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Buying a horse abroad is increasingly common. Social media, sales websites and international yards make it easy to find horses in Germany, Belgium, France, Spain and further afield.<\/p>\n

This opens up a much wider choice. You might find a horse just across the border that matches your wishes, or a particular type may be easier to find elsewhere. Spain, for example, offers a broader selection of PRE horses, while Germany is an obvious place to look for a German Riding Pony.<\/p>\n

However, buying abroad involves additional considerations. How do you arrange a viewing and veterinary examination? Which documents does the horse need? How will it travel to the Netherlands? What about VAT, and what happens if a problem emerges after purchase?<\/p>\n

This article explains what to consider as a buyer based in the Netherlands purchasing a horse abroad.<\/p>\n

Why buy a horse abroad?<\/h2>\n

The main reason for looking outside the Netherlands is straightforward: you widen your choice.<\/p>\n

If you have specific requirements for age, training, temperament, height and budget, finding a suitable horse locally can be difficult. Including Germany and Belgium in your search brings many more horses into consideration.<\/p>\n

Germany is particularly interesting for Dutch buyers. It is reasonably accessible from much of the Netherlands and offers a large selection of sport horses and ponies.<\/p>\n

A wider choice does not automatically make the search easier. You also face longer journeys, a different language, different sales practices and potentially additional rules and documents.<\/p>\n

Decide how far you are willing to travel<\/h2>\n

An advert for a horse 700 kilometres away may look wonderful, but consider what that means in practice. Viewing a single horse could involve a full day of travelling. Discovering within five minutes that it is unsuitable can be frustrating.<\/p>\n

Careful shortlisting is especially important when looking abroad. Before travelling, ask for recent videos, competition results where relevant, health information, any veterinary history and clear answers to the questions that matter to you.<\/p>\n

Ask for footage that has not been specially edited for a sales video. A short clip showing the horse being brought out of its stable, tacked up or ridden normally in walk, trot and canter can sometimes reveal more than a professionally edited film.<\/p>\n

Ask plenty of questions before travelling<\/h3>\n

It is easy to view a horse twenty minutes away. If the journey takes four hours, you need a clearer idea of its suitability before setting off. Questions might include:<\/p>\n

• How long has the horse been with its current owner?<\/li>
• Why is it being sold?<\/li>
• What is its current level of training?<\/li>
• Does it have competition experience?<\/li>
• Is it suitable for a less experienced rider?<\/li>
• Can it be ridden alone?<\/li>
• Is it good in traffic?<\/li>
• Can it hack out alone?<\/li>
• How does it load and travel?<\/li>
• How does it behave with the farrier and vet?<\/li>
• Are there any known health problems or previous injuries?<\/li>
• Has it undergone veterinary investigations?<\/li>
• Are recent X-rays available?<\/li>
• Is it taking medication?<\/li>
• Does it need particular management?<\/li>
• Are there any behaviours the buyer should know about?<\/li><\/ul>\n

  The most useful questions depend on what you want to do with the horse. Ask about the things you genuinely need to know.<\/p>\n

  Look beyond an impressive sales video<\/h2>\n

  This applies to every horse purchase, but particularly when buying abroad. A sales video is usually a selection of good moments.<\/p>\n

  There is nothing inherently wrong with that: sellers naturally want to present their horses well. Remember, though, that you cannot see what happened before and after the recorded moments.<\/p>\n

  I prefer to review several types of footage, including ordinary training as well as an impressive trot or a polished jumping round. When a viewing involves hundreds of kilometres, careful video assessment can save unnecessary journeys.<\/p>\n

  View the horse yourself where possible<\/h2>\n

  Buying entirely from video carries a risk. Footage can give a useful first impression, but never tells the whole story. At a viewing, you can observe how the horse responds to its surroundings, behaves during handling and tacking up, and feels under saddle.<\/p>\n

  Just as importantly, you can assess how the partnership feels. A horse that looks perfect on video may not suit you when you ride it. Equally, a horse that looks less spectacular on film may feel exceptionally good under saddle.<\/p>\n

  Watch what happens around the trial ride<\/h3>\n

  When travelling abroad, make the most of the information available at the viewing. Look beyond the ridden work.<\/p>\n

  If the horse is already fully tacked up when you arrive, ask why. Where possible, watch it being brought out of the stable and tacked up. Pay attention to:<\/p>\n

  • behaviour in the stable;<\/li>
  • grooming and handling;<\/li>
  • having its feet picked up;<\/li>
  • having the girth tightened;<\/li>
  • having the bridle put on;<\/li>
  • being led to the arena;<\/li>
  • mounting;<\/li>
  • reactions to other horses;<\/li>
  • behaviour after riding.<\/li><\/ul>\n

