Buying a Dressage Horse in Europe: Complete Guide for US Buyers
Europe remains the reference market for dressage horses. Germany, the Netherlands, France and Portugal breed and produce horses at every level, and prices are often more competitive than in the US for comparable quality. But buying from across the Atlantic adds distance, paperwork and risk. Here is how to approach it step by step.
1. Why buy in Europe?
Choice: a far larger pool of trained horses, from young prospects to Grand Prix schoolmasters.
Price for quality: for the same level of training, European prices are frequently lower, even once import costs are added.
Training history: many horses have been produced by professional riders and have a clear competition record.
2. Plan your full budget
The purchase price is only part of the equation. For a horse flown from Europe to the US, plan for:
Pre-purchase exam and X-rays: carried out by an independent vet in Europe.
Ground transport: from the seller to the export airport (often Amsterdam or Liège).
Flight and agent fees: typically the largest import cost.
USDA quarantine: mandatory on arrival; longer and more expensive for mares and stallions.
Insurance: mortality and transit cover from the day of purchase.
Ask for a full landed-cost estimate before you commit, so there are no surprises.
3. Define the right profile
Be precise about level, age range, size, temperament and budget. A clear profile lets a professional filter dozens of horses down to a short list worth your time.
4. Trying horses from a distance
Recent, unedited videos: full tests, warm-up and the horse ridden by different riders if possible.
Live video calls: to see the horse tacked up, handled and ridden in real time.
A trusted eye on site: a professional who rides or watches the horse for you and reports honestly.
Travel for the final shortlist: if your budget allows, fly over to try two or three horses in a few days.
5. Vetting and paperwork
Always commission your own vet, independent from the seller. Request a full clinical exam and a standard X-ray set, and have the images reviewed by your US vet before signing. Check the passport, ownership, vaccinations and any blood tests required for export, such as piroplasmosis.
6. Secure the transaction
Sign a written sales contract, in English, with clear conditions.
Use traceable payments and avoid paying the full amount before the vetting is cleared.
Agree who is responsible for the horse until it leaves the stable.
Work with a trusted partner
CM Horses supports riders from France and abroad in finding the right dressage horse, from young prospects to Grand Prix schoolmasters: defining the profile, shortlisting horses from our network in France and across Europe, organising trials and vetting, through to the final purchase and export. Some horses in our network are never listed publicly.
You can also browse our dressage and sport horses available for export.
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