Reputable Breeders in Europe?

[veetiepony]

I 100% agree that it’s more economical, probably more amateur friendly and supports the economy to buy from US breeders. I understand that a lot (but not all) US breeders are in their infancy of their programs, which is probably why I’m even brining this up.

People boast about their imported horses, and that is probably just a folloe up of the fact that maybe 15-25 years ago it was easier to find better horses more economically overseas, because the US breeders hadn’t started to produce what they are producing now. It just shocks me when breeders tell buyers to buy domestically when most (or at least a lot of) their breeding stock (mares and stallions) are imported. This is obviously becaue all our wbs were imported, but ehen will breeders start producing the quality of breeding stock they buy overseas?

Again, no disrespect here, and i know it’s a long process to even begin to reach the quantity of quality europe has. Just keep in mind it is easy for a 16 year old to dream of her own imported horse when a lot of what she sees on breeders websites are “imported”.

[skydy]

I think it would be difficult for a minor to import a horse without the help of an agent,trainer,or at least a parent, since a 16 year old can’t sign a legally binding contract…

[Sakura_Hill_Farm]

[QUOTE=skydy;6245300]
I think it would be difficult for a minor to import a horse without the help of an agent,trainer,or at least a parent, since a 16 year old can’t sign a legally binding contract…;)[/QUOTE]

Thank you! :yes: The same holds for a 17 year old in Canada.

We are busy welcoming our new Carolus II filly that was foaled last night so will not further pursue posting on this thread except to wish the OP full success whatever she may decide to do. The learning process is steep but rewarding in its own right as is maintaining productive contact with the breeder.

[Blume_Farm]

[QUOTE=PineTreeFarm;6244953]
Perhaps your insisting on knowing who the trainer was caused the buyer to be unresponsive.
I certainly would not feel it’s any of your business to ask who my trainer is and would probably have politely told you I was no longer interested in the deal.
.[/QUOTE]

I understand what you are saying. However, as a breeder I ask any potential buyer a lot of questions: how many years experience they have, how the horse will be housed, fed, farrier, veterinary, training/ showing, etc. I feel it is my duty to make sure I sell my horses to folks I feel will take the best care of an animal I am responsible for producing.

I know many breeders abroad and in US will sell to any potential buyer with a pocket book. However, as a small breeder that is not my goal and I have right to inquire. Of course, the buyer then has a right to walk away.

IMO, a buyer should not take offensive at being “grilled”. Instead they should feel comforted that the breeder has the best intentions for their offspring. For example, I purchased a Lagotto Romagnolo (dog) from a breeder overseas (via a US agent). I had to fill out a 10 page questionaire…and I am a small animal vet!! I did not feel I should get special treatment b/c I am a vet purchasing a dog. I was happy to know that these folks put their heart and soul into their breeding program and do their best to place these animals in the best possible homes, regardless of who is intended on buying.

[twelvegates]

[QUOTE=bluehof;6245603]
For example, I purchased a Lagotto Romagnolo (dog) from a breeder overseas (via a US agent).[/QUOTE]

Just had to find out what this was:

http://www.lagottoromagnoloclubofgb.co.uk/

How cute are they?

[Ssporthorses]

I have to agree with SakuraHill and bluehof - they want the absolute best match for their young horses and as a buyer I would expect to be asked those questions and I ask those questions of potential buyers as well.
I do all my own training, but when my young horses get to higher levels I enlist a coach… I know where my skills start to need a helping hand!

OP - I hope you are able to find what you like here in North America, it may take a little more searching but I truly think you can… many of those on this board breed very high quality horses. You will find all the bloodlines from Europe in US and Canada if you look!

Also, NOT that I’m an expert by any means, but make sure that if you are buying based on bloodlines alone you have a bit of an idea of what certain sires produce. (I learn new things about sires and ‘niche’ breeding all the time!)
I’d hate for you to go through all this trouble and end up with a lovely 2 year old who ends up being too difficult to ride.

