How Much Does It Cost To Import A Horse From Europe
Introduction
Importing a horse from Europe can be an exciting adventure. However, transporting your new horse over the Atlantic can also be daunting (and expensive) if you don’t know what to expect. To help you understand the process and costs associated with importing a horse from Europe, I’ve broken down the process in 5 simple steps:
Importing a horse from Europe does not have to be daunting.
Importing a horse from Europe is not difficult. It’s not as expensive as you think and it’s not as time consuming or complicated. You just need to do your research on the right people, places and how to get started.
Know your budget.
There are many factors that come into play when importing a horse. Before you start the process, it’s important to know your budget.
You’ll need to know how much the horse costs and what fees go with it—transportation fees, quarantine and shipping fees, importation fees (if applicable), etc. These costs can vary depending on where you buy your horse from and what country it’s coming from. The average cost for an adult show-quality pony in Europe is about $1,500 USD; however, this price may increase depending on what type of transportable equine you’re looking for.
The best way to get an estimate is by contacting several different breeders who have experience exporting horses internationally.
Identify a group of horses that fit your budget.
Start with a budget. The next step is to identify a group of horses that fit your budget.
The cheapest options are usually used or second-hand, so start by researching what’s available on the market and finding out how much they cost. If you’re looking at purchasing new studs, check out sites like Horse & Hound or Horses UK for information on prices and availability of certain bloodlines.
There are different ways to source from Europe: direct importation from an EU vendor (by far the most expensive option), sourcing via agents in each country, purchasing through UK agents who buy in bulk and then split them up for resale (these providers usually only sell horses within their network) or going straight through auction houses like Tattersalls or Goffs (where there will be more competition).
Find a reputable EU vendor to source from.
If you’re importing a horse from Europe, it’s best to find a reputable vendor before you begin the buying process. There are many factors that go into choosing a good EU vendor, but two of the most important things to look at are customer service and reputation.
When researching vendors, ask around on various horse forums and message boards to see what other people have said about their experiences with each one. If there is no consensus in terms of whether or not a certain company is trustworthy and reliable, then it’s probably better to opt for another option instead.
Consider air freight vs ground freight when importing from Europe.
- When it comes to importing your horse, there are several different options for transporting the animal across the ocean.
- The most common method of shipping a horse internationally is via sea freight. This option involves slow-moving cargo ships and can take several weeks or even months, depending on where you’re trying to get your animal from and where you’re trying to have them shipped.
- Another option (which many people prefer) is air freight. This method of transportation involves flying your animal in a plane that’s specially equipped for transporting horses (and other large animals). While this may sound expensive, there are actually quite a few companies that offer reasonable rates if you know what kind of deal you’re looking for!
Choose an import agent to support you through the process.
- Choose an import agent to support you through the process. Importing a horse can be a complicated and lengthy process. An experienced import agent will guide you through each step of the process, which includes finding a suitable horse and determining transportation costs, as well as getting your paperwork ready for shipping. When choosing an agent, it’s important to find one who is reputable and has experience with importing horses into your country.
When importing from Europe, look for an agent with an established network of vendors, veterinarians and quarantine stables to ensure a smooth process.
If you’re looking to import a horse from Europe, look for an agent with an established network of vendors, veterinarians and quarantine stables. Why? Because import agents know the system. They have relationships with people who can help you choose a horse that fits your budget (and riding ability). Import agents also know what documentation is required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure that your new friend arrives safely in America—and without any delays.
Import agents are adept at navigating the laws surrounding international equine commerce so you don’t have to do it yourself!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to buy and import a horse from Europe, the first step is to get a budget in place and know what your financial limit is. Once you have that, then it’s time to start searching for horses that will be suitable for purchase. You need an experienced equine agent who can help identify vendors and European stables, as well as assist with all aspects of quarantine once your horse arrives in the US. If done properly, importing horses from Europe can be a cost-effective way to acquire quality bloodlines.