Costs to Import UK to US?

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

Sorry for the UK/Ireland mixup- yeah that was totally me. I’m not worried about the different currencies being stated at this stage, just looking for some general ballpark numbers- @GoneAway is correct that if/when the time comes to get serious on this, I would definitely be calling companies directly to discuss costs/logistics. I just know that cobs are prevalent in that broader Ireland/UK region, so open to info about any of the area.

I appreciate all the info/caveats/warnings received! This dream may never happen but if it does at least I have some good info here to work from. Thanks all

[Eventing_my_ottb]

My mom imported a 5 y/o Gypsy Vanner from the UK last year. The horse itself was 20k (as a versatility prospect) and then came the shipping. We had to pay for the horse to be shipped from the stable to the airport, then fly it across the Atlantic, then drive to our stables. Yikes! The poor little dude traveled so much but he’s happy here. Since pounds are more than USD, it cost more to fly him over. Driving to the airport was about 200 pounds (because the stable was out in the middle of nowhere lol) the flight was about 3000 pounds (we chose the best airline we could find) and then getting him to our stables was about $150 USD. Then we had to quarantine him, vet checks, blah blah blah. In the end, it was about 30k to get him over here, but it was worth it! He loves his new home

[Caol_Ila]

I’ve been joking for years about getting into the cob export business. Buy some cheap, green cobs on Dragon Driving, ship 'em over, sell 'em for $$$$$$$$.

In all seriousness, they are incredibly popular in the UK and Ireland as ammy-friendly low level all-rounders. Don’t know about Ireland because I’m not there, but in the UK, the market went nuts and you could spend an easy £10,000 on a safe, friendly cob who could jump a bit, hack safely, and do a bit of dressage.

Of course, young/green will be cheaper but as with all horses, anyone producing cobs aimed at HOYS or such things will be far more expensive than people who let whatever breed whatever in a bog,

The other thing with cobs is that maintaining the feather is. a. b1tch. There are many cobs on my livery yard (in Scotland) due to being the QH of the British Isles - plentiful and often ammy-friendly. Almost everyone I know who owns one has a nightmare with the feathers. They have feather mites, mallendars, sallendars, and those conditions can be extremely uncomfortable for the horse. Very few cobs at my yard have their full feather. Most owners shave it off to make their lives and their horse’s lives easier.

When I was looking for a riding horse a couple years ago, I initially wanted a cob but then started paying attention to the trials and tribulations my friends were going through with their cobs’ legs. I changed my mind and did not buy a cob.

That said, some cobs are sportier and have quite minimalist feather. You probably won’t have as many problems with those. It’s the heavily-feathered ones prone to the mallendars/sallendars/feather mites.

[chestnutmarebeware]

Oh, that chestnut mare, Madeline!

If I was horse shopping my trailer would already be hitched up!

[atr]

I’d be bringing Caleb home in a heartbeat. Thats a proper fancy cob!

[Nous]

Just for clarification: Northern Ireland is most definitely in the UK thats why its the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Southern Ireland is not in the UK but is in the EU.

[alar24]

I was also so into Caleb!!! He looks so cute I think I’m partial to Calvin right now though… (love to window shop, lol)

[Couture_TB]

You can find some nice built Cobs here. Gypsy Vanners are just Irish Cobs. This is my Irish Cob at 2yrs and he is built to be a nice sport type.