Importing project horses

[findeight]

Think most people use Oroquin, Marquis isn’t that popular any more. I’ve seen full blown EPM in very recent imports, I wouldn’t trust an herbal. No, EPM is not a problem in Europe, no Possums and Possums are the most common interim host, But the minute they step off the van and nibble US grass or even eat US produced hay, they can be exposed to the Protozoa and with no natural resistance as native US horses have built up over generations, some imports get awful sick awful fast and go downhill in a big hurry.

Don’t know if it works as a preventative like a vaccine or something but it might slow it down long enough for the horse to build some defenses.

[doublesstable]

@hairystockings

In regards to all the neuro related issues: I know of several trainers who treat for EPM the second an import lands in their barn with no testing done. They just arrive and start treatment. The trip can be very stressful and I know of many who have had horses end up with EPM not long after arrival. We’ve had several (not imported) horses with EPM on our farm in the States and if I imported one I would probably treat as soon as it arrived accordingly.

There are several causes of neurological horses.

EPM is a protozoal parasite… here in the states opossums are the culprits. I had a horse with EPM diagnosed with spinal fluid testing. It was very different from the horse I had that did have a compression.

All the neurological cases I know imported from Europe were spinal compression/arthritis. I often wonder if it is because so many of the horses from Europe are large. Rapid growth in larger breeds can cause problems in the cervical area. The best thing to do is do xrays or a myleogram.

Neurological conditions are very serious - something I personally wouldn’t guess on.

[PNWjumper]

@Scribbler

If importing is about $US 10,000 and associated travel costs and vetting etc are going to be about $5000? Then you aren’t saving much money until you can get a European horse for at least $US 20,000 less than the equivalent North American horse. Or Canadian $30,000.

Obviously being imported has cachet and raises the resale value which muddies things.

But could you buy a 3 year old in Europe for $10,000 that would cost $30,000 in the US? Or pay $30,000 for one that would cost $50,000 in the US? Or could you find the same quality for the same price if you shopped and drove a hard bargain?

The answer to all of this is yes. You can buy a horse with a ton more mileage and experience for many tens of thousands less than someone would be asking here. You can also by youngsters for tens of thousands less than you would pay here from a savvy breeder. Part of this is what the american market is looking for versus what the european market is looking for. But also, it costs pennies on the dollar to raise and show horses there versus here.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

I’d say that’s absolutely incorrect about EDM being unheard of in Europe. I know of at least 4 youngsters that were imported from Europe and had to be put down due to EPM and that’s only this year.

[findeight]

@greysfordays

and almost unheard of in Europe.

This is actually what that poster said about EPM 7 years ago. But appears the subject was really EDM and has been corrected.

[Xctrygirl]

I think you mean EDM. (Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy)

EPM is still able to be treated. (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)

Em

[TatteredDaydreamer]

You are correct! Typo on my end.

[tohorse]

My impression is that the pricing has very much levelled out and horses in Europe have gotten more expensive, but here the prices have more or less stagnated but the show record on fresh imports is as expensive to put on as ever. Unless you are talking horses that can go for 6 figures plus (and have the requisite sales network/brand to reliably get that kind of sales) I don’t get a sense that there is a whole lot of margin to be made by importing young horses anymore.

[fivestrideline]

Realizing this is an old thread that got bumped a bit, it is still interesting to think about.

IMO, the US is headed into some very uncertain times. The people who are most insulated from this have the budget and the network to pretty much buy whatever they like. Unless you(g) are buying that quality of youngster and putting it into the hands of those same programs, the risk has risen exponentially while the profit margin has shrunk significantly. Even comparing to just a few years ago.

I don’t play in those rings myself - tbh the costs of competitive H/J has just burned me out entirely to the point that I have no desire to play even if I could. However, I do run in some of the circles that the amateur owner importing a couple nice (but not world-beating) horses would be marketing to. Horses are sitting on the market, buyers are cautious, and prices are stagnating. A LOT of people are hunkering down instead of blowing money on new green horses - leases are in demand as well as safe, proven horses. At least around here.

[Amberley]

@TatteredDaydreamer

I’d say that’s absolutely incorrect about EPM being unheard of in Europe. I know of at least 4 youngsters that were imported from Europe and had to be put down due to EPM and that’s only this year.

Assuming you mean EDM that is crazy. They need to get to the bottom of what causes this.

[Trekkie]

I bought two Canadian purpose bred warmblood youngsters a few years ago. Both ended up with severe neurological conditions–one with EDM and one with Trigeminal Neuralgia causing severe headshaking even at rest. I feel like there has been an uptick in these untreatable neurological diseases? I wish they could find out what is causing this seeming epidemic.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Yes, I’m sorry, typo in my original post. I meant EDM, it’s so sad and terrifying!

[TatteredDaydreamer]

I completely agree!!

[Xctrygirl]

Funny thing about what is needed for more research into EDM… MONEY.

Research isn’t a free thing and while there are many equine based organizations delving hard into the mysteries of equine diseases and such, donations that go straight to people already studying EDM will help push the ball to the goal line quicker.

I would highly recommend that folks who have the ability to do so, consider donating to either of the known places doing specific EDM research. In this case you have 2 options, University of California Davis, Attn: Dr. Carrie Finno, or University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, Attn: Dr. Amy Johnson.

Donating to the research for either of these two will get funds directly to EDM specific studies.

Em