Based in Warstein, Germany, Jens Wawrauschek has built a strong reputation through his company JW Horses, known for connecting talented showjumping horses with riders across the globe. With experience from top European stables and a sharp understanding of the international equestrian market, Wawrauschek emphasizes honesty, precision, and long-term partnerships between horse and rider. In this interview, he shares how the sport horse trade has evolved and where it’s heading.
“The sport and the market have changed a lot in recent years,” Wawrauschek begins. “Smaller shows are seeing fewer entries, while the major events gain reach and prestige. As a result, clients increasingly want more developed horses, rather than ones they must produce themselves. In most cases, they want to compete immediately and obtain results. From my experience, clients now prefer experienced horses over young ones that still need progressive development.”
A Changing Global Market
Asked whether trading top-tier horses will stay the same, Wawrauschek stresses that the industry is constantly evolving. “The sport and market are always dynamic, they will continue to develop over time. Take globalization: the UAE and Asian markets are just at the beginning of their development, and I’m confident they will increasingly influence the existing European market.”
“Twenty or thirty years ago, trade was centered in Western Europe and many horses stayed within that region. Now, they travel across continents. As the sport continues to grow in the United States, the UAE, and Asia, more horses will cross borders. There is enormous potential in those regions, and I believe we will see more robust equestrian communities."
Balancing Dreams with Reality
One of today’s biggest challenges in sport horse trading, according to Wawrauschek, is aligning client expectations with a horse’s true capabilities.
“Every client wants their dream horse, and such horses exist, but we must remember that horses are living beings. They have good and bad days. They can thrive in the right environment or struggle in the wrong one. Our role is to ensure that clients’ wishes and the horse’s reality align. Sometimes both need to develop together.”
Rising Expectations
With the professional sport gaining visibility and ambition, expectations are rising. “Clients expect more from horses now than they did five years ago,” says Wawrauschek. “They can still find excellent matches, but they must remember that the bond they build with the horse is what turns it into their dream partner. Establishing that partnership takes time, it’s not achieved overnight. That’s something people sometimes forget.”
Looking Ahead: Grassroots & Access
As for the future of the sport, Wawrauschek hopes for expanded grassroots opportunities.
“I’d like to see more people given the chance to begin riding. The foundation of the sport needs to broaden again. Children and young riders should have more chances at competitions to develop within our beautiful discipline.”
He closes with a principle that also defines JW Horses:
“Trust is key. Clients must trust the trader or seller and envision the potential partnership they can form with a given horse.”