Please don’t take that as a shot at your riding by any means, but some of the ‘big name’ bloodlines are pro only rides.

[Lynnwood]

Also agree with SakuraHill and Bluehof. I’ve put a lot of thought, love and time into the foals I decide to breed. If at all possible I want to make sure they are going into a home where they will continue to thrive ,prosper and fulfill both the purpose I bred them for and the wishes of their new owners.
I also want to know a bit about the future buyers because I like to maintain good breeder/client relations.

All of those require some back and forth question/answer out of both parties. It is always stated that its imperative as a buyer to ask lots of questions I also believe its just as essential as a potential seller.

There are lots of very well bred talented horses in the US. Good Luck and best wishes.

[mikali]

I just wanted to add to the discussion (since the OP mentions looking for “colts” 2yo and younger) that in Canada the rules state in hunter/jumper competitions that “Juniors must not ride or handle stallions anywhere on the competition grounds”. I know that a similar rule exists for our local line shows. It’s just one more thing to be aware of.

[GingerJumper]

There are a lot of awesome horses in America, y’know… I’m quite fond of my American bred I’d look here before looking overseas, to be honest. Over here, you’d need less for shipping (which would give you more to spend on the horse) and you’d probably be able to try the critter, provided you don’t have your heart set on a 2yo.

I agree with the poster who said to know what certain lines produce (if you’re not planning on trying the horses). I prefer a pro ride with a lot of talent (and attitude), but a lot of people don’t like that ride or aren’t quite ready for it.

Good luck.

[xemilyx805]

Of course I have my mother behind me on this. She’s a trainer but she doesn’t ship horses so I’m on my own.

[DeucesWild11]

No one cares that this person cannot afford to fly over and see the horse- but can afford to import it? That’s a huge red flag. What if the horse gets sick/needs extra professional training?

[Blume_Farm]

[QUOTE=twelvegates;6245770]
Just had to find out what this was:

http://www.lagottoromagnoloclubofgb.co.uk/

How cute are they?[/QUOTE]

I know! It took me over a year of research to find just the right breeder. My little girl is now 10 months old and one of the most fabulous dogs I have owned!

To tie into the original thread by the OP…it can take a really long time of searching to find just the right match (be it dog or horse!). Don’t rush it and when you find the right horse you will know.

I was one of those breeders that 12 years ago imported my foundation broodmare. But 12 years ago there were less quality warmbloods here, the dollar was A LOT stronger and importation costs were not that significant. I can say with 100% certainty that my next broodmare will be a USA bred one!

I am sure with a little bit of patience and dedication you will be able to find the right horse here in the US. Does you mother have contacts (you stated she was a trainer)? Network at horse shows, breed shows, inspections, etc. Go to the breed websites (AHS, GOV, etc.) and follow all the breeder links they offer and look at their classifieds.

[Alagirl]

If you are looking to drop that kind of money on a horse, the trip to Europe might be the smallest expense.

While I think the US horses are on par with the European counters, I don’t think the prices do compare (yes, my research is outdated, but for the price of a US youngster one can get a started European horse shipped)

Alas…
the core of the question:
Do contact the breed organization.
They do assist their members in marketing their products.
Hanover is absolutely great in that, but the other guys don’t lack much.

most German organizations have at least the one or other English speaking person handy to handle inquiries. I am sure other countries do as well.

Hanover is the biggest player, but you can have similar bloodlines from any of the other registries. Holstein being famous for jumping prospects.

(but considering that horses wake up every morning with new ideas on how to kill or maim themselves, getting a 2 year old or younger is a crap shoot)

[skydy]

[QUOTE=DeucesWild11;6246759]
No one cares that this person cannot afford to fly over and see the horse- but can afford to import it? That’s a huge red flag. What if the horse gets sick/needs extra professional training?[/QUOTE]

The OP is 16 years old and, according to earlier posts, her mom is a “horsemanship trainer”.

