For decades, British riders have looked west when searching for quality, value, and temperament. Ireland’s horse trade has long been built on exporting dependable, athletic horses to the UK- an entire ecosystem of breeders, dealers, vets, and hauliers working together across the Irish Sea. Whether you’re an event rider, an all-rounder enthusiast, or simply looking for something genuine, Ireland remains one of the most reliable sources of good horses.
You can browse horses for sale in Ireland on Whickr to see what’s currently available- from seasoned hunters to promising young event prospects.
Yet the process has changed. Buying from Ireland today involves understanding modern paperwork, import rules, and VAT. The good news? If you use the right professionals, it’s still straightforward- and the rewards are worth it.
Why Ireland Still Leads the Way
- Environment: Horses are raised on varied, hilly land and spend most of the year outdoors. That early turnout builds bone and balance. Many have already hacked on roads, hunted across open ground, or seen farm traffic long before they’re sold.
- Culture: Horsemanship is part of daily life. Families breed from the same mares for generations, and local knowledge about lines and temperaments runs deep.
- Economics: Most breeders are still farmers first. That means smaller stud sizes, realistic pricing, and horses produced for practicality rather than marketing gloss.
For UK buyers, that adds up to a market rich in variety and experience- horses that have done a bit of everything and are ready to slot into new homes quickly.
The Horses You’ll Find in Ireland
Irish Sport Horse (ISH)
The ISH is Ireland’s flagship export. It blends Irish Draught strength with Thoroughbred athleticism to create a rideable, versatile competition horse. Eventers love their bravery and stamina; showjumpers trust their scope and adjustability. Those with higher Draught bloodlines tend to make steady hunters or all-rounders; lighter, Thoroughbred-influenced types suit higher-level sport.
Browse Irish Sport Horses for sale or read Why the next horse you buy should be an Irish Sport Horse.
Connemara Pony
Compact, intelligent, and tough, the Connemara is one of the few native ponies that regularly competes at international level. Their natural balance comes from growing up on rocky, uneven terrain, and their kind temperaments make them ideal for children or small adults who still want ability.
See Connemara ponies for sale or explore Why you should buy a Connemara Pony.
Irish Draught
The Irish Draught is the foundation of modern Irish breeding- calm, durable, and generous. Once the family workhorse, now a source of substance and sanity in crossbreeding. A Class 1 Draught mare adds real quality to her offspring and ensures soundness that lasts.
Explore Irish Draughts for sale or read What is an Irish Draught Horse?.
Beyond those, Ireland also produces excellent cob crosses, retrained racehorses, and Traditional Irish Horses (TIH)- often unregistered but known for genuine, workmanlike temperaments.
Where to Buy: Yards, Breeders, Dealers, and Auctions
Private yards
Strong value if you know what you’re looking at. Horses may be rougher around the edges, but you’ll often find quality stock that’s been bred and ridden by local families.
Professional breeders, dealers and producers
The most popular route for British buyers. Breeders like Irish Sport Equine manage everything from trial rides to export paperwork. Many specialise in matching the right horse to the right rider and now offer exchange policies or trial guarantees to make overseas buying easier.
Auctions
Sales venues such as Goresbridge and Cavan move large numbers of horses. Pre-sale vettings are available, but decisions must be quick. Go with someone who knows the bloodlines- a local contact makes all the difference.
How Irish Horses Are Produced- And Why It Matters
- Real-world experience early: By five, many have hacked on roads or hunted. They’ve seen machinery, livestock, and open fields.
- Outdoor mileage: Even competition prospects spend much of their time outside. That builds strength and adaptability- though some may need a few indoor sessions before they relax under lights.
- Practical education: “Broken and riding” usually means walk–trot–canter and basic steering, not full schooling. Ask what “riding away quietly” means in that yard.
This grounding means a good Irish five-year-old often feels two years more mature under saddle than a comparable home-bred.
Vetting and Legal Paperwork
- Five-stage vetting by an independent vet, with X-rays shared to your UK vet if needed.
- Passport and microchip issued by an approved Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO).
- Export Health Certificate (EHC) signed by an official Irish vet within 48 hours of departure.
- IPAFFS notification submitted by your transporter or import agent before arrival in Great Britain.
- Type 2 transport authorisation for long-distance journeys.
Good hauliers and dealers complete this seamlessly, but you should always confirm that an EHC and IPAFFS reference exist before the horse leaves.
Transport: Costs and Practicalities
The majority of horses travelling from Ireland to the UK go by road and ferry, often as part of a shared or “groupage” journey. These regular runs keep costs down and are ideal for most buyers, while private or express transport offers faster delivery and more flexible scheduling.
Reputable companies such as John Parker International, Brahams of Buckingham, and Eric Gillie Ltd manage ferry bookings, customs paperwork, and welfare stops. Many also coordinate directly with your seller or vet to handle the Export Health Certificate and border checks, making the process seamless.
There’s no quarantine required for Irish horses entering the UK, provided all documentation is in order. When comparing quotes, always check what’s included- veterinary paperwork, customs declarations, and rest stabling can add to the overall cost if billed separately.
Costs and VAT Explained
Import costs depend on distance, timing, and the type of transport you choose. Shared groupage runs are generally the most economical, while private lorry or express transport commands a premium. Additional costs can include veterinary certification, bloods, and short-term livery while paperwork is processed.
Permanent imports from Ireland are subject to UK VAT but no customs duty under current trade agreements. VAT-registered buyers can reclaim VAT through Postponed VAT Accounting. For temporary imports- such as competition horses returning within two years- Temporary Admission rules can provide relief on VAT and duty, provided the paperwork is filed correctly. Your haulier or customs agent can advise on the best route for your circumstances.
In short, plan for both the transport and the paperwork when budgeting- and always confirm what your quote includes before booking a journey.
FAQs on Buying Horses from Ireland
What regional traits should UK buyers know about?
Western horses often have more bone and field experience (strong hunting influence). East and midland types are bred nearer the Thoroughbred studs, so you’ll find lighter, bloodier models aimed at sport. A useful clue before you even watch one go.
What’s the smartest payment setup for cross-border sales?
Deposit first, balance only after vetting and export paperwork are confirmed. Invoice with passport number and written terms protects both sides — most reputable dealers already do this.
How much weight should you give to bloodlines?
Pedigree tells you something; production tells you more. Traditional Draught–Thoroughbred crosses still deliver the best mix of courage and composure. Real-world mileage often matters more than what’s printed in the passport.
Where do hidden costs creep in?
Vetting extras, blood tests, and short-term livery between sale and shipping. Confirm whether your transporter’s quote includes customs paperwork and health certs — add-ons can appear later.
When’s the most useful time to buy?
Late spring to midsummer: young horses are fit, out competing, and easier to assess. Autumn can suit confident producers willing to add schooling before wintering.
Ready to Find Your Next Horse?
Ireland continues to produce some of the world’s most genuine, capable, and trainable horses — shaped by land, people, and purpose. Whether you’re searching for a bold eventer or a kind all-rounder, buying from Ireland connects you to a tradition built on quality and trust.
Start your search today with horses for sale in Ireland on Whickr- and bring a little of that Irish know-how home.
