Buying Horses From Abroad

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Drum

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I'm not thinking of doing it soon...but I would be interested to know where you would look for good horses and how to go about it!

Like what documents etc. would you need to import a horse from Europe? Roughly how much does it cost to get them over here? Is it complicated? Is it best to go to auctions, or to the yards themselves?

Anyones thoughts or experiences would be interesting.
 
You really need to go through an agent or have a friend who speaks the language as breeders or dealers will see you coming a mile off.

Theres been many many cases of horses being sold with completely incorrect paper work and passports because the ignorant buyers have no clue what they're buying (i know of someone who imported a very well bred mare on paper... until a friend of ours who spoke dutch pointed out the passport was for a gelding)

Bringing them over... from about 400 pounds if youre prepared to use group transpot. About 1000 pounds for individual. You'll need to arrange insurance first as their can be complications associated with travelling horses thats far... but do be aware this can also be complicated)

Anyway, dont just try and go alone
tongue.gif
 
Would suggest perhaps looking at buying from Ireland, that's where mine came from.
At least they speak English in Ireland so it'll be harder for them to rip you off.
And transporting would be cheaper, plus Irish horses are the best! (IMO anyway :P)
 
you need passport (obvious) and to check the chip matches, you need to get a vet health certificate from the vets to say they are fit to travel, transport approx £200 to £400 per horse depending on who you use, if you are transporting yourself need your certificate for long haul transport...
 
Hi,
I went to Germany in 2006 and bought a dressage horse back, I contacted a yard out there and they e-mailed me a B&B I booked the flights and then rode 13 horses in 2 days that they had arranged. I finally decided on one so we paid the money via Bank transfer, they then arranged for the Export vet which has to be present at the boarding of the transporter, he signed the horse healthy to travel and specified how many stops the horse must have. I arrange the transport as it was cheaper (Wofford International £480) and she arrive 4 days after pick up (she stayed overnight in Dover before coming on to Devon) It was easy and painless for me, I was not experienced at it I just made sure I looked into everything first. There is a super yard in Holland called Stalbrons its on the web, they have very nice horses at good prices and deal with the sale for you, a lot of the dealers over here buy from them then stick quite a big mark up on each horse!! Hope this helps a little.
 
4 days travel from Germany - have they moved Germany? Sorry!

There are indeed some super horses in Germany, but remember you are not going to find bargains. The europeans are well aware of their horse's worth. Agree with Tierra it is better to work through someone.

Some nice horses in France too - though perhaps not for dressage. What sort of horse are you looking for?
 
They are however slightly more realistic when pricing their horses!
Consider going through someone like Ian WoodHead or Andrew Gould if you are looking to buy from abroad, it makes it all alittle easier but will cost you slightly more!
The problem with Auctions in any country is that you dont really see what the horse is like, you ride it maybe twice and have to make a decision immediately on what you see. If they cant trot in that atmosphere they'l never be able to trot, so i always feel you never see the true horse in that situation!

Plenty of lovely horses around, just keep your wits about you!
x
 
Thanks everyone - really interesting

I have just started breeding dressage horses, so I'd be looking for either a young mare to back then breed from, or an older broodmare. One of the mares I have at the moment was imported from a foal auction in Germany and another was originally from Holland. But I bought them both over here.
 
I would buy from Europe again but like Hairyhatman have been 'not helped' by the same agent in the past so would be very careful about who you go through. For broodmares there is such a good choice over there. I've bought some superb horses over there so it has been worth it
 
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