I think that the OP’s inquiry is just that, an inquiry… nothing to worry about.

[DeucesWild11]

[QUOTE=skydy;6247017]
The OP is 16 years old and, according to earlier posts, her mom is a “horsemanship trainer”.

I think that the OP’s inquiry is just that, an inquiry… nothing to worry about. :)[/QUOTE]

Ahh. Missed that! Phew I feel better

[LovesHorses]

[QUOTE=Sakura Hill Farm;6244982]
Pine Tree…are you 17?

And we A) were not insistent having merely asked a question very diplomatically and B) are ourselves very familiar with the “players”, in Canada, Europe and the US.

We ourselves would run the other way from a potential buyer who was unable to answer our diplomatically-posited questions about whether they had contemplated the challenges of the future inherent in raising and producing an upper level jumper prospect that they were considering acquiring from us.[/QUOTE]

I freely offer that up when I am shopping. Granted I buy ponies, but I feel like it is very helpful for a breeder to know who they are selling to, their abilities, background etc.

[CaitlinandTheBay]

Also, OP, you need to think seriously about your life plans. You’re sixteen, presumably a sophomore in high school. That means in two years you will be graduated. Will you attend college? Will it be close to home? Will baby (and it will still be a baby for all intents and purposes) come with you? Will you be able to get all or most of your investment back if you sell horsey?

This is a huge risk with very, very little pay-off. Selling a horse you’ve started and grown attached to will be very hard. Taking a horse to school with you is very, very hard (I’m doing it now). If I were in your shoes, I’d look for a nice horse to lease and lesson on OR invest in a cute OTTB. You’ll have less money at risk then, and more options in the future.

[skydy]

[QUOTE=xemilyx805;6244232]
Yes they have tremendously, thank you for the concern. I post on here to get information and it’s not very kind of you to say things like that, to be blunt. Older posts of mine were for the same purpose, I was really looking for some kind of internship or working student position in the past and I got quite a few real answers and made many new connections.

It actually really shocked me to see that post…I’m not really quite sure what to say.[/QUOTE]

What was it that “shocked” you about my post?

That I am happy for you, if your circumstances have changed?

or

That I noticed that you were 16 years old?

or

That I believe, if you can now afford to import a “colt”, that you would be better off to shop in the U.S. where you would not have the added expense of importing a horse sight unseen?

You are a minor, and cannot import a horse or sign any sales contract , yet you write, “Of course I have my mother behind me on this” but then go on to say “she’s a trainer but she doesn’t ship horses so I’m on my own”.

You cannot be “on your own” in these circumstances.

Have a good talk with your mom. She is the person who will have to approve any horse you buy and there are plenty of knowledgeable COTHers here,whom will answer any questions she may have about the importation of horses from Europe.

[leilatigress]

Kudos Sakura!

[QUOTE=Sakura Hill Farm;6244982]
Pine Tree…are you 17?

And we A) were not insistent having merely asked a question very diplomatically and B) are ourselves very familiar with the “players”, in Canada, Europe and the US.

We ourselves would run the other way from a potential buyer who was unable to answer our diplomatically-posited questions about whether they had contemplated the challenges of the future inherent in raising and producing an upper level jumper prospect that they were considering acquiring from us.[/QUOTE]

Breeders that are unaware of who the players are? If you aren’t aware of the players who in the world are you breeding for? KUDOS to Sakura asking a 17 year old who’d be ponying up the cash and who would be training their baby. Due diligence on Sakura’s part probably saved her young horse from an uncertain future. Last I checked 17 is a minor which means an adult is going to have to sign for those papers. Contract is all written up, monies paid, horse shipped…gets to barn and parents say no? Then what?

Being a mom, I’d have an absolute fit if my kiddo brought home a horse, signed legal documents, and spent a helluva lot of MY money without even notifying me.

[futurewin]

Importing

I sent you a PM. Yes I know one of the top Breeders and owners of Show Jumpers in Europe. PM if your interested!