Guides to buying and selling horses in Ireland

Plain, practical advice for anyone buying or selling a horse or pony in Ireland, written by people who do it.

• How much does a horse cost in Ireland?

  Typical asking prices for horses and ponies in Ireland in 2026, what drives the price up or down, and the running costs to budget for after you buy.

• Buying a horse safely in Ireland

  A plain checklist for buying a horse or pony in Ireland: spotting scam listings, what to ask the seller, how to view and try the horse, and how to pay without getting caught.

• Pre-purchase vetting explained

  What happens at a 2-stage and 5-stage pre-purchase vetting in Ireland, what it costs, what the vet can and can't tell you, and whether you need X-rays.

• Horse passports and microchips in Ireland

  The rules on equine passports and microchips in Ireland, how to check a passport at a viewing, how to transfer ownership, and what to do if a horse has no passport.

• Irish Draught vs Irish Sport Horse

  The difference between an Irish Draught, an Irish Sport Horse and a Traditional Irish Horse, what each is best at, and which suits you.

• The Friesian horse in Ireland

  A breed guide to the Friesian horse from Carrig Mhor Friesian Stud in Wexford: history, temperament, what they're good at, care, registration, and what to look for when buying one in Ireland.