10/21/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/17HqvbGmeH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Today on realistic expectations of sport horses in the sub $100,000 facebook market :
$0-15,000: thoroughbreds still at the track and having learned a lot of life skills, but unlikely in the direction you would like. They will be green to their new job, will likely need guidance from a professional. Other types are likely older and pretty happy ambling around. Going to likely need support in the form of a good farrier and vet. A lot of great first horse options if you remember that the cost of the horse is the cheap part.
Some of these horses have started in their careers of choice, but are likely not showing at too many recognized events. Sometimes vetting findings are reflective of this price point for one that might have a bit more talent or experience but might need a good farrier or vet.
$15,000 - 25,000. Starting to get some recognized shows under their belts, have great brains, life experiences, and good citizens. Likely to be happy middle ground sort of horses. Unlikely to have a full set of xrays, or changes, or to be “fully” established unless maybe an old injury that required some time off and getting reestablished.
$25,000-40,000: quality young prospects, that may still be green but a lot of potential. Alternatively, you’ll have your more established novice packer types with maybe some training experience.
$40,000-60,000: your training packers, some of your green modified/prelim horses. What most imported horses are hitting the ground at (figure $20,000 buy in, $4,000 vetting, $12,000 flight, tariffs and shipping….) so circle back to that base price for what you can expect of these horses. Changes getting established.
$60,000-80,000: These are your solid prelim/2* types, usually the ones that are happy to step back down to novice and bring riders back up. Usually been produced by one rider with a well documented history. Some motivated 1.20m sorts that lack a mile long record, or your older established packer types ready to step down to be the professional seeing eye dog.
$80,000 + this is where your 🔝 sorts are priced. The ones with true UL potential, and have started to prove that potential.
If a horse sounds too good to be true at a certain price point, likely a) theres a vetting issue to be disclosed b) the owner is pressed for outside life motivators, and people are going to move quickly on a genuinely good deal. Be prepared to act accordingly. C) there’s a quirk of some sort. Kick kick ride, a little overly enthusiastic in their style, a random spook, that makes them perfectly fine horses, as long as you go in with your eyes open.
Hope this helps!
