Buying horses abroad

Sammyf

Sammyf

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I am looking at buying a youngster and was looking at buying from abroad. Does anyone have any experience in buying from abroad and have any advice?

Does anyone know any breeders in particular that you could recommend?
 
I wonder if it might be worth being more specific. Are you interested in a competition horse? Any particular discipline? Interested in a particular breed or breeding lines? A particular country even?
 
Am looking at a competition prospect - mainly dressage and showjumping. I particularly like Hanoverians and Oldenburgs but I wouldn't rule out any warmblood.
 
A lot will depend on your budget and exactly what you are looking for. You could have an agent go round trying horses for you and sending you videos of the horses so you have a better idea of how they go for a strange rider, or you could go to an auction a few days early so that you can see a presentation evening and arrange to try horses you are interested in a few days afterwards, or you could look up breeders and try to buy direct. I have a friend in Germany who I can ring when I want a horse or foal so its easy for me!
 
Where would I find an agent? Do they charge a lot to look up horses for you? I'm looking for one unbroken so it would just be the case of looking at breeding, temperament etc.
 
It would depend on the agent, they can go from £100 a day upwards, or they will lump their cost onto the horse you buy so you pay that way. Personally I would prefer to pay the daily rate plus travel and have them collect me at the airport and drive me around to see the horses, as it would save my hiring a car and driving myself!
 
HAve you looked in the UK to see if there are any breeders of the breed here? It's rare not to find something you are looking for in the UK nowadays.

Importing is all very romantic but the cost and stress is worth taking into consideration.
 
tallyho! said:
HAve you looked in the UK to see if there are any breeders of the breed here? It's rare not to find something you are looking for in the UK nowadays.

Importing is all very romantic but the cost and stress is worth taking into consideration.
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I looked for 6 months to find a horse in the UK, in the end I went to Ireland, saved myself about £4K and had a far less stressful time.
 
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