Buying safely on Trotmark
Buying a horse is a significant decision, particularly when the seller is based in another country. Take the time to verify the horse, the seller and all relevant documents before committing to a purchase.
Stop if you see these red flags
- The seller asks for a deposit or full payment before you have seen the horse or met them — especially for "transport" or "reservation".
- The price is far below the market for the horse’s age, level and pedigree, and the seller is in a hurry.
- The seller refuses a video call, a viewing or a pre-purchase exam by a vet of your choice.
- Payment is requested to an account in a different name or country than the seller, by gift card, crypto or money-transfer service.
- The seller wants to move the conversation off Trotmark immediately, before answering basic questions.
- Passport or UELN details are missing, or the photos and videos show a different horse (check markings and colour).
Six steps to a safe purchase
- 1
Keep the first conversation on Trotmark
Your conversation stays in your Trotmark messages. You can share your phone number once you trust the seller.
- 2
Ask for a recent, unedited video
Check the date the seller states on the listing. Ask for the horse to be filmed with today’s newspaper or a phrase you choose if in doubt.
- 3
See the horse, or send someone you trust
A trainer, an agent or a vet. Watch it being caught, tacked up and ridden by its current rider.
- 4
Book an independent pre-purchase exam
With a vet you choose. Ask the vet to compare the passport, UELN and microchip with the horse.
- 5
Sign a written contract
Horse identification, price, conditions (e.g. subject to vetting), handover date and who bears the risk until then.
- 6
Confirm the payment details independently
Before transferring funds, confirm the seller’s identity and bank account details through a trusted channel — never only from payment instructions in a message. Pay only after the contract and the vetting. Trotmark never asks you to pay for a horse through the platform.
What Trotmark does — and does not do
Listings are declared by the seller and labelled as such; we do not inspect horses. Every listing shows whether the seller is a private person or a business. Anyone can report a listing, and reports are reviewed by a person.
If something feels wrong, use Report this listing on the horse page or write to info@trotmark.eu. If you have already paid a fraudster, contact your bank immediately and report it to the police.
More detail: How to buy a sport horse in Europe — the full guide.