Keeping Youngsters in Europe to Train- Barn Suggestions?

[jumpernyc]

Hello Folks,

I am drooling over all these sport horse auctions going on. I am seeing a lot of really well bred youngsters at great prices since the Americans aren’t flying over to buy any more due to Covid. I am thinking of buying a 3 or 4 yr old and leaving it in Europe to get some training and show miles affordably for a year or two. Anyone have an idea of what “training board” costs in Belgium/Netherlands/West Germany or a suggestion of a barn that is great with very green youngsters? Would love some suggestions.

[Summertime]

In Germany, most large barns charge about 400-600 euros per month for full training with a bereiter or a meister, add another 400 euros for boarding. If you also want your youngster to get some experience with showing, add a bit more. If you find a barn in the countryside, like a breeders place, you might only have to spend around 600 euros all inclusive. But if you want to stick to more popular/professional barns with good facilities, you have to expect to apy more.

[jumpernyc]

thank you, that is super helpful!

[Summertime]

If you are looking for a cheaper option, you could also try to find a junior rider / young rider to ride your youngster. Often, those young equestrians have a few youngsters to bring along. They show the youngsters at local shows, while taking their more experienced horses to the bigger shows. I have seen a few of theses cooperations between breeders & young riders. Both sides benefit from this situation: The young riders get to ride very nice youngsters and the breeders don’t have to pay for the training.

If you are looking for a very nice horse and good training, I would recommend you to look at Hof Sosath, Holger Hetzels Barn, Schockemoehle etc.

[jumpernyc]

My friend works with Holger and really likes him but I wasn’t sure what the pricing would be like there, if it was just as expensive as an American top show jumping stable. I do like your idea of the young rider, the trick is finding one! That can be tough to do from overseas.

[Summertime]

I would recommend contacting the national trainers for the Junior Riders / Pony Riders / U21 or U25 Riders. They should know which families are looking for some quality youngsters to bring along.

[weixiao]

I paid around 650 euros per month for full training board in Holland when I lived there. Happy to provide the name of the farm if you’re interested. They were very good with young horses too, including my very difficult one.

[jumpernyc]

Oh wow, that is super smart, I never would have thought of that. Great idea!