Buying and Trying Horses in Mexico?

[SpotandMe]

Hi All. Has anyone gone horse shopping / trying in Mexico recently? I met a trainer from Mexico recently and they suggested I come down to visit to try some horses and see what the dressage scene is like in Guadalajara. It seems like they have some nice PRE and Lusitano horses and that is what I’m looking at specifically for my next horse.

If you have imported a horse from Mexico, did you use a horse agent? What were the import fees and logistics like? Would love to hear any and all experiences!

Thanks in advance!

[Feathered_Feet]

My answer to either of your queries is “no” but I would certainly jump at the chance to go to Guadalajara, check out the dressage scene, and try some horses! Then again I love Mexico and wouldn’t hesitate to go visit by invitation.

Hopefully someone with experience can help answer your other questions about import.

[2tempe]

I know two people who have bought horses in Mexico. Not sure they had an actual “agent” but were given guidance by rider/trainer people who had connections down there. One of these two people took her own rider and her own vet; she was looking at generally upper level horses as opposed to 4-5 yr olds. The other person went through a local trainer and bought a 4 yr old sight unseen.
There are several border crossing locations, horse must quarantine for several days, more if stallion or mare, just like any import. Same general tests, etc, all driven by USDA
The ones I know of were transported by land, not air, so not as expensive. Seller’s side should be able to arrange shipper to border. You find shipper from quarantine to home.

[CanteringCarrot]

I’ve been hearing things once in awhile about the Iberian horse scene in Mexico and sometimes Brazil, but haven’t heard about which breeders/sellers and whatnot are worthwhile. So if anyone has recommendations, I’d be curious. Who are the big or reputable names over there?

I’ve definitely seen some nice horses out of Mexico or ridden by top Mexican riders though.

[rosinante]

Be careful where you go in Mexico.

Here is the US State Dept. Travel Advisory for dangerous travel in Mexican states and cities.

[PREs_Rock]

I just bought a horse in Mexico last week. I went there in March and looked, specifically in Guadalajara. I answered the OPs specific questions by PM.

My experience was great. I was escorted throughout my visit and never felt unsafe. I worked directly with the breeder/owner whose ranch I was visiting. We flew out of Juarez, MX as it is much less expensive than flying out of a US location. We live just outside of El Paso, TX, so it was easy. Another hint is to fly Southwest or another US carrier to one of the coastal cities and then catch a domestic flight to the interior of Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is the closest resort area to Guadalara. Flights from there run around $50 last time I checked.

Regarding transport/quarantine: The quarantine for horses from Mexico is 7 days. There are no differences for geldings, mares, or stallions. All seven days. The transporter I will be using is based in Riverside, CA and he will deliver directly to my door, he is who the seller uses all of the time. There is another transporter who owns his own quarantine station that is based at the border crossing across from Santa Teresa, NM. He has a transport company that goes to Mexico, US, and Canada. I’m sure he could arrange for transport from Santa Teresa to other locations in the US. PM me for names and contact information.

[Risuena]

Just wanted to thank you for this lovely daydream fodder. I’m convinced that the best way to get myself out of my recent funk is to spend a week (or two!) in Mexico and buy myself a fun Iberian horse lol

[the_sandiest_shoes]

My horse is from Caliente in Tijuana, but I bought him from an importer in California. There are pros to that approach too. For dressage lusitanos from that breeder, I love the Zejoe babies.