Buying Sport Horses from Europe and Importing to the USA

Buying Sport Horses from Europe and Importing to the USA

Are you based in the United States and looking for your next sport horse?

You don't have to limit yourself to the domestic market. Europe has an enormous tradition in equestrian sport and offers an impressive selection of dressage horses, show jumping horses, eventing horses and young sport horses.

From the Netherlands and Germany to Belgium, France and other European equestrian nations: interesting horses are available every day for riders looking for quality, talent and a good match.

Through our platform you get access to an international selection of European horses, so you can search from America for the horse that truly suits you.

Why buy a European sport horse?

Europe is home to some of the most renowned horse breeds, studbooks and sport bloodlines in the world. Think of: Dutch Warmbloods (KWPN), German Hanoverians, Oldenburgers, Holsteiners, Westfalen, Belgian Warmbloods, Selle Francais and other European sport horses.

These horses are bred and trained for different disciplines and levels. Whether you are an experienced competition rider or looking for a horse for your own sporting development, the European market offers enormous possibilities.

Find your ideal horse in Europe

The perfect horse looks different for every rider. Maybe you are looking for an elegant dressage horse with three good gaits. Or a show jumping horse with scope, carefulness and a great attitude. Perhaps you are looking for a young horse with international potential. Or an experienced competition horse ready for its next rider.

You can search by: discipline, age, level, breed or studbook, gender, pedigree, training, location, price range, competition experience. This makes Europe one large search market for your next horse.

From Germany to the Netherlands: discover European horses

Germany has an enormous reputation in dressage and show jumping. German studbooks such as Hanover, Oldenburg, Holsteiner and Westfalen are known worldwide.

The Netherlands is known for its high-quality sport horses, including KWPN horses. Dutch horses are particularly popular in dressage and show jumping.

Belgium has developed into a major supplier of international show jumping horses. Belgian sport horses are in great demand worldwide.

France has a strong tradition in both show jumping and eventing with well-known sport horse lines such as Selle Francais.

Your next horse doesn't have to be in America

Many American riders search for months for the right horse. But why limit yourself to horses that happen to be available in your own region? When you search internationally, you get access to many more options.

The horse that perfectly matches your wishes might currently be in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, or elsewhere in Europe. What matters is not where the horse is located. What matters is that the horse fits you.

Personal horse search

An international purchase starts with your wishes. A professional search can be tailored to: Discipline (dressage, show jumping, eventing or hunter), Age, Level, Type (mare, gelding or stallion), Pedigree, Character.

View horses from America

You don't need to fly to Europe for every interesting horse. Through photos, videos, competition footage and additional information, you can make a first selection from America. When a horse is interesting, it can then be viewed in person.

Pre-purchase examination and import

When you buy a horse in Europe, a pre-purchase exam is essential. On request we arrange a clinical and radiographic examination with an independent vet. You receive the full report including images.

For import to the United States, the horse needs: A valid equine passport, A health certificate, Coggins test (EIA), Import permit from USDA APHIS, Quarantine upon arrival (typically 3-7 days).

We work with specialized transporters who arrange the flight, quarantine and all paperwork. Total import costs usually range from $8,000 to $20,000.

Avante Horse Sales -- connecting American riders with European quality.