Importing Horses

[Shiraz]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone one here has experience of importing horses, know anything about it and/or can point me in the right direction to find out more?

I'm still at the "fact finding" stage but ideally would be looking at importing 2 in foal mares from Oz...all going to plan

Any advice, help & opinions welcome!

Thank you

 

[rrose]

at work we used to import about 5 horses from ireland ok there not that far abroad but we went over picked 5, and they brought them over. most of them turned out unsuitable but we sold them on. if you would like ideas of the prices to expect i can find out for you x

 

[vicijp]

You are looking at around the £5k mark to import from Austrailia. I know the racing indutry is well worth it, my freind doubles his money on NZ jumpers he imports - not sure about pleasure horses.

 

[Shiraz]

It's QHs, they are really expensive over here but much cheaper in Oz and with the pound being so strong etc plus I have a few contacts.

I just want to find out as much as poss about it before investing all the money. The plan would be to import 2 in foal mares and then sell 2 or 3 after weaning.

That's the plan but I know there are 101 things that could go wrong! I'm just trying to find out as much as possible at this stage before getting involved in anything.

Vicijp do you know any details from your friends re importing from Aus/NZ?

 

[Tia]

Why would you not import QH's from the States? Much closer although judging by Vici's estimate of costs for importing from Aus, then perhaps you may be cheaper bringing them in from Aus as it sounds the cheaper route.

Is there a good enough market for QH's in the UK which will cover your costs and leave you in profit at the end of it all? Good luck if you choose to do this.

 

[Shiraz]

The cost is pretty much the same though importing from US is more usual. It's just I know folk/breeders in Oz and was offered 2x mares in foal for a very reasonable price so stand to make a good profit IF it all goes to plan.

I just want to find out as much as poss, if anyone has done it before, can recommend any transporters and how it will affect the horses - they would be my main priority at all times.

QHs are expensive over here and they are not "proven" whereas I know these horses from Oz have worked cattle and competed in "proper" western events.