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Horses are animals beloved by farmers, equestrians, children and more. Whether you’re in the market for a racehorse, a workhorse or for any other purpose, finding the right horse for you can be overwhelming.

AuctionsPlus is an online marketplace displaying horses for sale across Australia. Find a horse that suits your needs in your area with AuctionsPlus, and read below to learn more about horses for purchase in Australia.

What Are Horses Purchased For in Australia?

Horses are purchased for many different activities and disciplines. Here is a quick guide to the most common uses for horses:

Racing Horses

Horse racing is a popular sport involving horses running at speed. It is not only enjoyed by equestrians but also by members of the general public as spectators.

Thoroughbreds are the most common breed of horse used in horse racing, as they are known for their speed and agility.

Companion Horses

A companion horse is a horse that cannot be ridden. They are often kept as pets or to provide company to ridden horses. A companion horse can provide companionship to working horses, young horses and humans.

Ponies are common companion horses.

Workhorses

A workhorse is primarily used for labour, such as hauling heavy loads. Workhorses are bred for strength and endurance.

‘Draft’ or ‘Draught’ breeds are workhorses.

Dressage Horses

In Dressage competitions, the horse and rider perform a set of predefined movements or figures within an arena. Therefore, dressage horses are bred for their grace, strength and precision.

Warmblood breeds with trainable temperaments are often used as dressage horses.

Jumping Horses

Jumping horses are powerful and agile horses that compete in show jumping.

Warmblood breeds, including thoroughbreds, are also popular jumping horses.

Rodeo Horses

Rodeo horses need to be quick, athletic and paired with a confident rider to excel in rodeo events.

The American Quarter Horse breed is commonly used as a rodeo horse.

A Guide to Horse Breeds

There are many hundreds of different horse breeds. However, most breeds can be classified into 4 key types:

1. Hot Bloods - A high-performance horse known for their speed, agility, and energetic temperament, often bred for racing or competitive sports (e.g. Thoroughbred)
2. Warm Bloods - A mix of hot and cold blood horses, combining athleticism, strength, and a balanced, calm demeanor. Ideal for disciplines like dressage and jumping (e.g. Hanoverian)
3. Cold Bloods - Larger, stronger horses with a calm temperament, typically used for draft work or heavy pulling (e.g. Clydesdale)
4. Ponies - Smaller, sturdy horses with a good nature, often used for children's trail riding or as companion horses (e.g. Shetland Pony)

Age and Sex Categories

There is so much jargon surrounding the age and sex categories of horses that it can confuse a new buyer. Fortunately, we have provided a breakdown of some of the common terminology to make finding the right horse easier than ever:

Gelded – A male horse that has been castrated, meaning it can no longer reproduce
Mare – A female horse, typically over the age of 4
Stallion – A male horse that has not been castrated (gelded) and is capable of breeding
Foal – A young horse that is less than one year old
Weanling – A young horse, less than one year old, that has been weaned from its mother
Yearling – A horse, male or female, that is between the ages of one and two years
Colt – A male horse that is under the age of 4
Filly – A female horse that is under the age of 4

Find The Perfect Horse With AuctionsPlus’ Online Marketplace

AuctionsPlus is a verified online marketplace for trading livestock. Since all horses are assessed by an accredited evaluator before being listed and sold through licensed agents, you can be confident you're purchasing high-quality horses from reputable sellers.

With over 30 years of experience, AuctionsPlus has built a strong reputation for trust among both buyers and sellers. Discover upcoming AuctionsPlus horse sales hosted by verified sellers in your area today!