Has Anyone Ever Travelled Abroad To Buy A Warmblood?

Yep got my chestnutter from Germany. My friends Dad breeds and sells them. I went and tried a few and my lovely hubby bought me Whisky for our 1st wedding anniversary. Definitely not cheap but very well schooled and I can honestly say have never sat on anything quite like it. Hans Willie also arranged for me to have a weeks training on him at dressage yard before we brought him home. Nice man!!
 
A friend of mine went to Verden to buy her mare. Very very nice mare with paces and attitude to die for. I believe she bought her for a very good price 3/4 years ago now. You definatly wouldn't have bought a horse like her for that price over here. However I think you need to take into account the £ verses the euro at the moment - I'm not sure you would get as good value today.
 
Yes in May went to Holland to sales and have brought home KWPN stallion great very well looked after by the all the Dutch people we meet. Could not have been more helpful. So much so thinking about going over next year for some mares.
 
Nearly went to Holland, but ended up finding an Oldenburg on my back doorstep. I was going to go with my instructor who bought quite a few KWPN's and knew the breeders, she was to be my go between. I would definitely consider it again though if I'm ever looking for another horse.
 
Not personally but I have heard taking someone 'native', language-speaking or know to the breeder/dealer with you makes it much more likely you will get a better deal all round.
 
Remember that in other countries terms and conditions of sale might be different from the UK. A VET statement might also be interpreted differently. Auction horses in some countries come with a limited time insurance from the fall of the hammer. The major studbook auctions are very trustworthy but the vendor could be an under bidder. The major auction houses will look after the horse untill you have the transport arranged but UK transporters have reps at the auctions. Check what commision or vat is added to the hammer price.
 
I have bought a couple through an agent in Belgium, intial introduction was made through a dealer friend. Horses I have had have not been cheaper than those in the UK but whole process (for me) was much more professional and less time consuming. I fly out, get well looked after and view about 30 horses in a day which are all as described. Far easier than driving all over the UK to look at one here and one there.

As others have said current exchange rate not helping at all, I went when the rate was still around 1.35 to the pound. Would not have gone on my own without anyone "in the know".
 
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