Low level eventer purchase price - what should I expect to pay??

[Savannah_KP]

I am about to start my search for a new horse. Since I haven’t purchased a horse in quite sometime, I am wondering what I should expect to pay for an eventer with some experience nowadays?

In my case, I am a capable adult ammy looking for a low-level eventer (BN primarily, maybe Novice) for local shows. Not looking for a youngster - something under 16yrs ideal - with some experience xc. Doesn’t need to be anything fancy - just safe, fun and game. (If location makes a difference, I am looking around Massachusetts area).

What would you expect to pay for such a horse? Any input much appreciated!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Safe, experienced and competitive…8500-15,000. You may find cheaper or more expensive but most good ones (decent movers, easy to ride—properly trained—no negatives) are in the higher end of that range.

If they are competitive also as a dressage horse or in another disciple, they can be more.

[Training_Cupid]

@bornfreenowexpensive

Safe, experienced and competitive…8500-15,000. You may find cheaper or more expensive but most good ones (decent movers, easy to ride—properly trained—no negatives) are in the higher end of that range.

If they are competitive also as a dressage horse or in another disciple, they can be more.

I agree with this.

[Savannah_KP]

@bornfreenowexpensive @Training Cupid - Thanks guys! That was what I was expecting, glad to know my budget expectations aren’t too far off!

[amb]

As somebody else kind of in the market (same place even) I basically agree, maybe more towards the lower end of the range. Looking at 15-year-olds (vs 8-10) takes the price down a lot.

I keep hearing that the overall economic circumstances should lead to lots of horses at fire-sale prices, but I haven’t seen it yet, really what I see are a bunch of “closed until June” signs. Might still be a buyer’s market once things are open again.

[Savannah_KP]

@amb - Agreed - I heard it would be a buyer’s market and thought covid would make finding a horse easy, but finding it a lot more difficult. I presume it’s because barns are closed/horses are not in regular exercise so sales have halted. Good luck on your search!

[BayBondGirl]

@amb

Looking at 15-year-olds (vs 8-10) takes the price down a lot.

If it’s of any help to the OP, my eventing schoolmaster was 15 when I got her (although I was told 13 at the time) and now 20 and still killing it at the lower levels (sub-Training). She’s the best money I’ve ever spent and very literally taught me how to event! She probably has at least another 5+ years in her if she wants it.

[Always_WIP]

@bornfreenowexpensive

Safe, experienced and competitive…8500-15,000. You may find cheaper or more expensive but most good ones (decent movers, easy to ride—properly trained—no negatives) are in the higher end of that range.

If they are competitive also as a dressage horse or in another disciple, they can be more.

I agree with this. If you’re looking more in the 6-12 year old range I’d adjust that to 10-25k.

I also expected to see prices go down cause of COVID, but I haven’t seen that yet. Honestly though, I think it’ll happen this winter. I have seen a ton of interest in the <10k eventing market though.

[NC001]

We are in the process of buying this horse now. I had people sending me horses from about 8.5-25k.

We ended up middle of that range (which is still about double what we wanted to spend) and without any xc experience, but a nice young dressage horse. After some disappointments, seeing my daughter work with this horse, it was obviously the horse we were looking for even if it doesnt end up competitive in xc.