02 September 2008 12:06
I’ve owned horses in the past and worked with horses for several years. I’ve always liked Spanish horses, and have been saving up for years in order to buy my dream PRE horse.
Lots of Spanish stables offer you the chance to fly over to view their horses, or you can simply buy over the internet. They ensure the horse will be five-stage vetted and you are welcome to stay and try the horse. They also offer to arrange transport. Is this a common way to buy Spanish horses and is it safe?
Answer
By Your Horse
Dressage Rider and Trainer Claire Lilley advises:
One option is to buy a Spanish horse already in this country. I’ve owned a Lusitano and currently have a part-bred Lipizzaner – both were bred in Wales. Contact the relevant breed societies for available horses and studs.
Alternatively, there are reputable professionals who regularly import Spanish horses (PRE). They do all the hard work for you, and are experts at the paperwork.
Going off to Spain to find a horse may sound glamorous, but make sure you’re not swayed by the hospitality and lovely surroundings, and fall in love with a horse who may not be totally suitable for you.
If you do go to Spain, take someone with previous experience to cast a responsible eye over a potential purchase. And if you do bring a horse over from abroad, find out what his previous feeding, turnout and training regime has been.