FAQ

Can you ship a horse to my country?
It sounds expensive. Are there benefits to importing a horse from Germany?
How much does it cost to import a horse?
Are transport fees separate from the purchase price of the horse?
What services do you provide?
Will I have to deal with any of the transport arrangements?
Will I have to deal with any paperwork?
How do I get the necessary veterinary certificates for travel?
Will I need to travel with the horse?
What is included in the transport cost you quote to me?
What will I need to pay that is separate from the quoted transport cost?
When do I pay the transport fees?
Are there ways I can save money?
Will the horse be insured during travel?
If the horse is healthy and vaccinated, why does it need to be quarantined?
Where will the horse be quarantined?
How long is the quarantine period?
Where do I pick up the horse?
How safe is it to transport horses by air?
How is the horse made safe and comfortable on the flight?
Who will be handling my horse during transit?
Is air travel hard on the horse?
Are there ever hidden costs?

Can you ship a horse to my country?
Yes. We can ship horses anywhere in the world.
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It sounds expensive. Are there benefits to importing a horse from Germany?
In general, registered breed horses from Germany are among the most lucrative to import. This is especially true for the German Warmblood breeds, because of their recent rise in popularity and increased demand worldwide.
Stringent state control of breeding in Germany ensures better bloodlines and higher quality standards within registered breeds. This system annually produces a greater number of high quality horses than you will find elsewhere. The result: more good horses to choose from, comparatively lower prices, and greater value for your money. Secondly, German trainers must be licensed by the state, which means that the quality and consistency of German-trained horses is higher than average. Of special interest to resellers and breeders, strong German and EU health regulations help keep quarantine requirements for German horses to the minimum in most countries.
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How much does it cost to import a horse?
The total cost of importing a horse varies according to your location and the age, gender and breeding status of the horse. Naturally, the question behind this is whether importing is affordable, reasonable, and the right decision for you.
Because shipping and exchange rates fluctuate and your location is a major factor, it would be unfair for us to state an “average” price for importing a horse before knowing your particulars. Of course, shipping a horse overseas will cost a few thousand dollars, plus local quarantine fees. But for many customers it is a surprisingly affordable and cost-effective way to get a higher quality horse than is otherwise affordable or available to them.
We invite you to contact us with your location and some brief information about the age and gender of horse you are interested in. We will be glad to discuss importing costs with you and give you a preliminary estimate. We want you to get the most value for your money, and you can be assured that we will only recommend horses that are the best import value in your particular case.
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Are transport fees separate from the purchase price of the horse?
Yes. When you are making your purchase decision we will help you with your budget by calculating the costs involved in importing each particular horse to your country. The payments for horse and transport will be made separately. The first step will be to finalize the purchase of your horse. As soon as this transaction is completed, we will begin transport procedures.Can you ship a horse to my country?
Yes. We can ship horses anywhere in the world.
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What services do you provide?
Prior to departure:
• Veterinary inspection, certified blood tests and vaccinations as required by law;
• All necessary health and travel certificates;
• Scheduling the flight and coordinating with the shipper;
• Trailering your horse to the departure airport;
• Supervising the loading, and boarding processes.
At the arrival end:
• Clearing your horse through local customs;
• Supervising the unloading process;
• Accompanying your horse to the quarantine facility and checking it in;
• Contacting you with a full transit report upon arrival.
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Will I have to deal with any of the transport arrangements?
No. Once the sale is final we will handle all of the details of importing your horse to your country. Your only job will be to pick up the horse from airport quarantine facility and transport it to your stables.
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Will I have to deal with any paperwork?
None. As your authorized agent we will fill out and submit all of the necessary forms, and deal with all agencies and officials. So there’s no need for you to learn German unless you want to.
Can you ship a horse to my country?
Yes. We can ship horses anywhere in the world.
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How do I get the necessary veterinary certificates for travel?
Immediately after the sale we will arrange for the required veterinary inspection, blood tests and certificates that your horse needs for international travel. It takes 7 days to get the result of the Piroplasmosis test. Results for the other three required tests— Coggins (equine infectious anemia), Dourine and Glanders— take 3-5 days. When all tests return negative we can proceed with the export procedure. If your country requires your horse to have any additional vaccinations, they must be done at least 15 days prior to departure. During this waiting period your horse will remain boarded in Germany.
