Marketplace Help Centre.
Whether you're buying or selling an Off The Track Thoroughbred, we're here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way. Explore our practical guides and policies below.
Buying a Horse
A practical step-by-step guide for finding, assessing, and purchasing the right Off The Track Thoroughbred for your goals.
Selling a Horse
Everything you need to know about preparing your horse, taking quality photos, transparent disclosures, and managing buyer enquiries.
Buying an Off The Track Thoroughbred
1. Questions to Ask the Seller Before Viewing +
When inquiring about an OTTB, ask targeted questions to gauge suitability:
- How long has the horse been off the track? Has he had letdown time in the paddock?
- What foundation retraining has been done (flatwork, hacking out, jumping, road experience)?
- What is the horse's temperament like in different environments (alone vs with company)?
- Are there any known veterinary injuries, wind operations, or conformational quirks?
- How is the horse to shoe, catch, float, and truck?
2. Organising an Independent Veterinary Examination (Vetting) +
PinOaks strongly encourages all prospective buyers to engage an independent equine veterinarian for a pre-purchase examination (2-stage or 5-stage). This provides an unbiased assessment of heart, eyes, lungs, flexion tests, and musculoskeletal health for your intended riding discipline.
3. Safe Horse Viewing Best Practices +
Always bring an approved safety helmet and riding boots. When viewing a horse in person, observe the handler catching, tying, grooming, and tacking up. Request to watch the seller or their rider ride the horse first before you mount.
Preparing Your Horse For Sale
1. Taking Quality Conformation & Under Saddle Photos +
Quality imagery significantly increases buyer engagement:
- Conformation: Stand the horse on level, flat ground with good natural light. Capture side profiles (both sides) with legs open so all four hooves are visible.
- Head & Neck: A clean, alert headshot with ears forward.
- Under Saddle: Balanced walk, trot, and canter photos showing rhythm and frame.
2. Writing an Honest & Transparent Advert +
Be truthful and realistic about the horse's level of education, vices, and temperament quirks. Transparent listings build buyer trust and ensure the horse is matched with the right home.
Ready to list your Thoroughbred?
Choose from our Standard, Featured, or Managed listing packages starting from $30.
Marketplace Terms of Use & Policies
Governed by the laws of New Zealand. Please review our full terms of service and welfare policies.
PinOaks Marketplace Terms of Use
Version 1.0 • Effective Date: October 2026
1. Introduction & Ownership +
2. Marketplace Purpose & Role +
3. Seller Responsibilities & Declarations +
4. Listing Fees & Non-Refundability +
5. Horse Welfare & Right to Remove Listings +
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to assist both buyers and sellers with anything related to our marketplace, listings, or horse transitions.