I have found a horse in Brazil that I like through a breeders website. Can anyone tell me what the process would be like to import to the US? I have never imported a horse before and I am not working with a trainer, so feeling like it would be a little overwhelming! Can anyone tell me about the logistics?
My research leads me to think it will cost approximately $15,000 for the flight and quarantine. Does that seem about right?
Have not personally but been some in my barns that have brought some from Argentina… Exact price will depend on flight availability, specific quarantine requirements and van rides on either side of the flight and quarantine facility, quarantine itself, it’s much less for geldings the breeding animals.
Think you need to reach out to your breeder/seller for help. You do need somebody down there to make arrangements and be responsible for the horse.
It’s pretty much the same routine and paperwork as shipping from Europe. Vet requirements might be different, breeder can probably be of great help, otherwise you’ll probably need a shipping agent to set everything up and get you a spot on a plane and see the horse gets on it,
My boy was imported from Argentina. He was flown into Miami and did quarantine there for a week. it cost about 9000 I believe. (in 2012)
I was lucky that they people I bought him from arranged everything so he flew out on a full shipment (polo ponies). It did mean that I had to wait a bit for him to leave.
I have not, but I’ve owned three horses that were. I’ve explored the possibility and the numbers can get quite scary.
If you PM me I’ll get you in contact with some folks who have imported many and they will be glad to give you the value of their experience.
G.
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Should have noted we have Mangalarga Marchadors. What are you looking at?
G.
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It’s frequently done and the numbers aren’t scary. I am no help from Brazil but from Argentina, it’s about the same cost now as it was when Hawks Nest imported hers 
They land in US and have a week in quarantine (mare, stallion or gelding which is a huge cost savings if you’re looking at mare/stallion) and then you are responsible for arranging pickup from quarantine and shipping to final destination. Brazil may have flights that go into the West Coast - Argentina, they all land in Miami now. Quarantine is going to be very busy with WEF and polo season so except delays if you’re shipping to east coast.
And DO GET INSURANCE DURING SHIPPING.
My mare was imported from Argentina at 5. She flew from Buenos Aires to Miami, did QT, and went right to showing at WEF. I’m not sure how much the cost is but I believe it’s comparable to importing from Europe
What is the standard cost of a container to the U.S. (Miami or NY)? THAT was the first “scary number.” The second was what happened when one of the importers I knew quite well decided not to us a flag carrier (like VARIG) but rather a cargo carrier who ended up dropping horses consigned to Miami in Venezuela because they got a more lucrative load there.
No matter what this will not be a “cheap” process.
G.
Depends on how many horses are in the container, mostly it’s 3 per.
VARIG is gone, don’t know if they have a flag carrier handling livestock.
They all fly cargo. My husband flies with ours frequently as he is certified. 3 horses per pallet. People do it all the time - there is a huge influx of horses that are coming in for the winter season along with those that are sold to the US.
Also above someone said it’s less in quarantine for geldings vs mare/stallion. Not true from Argentina. Yes from Europe as mares/stallions have different quarantine requirements but from Argentina - EVERYTHING does 1 week so same price.
Have you thought about checking inventory at a US trainer who imports? I bought my Brazilian boy from Casa Lusitana, and it was a wonderful experience.
I just found this. It’s based on Europe to North America but should give reasonable “first look” at costs. The trip from South America will be about 20% longer so it might be something more.
Quarantine costs are really impressive.
This is not something the uninitiated horse owner ought to think about unless they have REALLY deep pockets.
G.
I am looking at importing a marchador, and stumbled across your post. Would you mind sending me a PM to help connect me with the people that have imported before?
Good afternoon. We are retired from the MM breeding business (aged out, actually 
) I suggest you contact Lynn Kelley at the U.S. Mangalarga Marchador Assn. She lives in either CO or AZ, depending on the season. She is a straight shooter. I don’t know your location, but know some of the current breeders personally, and most by reputation. This is the link to the website. Best of luck as you investigate. The horses are generally great. Among the breeders you might find a horse’s ass, but I guess that’s true in any breed!!! 
Bill Kambic
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