Why should I consider a European horse?

Riding is far more common in Europe and trainers must be state licensed, so the quality of training of European horses is more consistent. Also, because of state-controlled breeding programs, the "average" European horse has far better bloodlines than the "average" American horse, making high quality horses more plentiful and thus less expensive. Of course, the prospective buyer needs to consider whether the anticipated savings will offset the costs of importing the horse. These days, importing a horse may not always be necessary. We have developed a large number of contacts in the United States and may be able to find a horse that meets your exact specifications and that is within your price range. Most of these horses were imported previously and represent the same good value that the imported horses do.

Are commissions higher on a European horse?

Surprisingly, they are not. We charge a 10% commission for matching a buyer to a horse, and are frequently able to get the seller to pay the commission.

What costs are associated with importing a horse?

Costs will vary depending on where the horse enters the United States, the duration of quarantine required, and cost of the horse (which affects insurance rates for the trip over). Airfare to the east coast, insurance during travel and shared expenses for a groom in flight, is between $5000 and $6000 (USD). Two days quarantine (required on all horses) is roughly $1550. Stallions and mares will require additional quarantine, costing another $1400 or more plus transport to the long-term quarantine center. Overall, importing a horse costs between $6500 and $10,000.

What about quarantine?

Quarantine for geldings and very young horses is 2 - 3 days, and is done at the port of entry into the United States at facilities designated for that purpose. Mares of breedable age require an additional 2 weeks of quarantine so that they can be checked for contagious equine metritis (CEM). This is done at a long-term quarantine facility, requiring that the mare be transferred from the port of entry quarantine facility in a USDA-sealed rig. Quarantine for stallions is 4 weeks, and involves live coverage of mares. Again, this is done only at specially-approved long-term quarantine facilities, and requires that the stallion be transferred in a USDA-sealed rig. We will discuss quarantine matters in detail in advance with all buyers considering the purchase of mares and stallions, and will help to arrange quarantine and transportation for all buyers.