Most customers choose to use our trusted veterinarian, who is well versed in German procedures, shipping requirements, and the various international regulations. The cost of pre-travel veterinary tests and certification is included in the shipping price. Alternatively, you are free to use your own veterinarian if you have one in Germany.
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Will I need to travel with the horse?
You do not need to be present in Germany when we ship your horse, or when it initially arrives in your country. We personally accompany your horse to the airport, supervise its loading on the airplane, and fly with it to your country. Upon arrival, we will clear your horse through local customs and personally escort it to the airport quarantine facility. You are welcome to accompany your horse on the journey if you wish, but it is not necessary and most new owners prefer to save the expense.
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What is included in the transport cost you quote to me?
• Veterinary health inspection, blood tests and vaccinations required for travel clearance;
• Managing all paperwork and documentation;
• Dealing with the necessary government agencies, regulators and organizations;
• Official certificates and permits;
• Transfers of registration;
• Road transit to the departure airport;
• All air travel fees, including airfare and container;
• All in-transit care, including bedding, feed and an accompanying caretaker/handler for your horse;
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What will I need to pay that is separate from the quoted transport cost?
• You will need insurance that covers your horse during transit and in quarantine. You can get this through your local insurance company, or we can arrange a temporary in-transit policy for you.
• Your horse will need interim boarding in Germany while awaiting travel clearance, and you will pay these boarding fees separately. We will gladly negotiate the arrangements for you. Interim boarding is usually a minimal cost— unless you specify otherwise we try to arrange for your horse to travel as soon as possible after your purchase.
• The quarantine facility in your country will charge you directly for your horse’s confinement. You pay these fees directly to the quarantine facility when you pick up your horse. Rates at official quarantine facilities vary by country and location. We will provide you with full information on the quarantine requirements and fees you can expect for each horse you import. Feel free to ask us about current quarantine requirements and rates for your country.
• As with any horse you consider purchasing, you will want a pre-sale veterinary examination. This exam is different from the veterinary inspection and tests required for travel, and the cost will be separate. We will help you arrange a thorough and fair pre-sale inspection with our independent veterinarian or one you choose. And we naturally encourage you to visit us in Germany to personally inspect the horses you are considering.
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When do I pay the transport fees?
We will send you a complete transport cost quote as early as possible after your purchase of the horse. When all your questions have been answered and all arrangements meet your approval, we will finalize the schedule and book the flight. The easiest way to arrange pay is by direct bank-to-bank wire transfer. We will need to pre-pay all shipping fees, so the full amount will need to be received by our bank at least 3 days prior to your horse’s scheduled departure. You should talk to your bank about how long it takes them to process wire transfers and start the procedure early enough to avoid delays.
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Are there ways I can save money?
The most important thing is to be somewhat flexible about your shipping dates. As with all air travel, airline fees and availability of space change often. Your flexibility will give us the ability to coordinate travel at the best rate. When importing a young stallion or mare, you may save extra quarantine fees if the horse can be transported before its second birthday. We will advise you on any opportunities that may save you money.
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Will the horse be insured during travel?
Yes. Insurance coverage is paid separately. It is inexpensive and easily arranged using your local insurance company or ours. We recommend insuring your horse up to the full purchase price during travel, and throughout the quarantine period.
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If the horse is healthy and vaccinated, why does it need to be quarantined?
All governments must protect the health of their livestock by strictly controlling the import of animals from other countries and regions. This quarantine period ensures that your horse, and all others that enter the country before and after, are healthy and free of the diseases that could affect entire herds and future generations. Yes, quarantine does represent additional time and cost, but the security is well worth it. Testing procedures are meticulous, and duplicate blood tests must be performed both before and after travel to ensure accurate negative results. Upon arrival, your horse must be isolated from any opportunity for infection while awaiting the results of the final tests that must be performed in country. This is for your horse’s own safety as well as the safety of other animals.
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Where will the horse be quarantined?
Your horse will be initially be quarantined in the official short-term quarantine center at the arrival airport. If your horse requires additional quarantine beyond the standard 3-day period (see details below), it will then be transferred in a certified and sealed rig to the government approved long-term quarantine facility nearby. For each horse you are considering, we will make sure you understand the quarantine details in advance.
If you are importing a horse by air to the United States there are three entry ports: Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; and Newburgh, New York. We will ship your horse to the entry port nearest you.
