Buying a horse from spain?

W

willow94

New User
Joined
12 May 2015
Messages
3
Visit site
Hello,
I was wondering whether anyone here has or knows of someone who has bought a horse from Spain and had it brought over to the UK? I am really interested in looking for an Andalusian and have heard that there are a lot over there that either aren't in the best condition or need homes. But I have no idea firstly how to go about finding one (do people travel to Spain to find them?) and how much it costs for their transport over here in total?
I really appreciate any advice and info!
 
I've bought a lusitano from Portugal, my second one (first was imported but not by me).

I love Iberians but there's a lot to think about when you bring one over-especially one thats not in great condition- not least the journey over, the diet that they are used to and the one they would get here (i.e. grass), the change of climate and the different treatment they may have had (I am not saying they are badly treated there-just different). Do you have experience of the breed already?
 
Thank you,
While I haven't yet owned one myself (I do have other horses) I have spent many years handling/riding a friends Lusitano's that she breeds however I have absolutely no experience with buying horses from abroad so any questions I'd need to think about are very helpful
 
well, to be honest I wouldn't go looking for a 'rescue' case unless you have someone available that absolutely knows the horse's history and has your interests at heart, or can speak the language and has some knowledge of horses. Way to easy to get stung and end up with something with a shed load of problems, physical and otherwise.


You just need a health cert (to be issued within a few days of travel, about 25 euros) and a passport to get them over, travel cost will vary depending on where they are- it cost me about £1100 to get my horse over from Lisbon last year. I had quotes from £600 to £2.5K.

Gelding etc is cheaper over there but you cannot insure a horse for vet fees while it is abroad. Even though I had someone I knew a bit dealing with my horse, getting him transported over was a very stressful few days and I have vowed to never do it again unless I have so much money, I can hire a truck to do it myself.

I actually bought mine as a yearling unseen (well, apart from photos)-via someone I knew a bit and who has a good reputation for finding lusitanos for UK buyers. I visited him a year later and he came over a year after that-so a bit convoluted and a bit of a punt to say the least.
 
willow94 said:
Hello,
I was wondering whether anyone here has or knows of someone who has bought a horse from Spain and had it brought over to the UK? I am really interested in looking for an Andalusian and have heard that there are a lot over there that either aren't in the best condition or need homes. But I have no idea firstly how to go about finding one (do people travel to Spain to find them?) and how much it costs for their transport over here in total?
I really appreciate any advice and info!
Click to expand...

Someone I know did this. Rode the horse on a holiday, fell in love, went back 3 weeks later and bought it. Andalusian gelding duly arrived at livery yard one week after this. Horse was a pain to load from then on (two and three-quarter hours was the record) and a complete nightmare for a farrier. Eventually she found a farrier willing to put in the time and effort to take him on but went through 3 or 4 who all vowed "never again". Horse was bad in traffic, bad to ride in company, but good to handle and he loved the hose.
 
Get yourself on to the BAPSH and UK Lusitano Owners groups on Facebook and there are lots of people there who can help you.
However, there are a good number of PREs and Lusitanos already in the UK, so please don't discount this.
 
If you are looking for a rescue horse in particular, there are plenty in the UK that would appreciate your attention (not necessarily PRE). If you are looking for a PRE because that is what you want, there are likewise plenty in the UK. If you are looking for a rescue PRE in Spain because you think it will be cheap - it won't be. It may also have multiple problems, not to mention the added complications of transport, acclimatization, etc.

Spanish horses are a somewhat specialised area and they don't suit every rider, especially older horses which come direct from Spain.
 
Cortez said:
If you are looking for a rescue horse in particular, there are plenty in the UK that would appreciate your attention (not necessarily PRE). If you are looking for a PRE because that is what you want, there are likewise plenty in the UK. If you are looking for a rescue PRE in Spain because you think it will be cheap - it won't be. It may also have multiple problems, not to mention the added complications of transport, acclimatization, etc.

Spanish horses are a somewhat specialised area and they don't suit every rider, especially older horses which come direct from Spain.
Click to expand...

Too true. The horse I know was 10 at the time of importation and came direct from Spain. I think age was certainly a factor for a lot of his troubles.
 
contact yeguarda iberica, com, sue and Richard lust have had studs in England and spain, I have a horse bred by them, I am sure they will be able to advise a good path to take, whether buying in england or spain, their stud is regarded as high class by the Spanish, explain what you are looking for you could get very experienced advice on a number of solutions and areas regarding selection and keeping pre horses.

they breed and train to a high level and have holiday courses for training so you could go over and see what you think. good luck
 
If you are on facebook join the group 'horse owners in Spain' ask on there, plus there are horses for sale PRE and non PRE , and lots of people that have moved back to the UK with their horse and visa versa... there was a gorgeous black stallion for sale recently

Im in Spain but have Appaloosas, but Im planning on moving back to the UK with mine, it cost me £1700 11 years ago to move mine out here, and it will be about 2K to bring them back (I have 3 now)
 
Cortez said:
If you are looking for a rescue horse in particular, there are plenty in the UK that would appreciate your attention (not necessarily PRE). If you are looking for a PRE because that is what you want, there are likewise plenty in the UK. If you are looking for a rescue PRE in Spain because you think it will be cheap - it won't be. It may also have multiple problems, not to mention the added complications of transport, acclimatization, etc.

Spanish horses are a somewhat specialised area and they don't suit every rider, especially older horses which come direct from Spain.
Click to expand...

Couldn't have said it better myself
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top