International level Horses for Sale

International horses for sale: Buying and selling International horses

When you talk about International horses for sale, you’re really talking about athletes that live in the space between serious national sport and the higher levels of FEI competition. “International” usually means a horse that is competing or ready to compete in CDI dressage, CSI showjumping, or international eventing and endurance classes, or that is schooling comfortably at that standard at home. These are horses that understand their job, cope with atmosphere, and have the scope, movement, or stamina to be competitive beyond their home country.

At this level, you’re not just buying a set of gaits or a big jump. You’re buying ring experience, rideability under pressure, and a training history that can stand up to regular travel, different footing, and stricter judging. International horses tend to have established records on FEI or national federation databases, passports in order, and a clear training pathway. They suit ambitious amateurs aiming for international tours, young professionals wanting a horse to move them up a level, and experienced riders who need a reliable partner to step straight into 1.30–1.45m jumping, Prix St. Georges–Inter I dressage, or 2–3* eventing.

The market for International horses is very global and very fast-moving. A solid, competitive 1.35m jumper with consistent results can sell in a week if priced correctly and presented well. Dressage horses schooling PSG with clean changes and a reliable competition record are constantly in demand, especially those kind, uphill types that can take a decent joke from an amateur. Prices reflect this: in Europe and North America, you’ll often see International-level horses change hands between roughly €40,000–€60,000 at the lower end (younger, less proven, or in smaller markets) up to €150,000–€250,000 and more for proven winners, with age, soundness, and record driving the numbers. Training at this level is an investment, and the marketplace recognizes that.

Buying a International horse - what you need to know

When you’re buying an International horse, what you’re really paying for is a combination of performance history and future potential. These horses are attractive because they can usually walk into a 1.30m, PSG, or 2* start box without needing a year of rebuilding basics. Many already understand the travel routine, stabling at shows, vet checks, and the busier warm-up rings you get at larger competitions. For riders stepping up, an experienced International horse can compress your learning curve dramatically, provided your own skills and support team are ready.

To find these horses, most people start with trusted trainers, established dealers, or targeted online marketplaces that specialize in sport and International horses for sale. Videos matter hugely at this level: buyers expect clear footage of flatwork, competition rounds, and, ideally, full unedited courses or tests. Viewing trips often involve seeing several horses in one region, sometimes across borders. When you go to try a horse, plan on watching it ridden by its usual rider first, then getting on yourself, and if you’re serious, coming back for a second ride on a different day. With young or sensitive International horses, I always tell buyers to test them at the edge of their comfort zone but not beyond it—ask for a full course, some more collected work, or a mock test, but don’t try to “retrain” the horse in one session.

Vetting is non-negotiable here. A thorough pre-purchase exam for an International horse generally includes flexions, imaging of key joints (usually front feet, hocks, and stifles at minimum), and sometimes back and neck radiographs depending on the price range. For horses in the €60,000–€120,000 bracket, it’s common to see a fairly extensive set of X-rays, sometimes already on file from the seller. Remember, few horses are clinically perfect; the real question is whether any findings are compatible with the level you want to ride. Red flags when buying include a vague or patchy show record, poor behavior in the warm-up ring, or a horse that looks much greener than its advertised level.

Prices vary widely. A 7–9 year old jumper competing consistently at 1.30–1.35m might run €70,000–€140,000 depending on record, temperament, and location. A PSG-ready dressage horse with confirmed flying changes and clean vetting can be similar or higher, especially if it’s attractive and easy to ride. Eventers are often a bit less, but a genuine 3* horse with cross-country reliability can still sit comfortably in the €80,000–€150,000 range. Be honest about your own riding; a hot, ultra-careful 1.45m horse may be harder and less safe for you than a slightly older, more forgiving 1.30m campaigner at a similar price.

Everything about selling International horses

On the selling side, you’re usually dealing with three main buyer profiles: ambitious amateurs wanting a confidence-giving partner for International tours, young professionals looking for a horse to raise their profile, and established riders filling specific gaps in their string. Each of these buyers is focused on slightly different things, but all of them care deeply about rideability, soundness, and a transparent competition record. When you list an International horse for sale, assume your buyer will search the FEI or national database the moment they see your ad.

Preparing the horse is just as important as choosing the right platform. Before advertising, I like to have recent, tidy competition results, up-to-date vaccinations and passports, current shoeing, and a set of clear videos: basic flatwork, competition footage, and, if relevant, schooling on cross-country or at home. Clean, straightforward descriptions work better than flowery language: include height, age, level, typical classes, and honest notes about temperament. For International horses, documentation is key. Have show records, vet reports you’re willing to share, transport and export information, and, if applicable, results from international tours ready to send.

In terms of pricing, start by looking at comparable horses in your region and discipline. If your horse is a 10-year-old with consistent clear rounds at 1.35m, you’re in a different bracket than a talented but unproven 7-year-old schooling that height at home. Market conditions shift: after major championships or during the lead-up to big tours, demand and prices for International horses can spike. Often, the best venues for selling are a mix of targeted online marketplaces, word-of-mouth through trainers, and showing the horse where potential buyers can watch it go—national shows with international classes, young horse circuits, or CSI/ CDI tours. The more transparent and organized you are as a seller, the more serious buyers you’ll attract, and the smoother the vetting and negotiation process will be. Timing matters too; listing just before a busy competition season often brings more interest and better offers than trying to sell in the quietest months of the year.