Amateur Owner & Junior Hunter Horses
for Sale & Lease — 3'3" & 3'6"

Buyer's Guide

Amateur Owner & Junior Hunter Horses for Sale & Lease | 3'3" & 3'6"

Elite Equine Marketplace connects buyers and trainers with amateur owner and junior hunter horses for sale or lease at 3'3" and 3'6" from trusted sellers across the globe. The amateur owner and junior hunter divisions are among the most competitive and prestigious hunter divisions in the sport — attracting some of the best movers, best jumpers, and most experienced show horses in the hunter world.

Amateur Owner Hunter Horses — 3'3" and 3'6"

The amateur owner hunter divisions require horses to be owned by the amateur rider or an immediate amateur family member — one of the most distinctive rules in the hunter division structure. AO hunters must combine truly exceptional movement with a safe, consistent temperament for non-professional adult riders competing in the 18–35 and 36+ age sections. The 3'3" amateur owner division is ideal for riders developing toward the 3'6" level, while the 3'6" AO division is one of the most competitive and glamorous hunter divisions at USEF-rated shows. Elite Equine Marketplace lists AO hunters at both heights from trusted trainers and sellers worldwide — with verified show records, video, and direct seller contact.

Junior Hunter Horses — 3'3" and 3'6"

Junior hunter horses compete at 3'3" for small juniors (riders 15 & under) and at 3'6" for large juniors (riders 16–17), though both heights are offered at most rated shows in both small and large junior sections. Junior hunter finals eligible horses — those with qualifying results for USEF Junior Hunter Finals — are among the most sought-after horses in the hunter market. A proven junior hunter with Finals records, exceptional movement, and a reliable temperament for junior riders commands premium demand and represents the gold standard of the division. Elite Equine Marketplace lists junior hunters with full show records, Finals eligibility documentation where available, and direct trainer contact.

What to Look for in an AO or Junior Hunter

Both AO and junior hunters are judged on the same qualities as all hunters — natural, rhythmic movement, a flat and flowing jump, correct leads, and an overall impression of an elegant, well-trained athlete. At the 3'3" and 3'6" heights, scope becomes more important, and the best horses in these divisions have a genuine ability to make the height look effortless. For amateur and junior riders specifically, rideability is paramount — the horse must be consistent and forgiving enough for non-professional riders to compete confidently, yet talented and expressive enough to win against other quality horses in the division.

Browse all AO and junior hunter horses on Elite Equine Marketplace →