the owner or yard, and it’s normal to try the horse more than once if you’re serious. There aren’t many formal auctions compared to other European countries; most horses change hands through private sale or via trusted dealers.

For international buyers, the key is planning. Greece is in the EU, so movements within the EU are relatively straightforward, but you still need proper passports, ownership transfer documents, and a current health certificate. Transport to central Europe usually runs via road transport companies that already service Greece; for the UK, Middle East, or USA, you’ll be looking at a combination of road and air freight, and costs can quickly add €2,000–€6,000 depending on destination. Always factor that into your budget when you’re comparing prices.

Pre-purchase examinations in Greece vary widely, so don’t skip this step. A standard vetting with clinical exam and basic flexions might cost around €150–€250. If you add X-rays (which I strongly recommend for anything above €7,000 or for performance use), expect €300–€600 extra, depending on how many views you request. Use an independent vet, not the yard’s regular vet, and make sure you’re clear on what you want checked: feet, back, hocks, and stifles are areas where small issues can become big problems later. Many sellers are open to you bringing your own vet or arranging one from another region.

As a buyer, be realistic about what influences a horse’s value in Greece. Proven competition results at recognized Greek shows, clean veterinary history, imported bloodlines, and good basic training all push the price up. On the other hand, green but talented youngsters, older schoolmasters with minor maintenance needs, or horses coming from more remote regions can still be great buys at more accessible prices. Ask direct questions, insist on seeing the horse in different situations (flatwork, jumping, hacking if possible), and don’t be shy about walking away if something doesn’t feel right. The horses are here; you don’t need to force a deal.

Everything about selling horses in Greece

If you’re selling a horse in Greece, you’re speaking to two main audiences: local riders and an increasing number of international buyers looking for good value. Greek riders often look for reliable school horses, children’s ponies, and 1.00–1.20m jumpers at realistic prices. International buyers are usually more focused on either promising young horses at lower prices than in their home markets, or well-educated riding club and amateur competition horses they can import and resell or keep. This mix can work very well for you if you know how to present your horse correctly.

Start by preparing your horse properly. Buyers in Greece expect recent videos on the flat and over fences (if applicable), clear photos without heavy editing, and honest descriptions of temperament, experience, and any known issues. Clean tack, good condition, and recent farrier and dental work are basic expectations if you want fair offers. For competition horses, include your horse’s FEI or national results and links where possible. Most sellers advertise through Greek equestrian Facebook groups, local online horse marketplaces, and by spreading the word through trainers and riding clubs. Serious buyers often come via recommendation, so how you’ve behaved in past sales becomes part of your “brand.”

Pricing strategy in Greece needs to reflect both the local economy and international interest. A solid amateur jumper with 1.10m results might realistically sell domestically between €8,000 and €15,000, depending on rideability and age. If the horse is particularly competitive, easy to ride, and vet sound, you might attract foreign buyers willing to pay a bit more, especially if they can combine a holiday with viewing several horses. For leisure and school horses, remember that safety and character often matter more than flashy movement, and price accordingly. Overpricing tends to leave horses sitting on the market; realistic negotiation is normal, and buyers almost always expect some room to move.

If you’re targeting international buyers, be ready with export information. Have the horse’s passport up to date, vaccinations current, and be prepared to cooperate with pre-purchase exams that may be more detailed than you’re used to. Foreign buyers may ask for additional X-rays or blood tests and will expect transparency about any past injuries or treatments. They also appreciate help arranging transport or at least recommending a transport company that regularly handles horses from Greece.

Timing can make a difference. The most active periods for buying and selling horses in Greece are usually late winter to spring, when riders are preparing for the show season, and early autumn, after the summer heat has eased. In August, for example, much of the country slows down and serious viewings are harder to arrange due to the heat and holidays. Listing your horse at the right time, with honest information, good media, and a realistic price, is what brings the right buyers to your stable door, whether they’re Greek riders or traveling in from abroad to find their next partner in Greece.