Buying & Importing from Hungary

[PNWHorseGirl]

I’ve been in the market for a young (3-5yo) unbacked or just started upper level jumper prospect. Have found a couple nice ones in Hungary for very good prices, and have been corresponding with the seller on WhatsApp. He seems straightforward, but I’m always a little uneasy buying from someone my trainer and I don’t know. The seller also doesn’t speak great English, which makes things a little more complicated.

Does anyone have experience purchasing and importing from Hungary? If so, how did you arrange vetting and transport, and who did you use? How did you ensure you got all the information you needed before the sale was complete? Ideally, I’d like to get a trusted English and Hungarian speaking vet to do a full vetting on this particular horse.

Happy to discuss particular sellers, but would prefer to do so in private messages. Because none of this seller’s horses have been backed yet, I would likely be buying off of video. Thank you!

[MustangTwist]

Interested in hearing the responses to this question since I’ll be looking for something similar down the road. Does your trainer have any connections in the area that you could ask about the seller or local vets? Or does your trainer know of any brokers that work in Eastern Europe who could do some research for you?

Admittedly I’ve never bought from Eastern Europe, but from what I’ve heard from others there are some concerns about unethical business practices during the vetting phase, esp. if you don’t know the seller/vet personally. If they have a thriving sales business with many happy customers, perhaps they could give you some references. Otherwise, I would recommend you do whatever you can to ensure that process is rock solid. For example, you’ll want some type of assurance that the x-rays you get are actually from the horse in question.

From a legal perspective, it may make sense to try and include some type of binding arbitration clause which will be enforceable in Hungary in the purchase contract. Hopefully you would never need it, but it’s always good to have in your back pocket just in case. It may also cause disreputable sellers to think twice before trying to pull a fast one on you. I know someone who does “equine law” who may be able to help you out if you’re interested!

[bluepece2]

I know people who buy from Hungary (I live in Europe) and there are some sketchy deals going on there BUT there are some great bargains too. Their business plan is buy in Hungary and sell in Luxemburg for a big mark up, little training needed.

[MustangTwist]

This might not apply to your situation, but I did see a facebook post from a fairly well known sales barn in the UK this morning essentially warning their clients because they saw one of their barn’s horses being advertised by someone in Hungary using pictures from their own website.

Doesn’t mean there aren’t good and reputable sellers in Hungary, but if you don’t have a personal connection with the seller, it would be wise to exercise caution.