    These small observations add up to a much fuller picture.<\/p>\n

    Who should ride the horse first?<\/h3>\n

    When viewing an unfamiliar horse, I find it useful to see its regular rider ride it first. This shows how it is normally ridden and how it responds to someone it knows. You can then try it yourself.<\/p>\n

    After a long journey, it can be tempting to give a horse a chance simply because you have travelled so far. Try to set that feeling aside. A long drive does not make a horse more suitable. If it does not feel right, that is valuable information too.<\/p>\n

    Buying without a trial ride<\/h3>\n

    Some buyers purchase without riding the horse themselves, perhaps because of the distance or its location elsewhere in Europe.<\/p>\n

    This is possible, but introduces more uncertainty. Gather as much information as you can and consider asking someone you trust to view and ride the horse locally.<\/p>\n

    An independent veterinary examination becomes even more important. Decide in advance how much uncertainty you are prepared to accept.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Arranging a veterinary examination abroad<\/h2>\n

    You can arrange a pre-purchase veterinary examination when buying a horse abroad. Discuss the appropriate scope with a vet, taking account of the horse, purchase price and intended use.<\/p>\n

    Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a clinical examination and additional investigations such as X-rays.<\/p>\n

    There is an extra consideration when the horse is abroad: who chooses the vet? For greater independence, you can contact a vet or clinic yourself rather than relying solely on the seller\u2019s usual vet.<\/p>\n

    Agree the scope of the examination beforehand and make sure you receive the results and can discuss them. You can ask both vets whether X-rays taken locally can be assessed by your own vet in the Netherlands. A video of the clinical examination may provide additional information, but does not replace an examination in person.<\/p>\n

    Having existing X-rays reviewed<\/h3>\n

    Some horses already have recent X-rays. These can be useful, but, where relevant, have them reviewed by a vet representing your interests as the buyer.<\/p>\n

    A statement that a horse has \u201cpassed its X-rays\u201d is not enough on its own. Find out which images were taken, when they were taken and what the findings mean for your intended use.<\/p>\n

    The interpretation may differ between a horse intended for leisure riding and one expected to compete intensively.<\/p>\n

    Check the horse\u2019s identity and documents<\/h2>\n

    Before completing the purchase, check that the horse\u2019s identification matches its documents, including its passport.<\/p>\n

    International movement may also involve animal health documents and administrative requirements. The precise requirements depend on the departure country, destination and circumstances of the journey. Have the current requirements checked before transport.<\/p>\n

    A passport alone is not sufficient for importing a horse, including when you collect it yourself.<\/p>\n

    Buying within or outside the EU<\/h2>\n

    Buying in Germany, Belgium or France differs from buying outside the European Union. Movements between EU member states are subject to rules concerning equines, which can include registration, animal health and transport requirements.<\/p>\n

    Purchases outside the EU may also involve import procedures, customs formalities, veterinary border checks and taxes.<\/p>\n

    Examples include horses from Great Britain or the United States. Specific arrangements may apply to countries such as Switzerland and Norway. Before signing a contract, check the requirements and total costs for the particular country of origin.<\/p>\n

    An attractive purchase price can become considerably less attractive once transport, import procedures and other costs are included.<\/p>\n

    What about VAT?<\/h2>\n

    VAT on a horse bought abroad can be complicated. The treatment depends on factors including the country, whether buyer and seller are private individuals or businesses, and the particular transaction.<\/p>\n

    A Dutch business buying from an overseas business may be treated differently from a private buyer. Imports from outside the EU can involve different tax rules again.<\/p>\n

    If in doubt, ask an accountant, tax adviser or another suitably qualified professional to assess the transaction before you commit. Do not automatically accept the seller\u2019s proposed VAT treatment.<\/p>\n

    Transporting the horse to the Netherlands<\/h2>\n

    Once purchased, the horse needs to travel to the Netherlands. Even if it is just across the German or Belgian border, international transport rules still matter.<\/p>\n

    If you hire a professional transporter, ask about their experience with international horse transport and the relevant documents and authorisations. Agree who will arrange the paperwork so nothing is missing on departure day.<\/p>\n

    Consult the NVWA guidance on international horse transport<\/a> and RVO guidance on imports and registration<\/a> for current requirements. These sources are in Dutch.<\/p>\n

    Collecting the horse yourself or using a transporter?<\/h3>\n

    Some buyers collect horses themselves over shorter distances. Professional transport may be more convenient for longer journeys. A specialist horse transporter will generally be familiar with the practical requirements and can often help organise the journey.<\/p>\n

