CONFORMATION AND QUALITY OF THE MOVEMENT
The conformation and movement quality of a horse are paramount, especially for those with a focus on dressage. Mature buyers typically look for a horse that is not only beautiful but also embodies the characteristic Iberian conformation, with three correct gaits: walk, trot, and canter. The better the horse’s movement and the more typical its conformation, the higher its value, as these are essential for competitive dressage and shows.

COLOR

While color is not a primary factor in a horse’s ability to perform, it can affect the price. Generally, the rarer and more sought-after colors can increase the horse’s value. The following scale reflects typical price ranges based on color: Grey – Brown – Black – Chestnut – Buckskin – Perlino, Palomino, Isabel.

Horses with rarer coat colors such as Perlino, Palomino, and Isabel tend to be priced higher due to their visual appeal and desirability in the market.

BLOODLINES AND CONFORMATION

Many clients also consider the potential of the horse for breeding or showing in morphology competitions. Horses that possess strong morphofunctional characteristics—traits that allow them to perform well in conformation shows—are generally valued higher. Additionally, horses with prestigious or contrasting bloodlines can command higher prices due to their potential for producing high-quality offspring and competing at a higher level in the future.

HEIGHT

Height is a crucial factor for many buyers, particularly those seeking horses for dressage competition. In general, horses over 165 cm tend to be more sought after due to their desirable size for training and competition. Because tall horses with the right combination of beauty, conformation, and quality are rarer, they are typically priced higher.

Conversely, horses between 150 cm and 155 cm can often be found at more affordable prices. These horses may offer exceptional beauty, solid conformation, and a promising ability to train, making them a good value for buyers seeking a high-quality horse at a lower price range.

TRAINING LEVEL

The training level of the horse plays a significant role in determining its price. If you’re looking for a young horse that has the potential for classical dressage, many buyers choose horses that are still developing their gaits but have the ability to perform at a competitive level in the future.

There is also demand for horses that are already trained at higher levels of dressage, including schoolmasters who can immediately begin competing or help a rider advance. Prices for these horses can range significantly depending on their training, movement quality, and any competition records they may have.

Typically, prices for these trained horses are comparable to European Warmbloods, reflecting their advanced training and proven performance.

AGE

Age is an important consideration when purchasing a dressage horse. In general, the value of a horse increases until it reaches 6-7 years of age, at which point the horse is considered mature and has had enough time to develop its movement and training. The value tends to stabilize between 7-10 years, and horses older than 10 years may see a decrease in price, particularly if they are no longer in active competition.

Most buyers look for horses under 10 years old as they offer the potential for several more years of competition or training. When considering older horses, it’s important to adjust pricing accordingly based on factors such as training level, health, and remaining potential.