Buy Other

Other for sale: Buying and selling Other

“Other” is one of those catch-all categories that confuses a lot of buyers and sellers in the horse marketplace, but it can actually hide some real gems. When you see “Other for sale” in horse ads, it usually means the horse doesn’t fit neatly into a single breed, registry, or standard type. That might be a crossbred sport horse, a grade trail horse with no papers, or a horse whose background is a bit mixed but whose job is very clear. Instead of being defined by pedigree, these horses are defined by what they actually do, day in and day out.

In practical terms, “Other” often covers horses used for pleasure riding, schooling, low to mid-level competition, family horses, ranch or farm horses, and everything in between. You’ll see terms like “grade,” “unregistered,” “crossbred,” or “type” rather than a formal breed. For you as a buyer or seller, that means the focus shifts from pedigree and show record to soundness, temperament, training, and suitability for a specific job. A well-started, sensible “Other” can be far more valuable to you than a fancy name on a passport that doesn’t match your riding goals.

The upside of this category is flexibility and value. Prices for “Other” horses for sale can range widely—from a few hundred dollars for a green or older horse needing a soft landing, to $3,000–$8,000 for a solid, safe all-rounder, and even $10,000–$20,000+ for well-produced crossbreds competing successfully in sport. The key is understanding what you’re really buying or selling: not a label, but a partner for a particular purpose. Once you frame it that way, the “Other” section of the marketplace starts to look much less mysterious and much more practical.

Buying Other - what you need to know

When you’re buying a horse listed as “Other,” you have to lean hard on your eye and your instincts rather than the breed label. Start by getting very clear on what you need: are you looking for a quiet confidence-builder for weekend trail riding, a sturdy horse for low-level eventing, a pony-club all-rounder for a child, or a ranch-type horse that can work all day? When you go to view and try the horse, ride it in the environment that matches your intended use as closely as possible. If you need a trail horse, don’t just ride in the arena—ask to go outside, over some uneven ground, even past traffic or livestock if that’s part of your reality.

Temperament and soundness are your non-negotiables in this category. Watch how the horse is caught, tacked up, and mounted. Ask the seller to ride first, then you get on. If you’re a novice or returning rider, take your instructor with you; a 20-minute test ride with a professional eye on the ground can save you thousands. Always ask about history: how long the seller has owned the horse, what it’s been doing, why it’s for sale, any past injuries or illnesses, and how it behaves with the farrier, vet, loading, and clipping. Request any existing vet records, vaccination history, worming schedule, and dentist or farrier dates.

A proper pre-purchase exam is even more important with “Other” horses, because you can’t lean on breed norms to predict likely issues. For a basic pleasure horse in the $2,000–$5,000 range, a standard vetting with flexions and possibly front feet X-rays is reasonable. For anything over $7,500, especially if you’re planning regular competition, I’d budget for a full exam with X-rays of all major joints. Red flags when buying include: a seller unwilling to allow a vetting, inconsistent stories about the horse’s history, significant lameness brushed off as “just a bit off today,” or a horse that needs strong riders to keep it in line when you’ve clearly stated you’re not at that level. In this part of the market, you’re often better off paying $1,000–$2,000 more for a horse that is clearly suitable, than gambling on a “project” you’re not equipped to finish.

Everything about selling Other

If you’re selling a horse that falls into the “Other” category, your job is to make it easy for buyers to understand exactly what they’re looking at. Most “Other” horses are sold by private owners, small breeders producing crossbreds, or dealers who bring on grade horses and resell them. Regardless of which you are, good preparation matters. Have your horse in regular work, fit enough to show its job: a trail horse should happily go out alone and in company; a child’s pony should be ridden by a child in your video; a low-level sport horse should pop a small course or do a clear flatwork session. Keep vaccinations, teeth, farrier work, and worming up to date, and have that information ready to share.

Pricing an “Other” horse depends heavily on age, soundness, training, and temperament. A safe, older trail or school horse might sit in the $3,000–$6,000 range, sometimes more if it’s truly dependable and vice-free. A green but athletic youngster with potential may be $1,500–$4,000, reflecting the work still needed. Crossbred sport horses actively competing or in professional production can push into the $10,000–$20,000 bracket if they have a clear record and consistent performance. Buyers in this section of the marketplace care less about papers and more about whether the horse does the job, so emphasize reliable behavior, miles, and current workload in your advert. Use clear photos and honest videos—walk, trot, canter both reins, transitions, and the specific work the horse is advertised for.

Timing and platform also affect how quickly and at what price you can sell. Online classifieds and social media groups dedicated to buying and selling horses are where most “Other” horses change hands, though local auctions and word-of-mouth still play a role in some regions. Spring and early summer usually bring more buyers, especially for family and competition horses. Be prepared to answer detailed questions, allow trial rides in a safe, controlled setting, and welcome a vetting. Buyers expect transparency; if your horse cribs, has mild sweet itch, or needs front shoes to stay comfortable, say so upfront. A well-prepared, honestly represented “Other” horse, with clear videos, realistic pricing, and complete documentation, doesn’t sit long on the market—you give buyers confidence that they’re paying the right price for the right partner.