Event horses need to do three jobs well: a calm, correct dressage test, a bold and honest cross-country round, and a careful show jumping round, often after the cross-country. EquiMarket lists eventing horses for sale across Europe, from young horses to experienced horses competing at international level.
What to look for
Boldness and honesty cross-country. Ask to see the horse jump cross-country fences, water and ditches, or watch competition footage. A horse that reads questions and stays in a rhythm is worth a lot.
Gallop and stamina. A good eventer covers the ground efficiently. Ask about fitness work and how the horse finishes its runs.
Show jumping. Carefulness matters, especially on the final day of a longer competition.
Dressage. A good test helps at every level. Look at the horse’s paces and its temperament in the arena.
Temperament. Ask how the horse copes with travel, stabling away from home and busy show grounds.
Check the record
International results are on the FEI database, and national federations publish their own. Look at the dressage scores, cross-country jumping and time penalties, and show jumping faults separately, not only the final placing. Consistency at the level you want to ride at matters more than one good result.
Young event horse classes and championships can also be a useful guide. The FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers, for example, publish the breeding of the horses taking part.
Soundness and vetting
Eventing is demanding on the legs, feet and back. Agree a thorough pre-purchase examination with your own vet. Discuss whether X-rays, ultrasound of the tendons or other extra tests make sense for the horse and the level you plan to compete at. If the seller has recent X-rays, ask for the original digital files.
Breeding
Event horses come from many backgrounds: sport horse studbooks, Irish Sport Horses, Anglo-European horses, Thoroughbreds and crosses. Judge the horse in front of you, and use the pedigree as supporting information.
Buying safely
Get a written contract that covers the price, payment terms, the vetting and when risk passes to you. Never pay in full before you have the passport and the vet’s report. Our free contract template and vetting checklist can help.
Browse eventing horses
Filter by age, height, eventing level, country and price. Sellers: list your event horse to reach buyers across Europe.