    Ask for the total price and what it includes. Will the horse travel individually or with others? How long will the journey take? Are stops required? Who arranges any veterinary travel documents?<\/p>\n

    Check the rules even when collecting the horse yourself. A transporter authorisation is not always required: private transport unrelated to economic activity may be exempt. International journeys still require transporter registration in that situation. Use the NVWA explanation<\/a> to assess your circumstances. Arrange the TRACES health certificate and the destination\u2019s UBN registration number. For permanent imports, an authorised body handles the initial I&R registration and needs the health certificate. Agree responsibilities before departure.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Put the agreement in writing<\/h2>\n

    A written purchase agreement is particularly important when buying abroad. Clearly identify the horse, price and parties involved.<\/p>\n

    Include relevant agreements about known medical history, defects or other important details, the veterinary examination, payment, delivery and when risk passes to the buyer.<\/p>\n

    For an international purchase, the law governing the agreement and arrangements for resolving disputes may also be important. Your rights if problems arise depend on the circumstances and applicable law. Make sure important assurances are recorded in writing.<\/p>\n

    Take extra care when buying entirely online<\/h2>\n

    Instagram, Facebook and platforms such as Sporthorses and Ehorses have made international horse buying more accessible. You still need to check who you are dealing with.<\/p>\n

    Verify the seller\u2019s identity and authority to sell the horse. Be alert to pressure to transfer money quickly, changing information or an unwillingness to show important documents.<\/p>\n

    If you have doubts, try a reverse image search using a photograph of the horse. Fraudulent adverts can reuse photographs of horses advertised elsewhere.<\/p>\n

    Set a total budget beforehand<\/h2>\n

    Look beyond the advertised price. Your overall budget may include:<\/p>\n

    • the purchase price;<\/li>
    • travel and accommodation for viewings;<\/li>
    • the pre-purchase examination;<\/li>
    • additional X-rays;<\/li>
    • international transport;<\/li>
    • veterinary travel documents;<\/li>
    • insurance;<\/li>
    • any VAT or import charges;<\/li>
    • administrative costs.<\/li><\/ul>\n

      A horse advertised abroad for \u20ac2,000 less may not actually be cheaper once everything is included. Remember ongoing costs after arrival too. Read What does a horse cost per month?<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

      Germany and Belgium offer options, but distance still matters<\/h2>\n

      Germany and Belgium are particularly interesting search areas for Dutch buyers. They greatly widen the choice without necessarily making travel and transport excessively complicated.<\/p>\n

      Careful shortlisting still matters. After driving three hours into Germany, you do not want to discover that a pony is ten centimetres taller than advertised or that a horse is unsuitable for the rider\u2019s ability.<\/p>\n

      The further you travel, the more important thorough preparation becomes.<\/p>\n

      Do not let distance change your requirements<\/h3>\n

      This is one of the most important points when buying abroad. After hours on the road, you naturally want the viewing to go well, which can influence your judgement.<\/p>\n

      You might tell yourself that the horse is not really that sensitive, that it was simply tense today, or that you can practise loading once you get home.<\/p>\n

      Yet you might have walked away after ten minutes if the same pony had been twenty minutes from home. Set clear criteria before travelling and stick to them.<\/p>\n

      The distance you have driven does not change which horse suits you. Our article Which horse is right for me?<\/a> can help you keep your search criteria clear.<\/p>\n

      Is buying a horse abroad a sensible choice?<\/h2>\n

      Buying abroad can be worthwhile. A wider search area increases your chances of finding a suitable horse, but usually requires more preparation.<\/p>\n

      Gather enough information, assess videos critically, visit the horse yourself where possible and document your agreements. Think ahead about vetting, paperwork, transport and possible tax or customs implications.<\/p>\n

      Do not let the distance, or a seller\u2019s claim that other buyers are interested, rush you into a decision. Buying a horse is a major commitment, and it is reasonable to take a careful approach wherever the horse is located.<\/p>\n

      Help with buying a horse abroad<\/h2>\n

      Have you found an interesting horse or pony abroad, but are unsure whether a viewing is worthwhile?<\/p>\n

      At RSP Equi Select, I can help with the search and shortlisting. This can include reviewing adverts and videos, helping you ask the seller useful questions, and advising on a trial ride, veterinary examination and finding suitable transport providers.<\/p>\n

      For horses further away, careful shortlisting can save considerable time, travel and disappointment.<\/p>\n

      Would you like purchase guidance<\/a> while looking for a horse or pony in the Netherlands or abroad? Contact RSP Equi Select<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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