For other countries, contact us for information about the entry ports and quarantine facilities nearest your location.
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How long is the quarantine period?
Required quarantine periods vary by country. In the US the quarantine for geldings and horses under 2 years of age is 3 days. Mares of breeding age require an additional 2 weeks in quarantine while they are checked for CEM. Stallions entering the US require 4 weeks in quarantine.
Contact us for up-to-date information on quarantine requirements in your country.
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Where do I pick up the horse?
You will pick up your horse at the quarantine facility at the end of the quarantine period. We provide you with the date, location, and telephone numbers. You are responsible for transporting the horse from the quarantine facility to your stables. You pay the local quarantine fee when you pick up the horse. Accepted methods of payment vary depending on location, and we will inform you accordingly. You should plan to collect the horse on the designated release day to avoid extra fees.
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How safe is it to transport horses by air?
We check your horse immediately before departure to be sure that is healthy and fit to travel. We will also make sure we have information about the horse’s recent health history, habits, or particular eccentricities that should be considered during transport.
Contrary to popular belief, most horses are not sedated during flight. The effects of drugs can mask your horse’s health status, and sedation is only administered in those rare cases where the horse is in danger of injuring itself or others. It is, however, very unusual for injuries to occur during air travel.
Ramps and stalls are equipped with non-slip surfaces, and special attention is paid to your horse’s balance and safety during takeoff, landing and unexpected turbulence. We will be with your horse on the airplane to provide feed, water, and expert care. Our primary concern is your horse’s safety and well-being at all times.
Quarantine facilities are experienced in handling horses following air travel, and you can expect high care and monitoring during this period. As you know, any form of transport and change is stressful, so you should plan to give your horse several days to settle in to its new environment once you get it to your stable. It is normal for horses to lose a slight amount of weight during transport, but this is only temporary. Some horses may need a little time to adapt to extreme climate changes, such as when shipping horses from Germany to Asia. We naturally encourage you to consult your local vet if you have any concerns. But in our experience, most horses adjust as normally as you would expect if they had been trailered long-distance to your location.
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How is the horse made safe and comfortable on the flight?
Your horse will be travelling in an air-conditioned environment, safely housed within a first class horse container. These specially made aircraft stalls are well ventilated and are designed for in-flight comfort and safety. Our accompanying caretaker will be with your horse during takeoff and landing, will constantly monitor its well-being during the flight, and attends to its feed and water needs. In general, air travel is more comfortable than trailering, and most horses manage it well. We can assure you that your horse will get all the professional care and attention it needs to help ensure a stress-free journey.
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Who will be handling my horse during transit?
We will personally trailer your horse to the departure airport, load and unload your horse ourselves, and supervise the entire boarding and de-boarding processes. We will be personally attending to your horse during the flight and transport to the quarantine facility.
All quarantine facilities are strictly regulated and supervised by veterinarians. While in quarantine, your horse will be attended to by certified professionals.
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Is air travel hard on the horse?
These days it is routine to fly horses, and the airlines we use are specially equipped for their safety. As with any form of transportation, there are of course, risks. But air travel has actually proven to be one of the safest methods of transport. Thousands of horses fly each year, including many of the world’s most elite and valuable equestrian teams, and problems during air transport are extremely rare. In an interview published in the Malaysian press, Olympic course designer and FEI Jumping Committee Chairman, Olaf Petersen, offered this expert opinion about air travel for horses:
“ Many riders think it is much less traveling stress for horses by plane than by car. When we go by car on the European roads horses stay for 7, 8, 9, 10 hours in the car. This is much more stress than being on a plane.” (http://www.equestrian.com.my/news/2001/08/12/279,d395,85aab0.html)
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Are there ever hidden costs?
Barring unforeseen problems with quarantine clearance, unexpected costs are highly unlikely. We do everything possible to assure that your horse is healthy and ready to travel, that all pre-export and entry requirements are met, that required fees have been paid, and that all paperwork is in order.
To be on the safe side, we only work with major air carriers and partners who have proven their reliability. We are personally involved throughout the entire process and do everything we can to ensure that you get accurate up-front quotes and no surprises.
As previously detailed, quarantine costs and terms of payment at the arrival end vary according to your location, and you will be responsible for paying these costs directly when you pick up your horse. We will help you calculate the costs you can expect for this period.
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