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Practical tips for buying a horse in Spain – Part 1: Research & on-site visit

The Iberian horse breeds inspire the international equestrian world not only with their elegance, their temperament and their extremely versatile areas of use, but also with their particularly people-oriented character. For this reason, more and more people are deciding to buy a horse directly from Spain or Portugal. Perhaps you too have this idea or desire to buy a Spanish horse? Then I may be able to help you with some of my experiences and helpful practical tips on the subject of buying a Spanish horse.


In search…

First of all, you search for or research YOUR Spanish dream horse. There are now countless providers who specialize in the sale and delivery of Spanish horses. But BE CAREFUL! Not all horses initially offered are actually for sale and supposed sales advertisements are often unrealistic. You should therefore pay particular attention to whether the providers are reputable contacts. The easiest way to find out is to contact them personally by phone or video chat. Try to get as much information as possible in advance about the seller, but of course also about your Spanish dream horse. If you haven't found a specific horse during your internet search, it can also be very useful to confide in a reputable seller and describe to them, based on your ideas, exactly which horse you are looking for. It is very helpful if you think in advance about what characteristics your Spanish dream horse should have, what level of training it should have, and what style of riding you prefer. Breeds and external characteristics (color, size, age) also play a central role. In Spain, there is of course not only the classic line of PREs (Pura Raza Española) but also countless mixtures, so-called Cruzados or Andalusians, as well as the Portuguese horse breeds of PRL (Pura Raza Lusitano) and PSL (Puro Sangue Lusitano).



Has the Spanish dream horse been found?

If you have now found a horse that meets your expectations, try to get as much information, photos and videos as possible. It can also be helpful to look at the photos and videos with your own riding instructor and discuss them together. Important key points should be taken into account when viewing the video.

  • rhythmic gaits
    • i.e. videos in all gaits
  • Movement sequence ridden and in free running
  • condition of the horse
    • Teeth
    • muscles
    • Back
    • Legs
    • hooves
    • vaccinations
  • Pay attention to the riding style and equipment
    • Many horses in Spain are trained with a serreta and/or curb bit. Can you or would you like to ride with a curb bit? (see also part 2 – Transport & Arrival in Germany)
  • Possible bad habits
    • Headshaking, kicking, biting

Classic Spanish curb bit on the horse's mouth at Picadera

And now you have to be strong. Even if you follow all of the points mentioned above and have almost chosen your dream horse based on the seller's videos, photos and stories, you should still look at a few alternatives. Because it can happen that you stand in front of your previously chosen, supposedly perfect dream horse in Spain and you just don't fit together. It can be that the character or movement of the horse does not feel as desired despite truthful descriptions and therefore no "spark" flies. For this reason, it is an advantage if you do not focus on just one horse at the beginning of your search, but take a closer look at several different horses.


Visit on site – off to Spain…

As you have already read in the previous section, it is not that easy to find or buy your dream horse in Spain. That is why I advise you to visit your dream horse(s) in Spain, get to know them in their current environment and ride them. On the one hand, you can try out whether you really fit together and on the other hand, it is a beautiful and very interesting experience to see and ride your potential future horse in its original home. The first meeting and first contact with your future Spanish horse is therefore already the first shared experience and will stay with you forever. It is also a good opportunity to get to know and understand the life of Spanish horses from a different perspective. This way you can also check on site how your horse was or is ridden and what you have to look out for when it comes to your home. Local sellers often offer you (free) accommodation so that you can get to know, accompany and ride different horses for sale over several days.

Take this opportunity and test yourself and the horse in different situations:

  • Groundwork
    • Manners when grooming and saddling: Some Spanish horses, for example, are not very experienced in giving hooves!
    • Walking together: Does the horse pay attention to you? How does it perceive its surroundings?
    • Lunging: Does the horse know lunge work?
    • Free work: Does the horse appear curious or anxious and nervous?
    • Reaction to other horses: Also ask about herd behavior if you want to integrate it into a herd at home
  • Ride
    • On the pitch
    • If possible, also in a riding hall: Many horses from Spain are not familiar with riding halls and can therefore be nervous, cautious or anxious due to the hall development!
    • In the field: Walk along roads, fields, etc. Confront it with other animals – especially if you want to use a dog as a riding companion, for example

Buying a horse in Spain at Picadera

Another very important argument for buying directly in Spain is that you can be present at the purchase examination on site and consult with the responsible veterinarian.

I generally recommend having a thorough examination carried out before purchase (costs range between 300 and 400 euros, depending on the vet and region). This can also be beneficial for any future horse insurance (e.g. transport, life, surgical insurance, etc.), as you often need several different x-rays for this. You should also check the horse's passport together with the vet.

The following criteria are important:

  • Does the life number match the chip?
  • What passport does your chosen horse have?
    • Red passport with proof of ancestry: There you can see whether your horse is purebred and is, for example, a pure PRE, Lusitano or Menorquin - you can also get more information about Ancce.
    • Green Pass without breed certificate: in Cruzados or Andalusians of different breed combinations
  • Do the registered characteristics match?
    • Spanish horse passports often also include a photo of the horse.
  • Is the age correct?
  • Are vaccinations noted?
    • Different vaccinations are necessary for transport depending on the country of entry!

If you are unsure, it is also advisable to contact a trusted local veterinarian and send them the documents and x-rays taken during the purchase examination for inspection and assessment. A short assessment is usually free of charge.


Searched, found…bought!

If you have found your dream horse based on the selection criteria listed above, you now need to sign the purchase contract. It is important that it is written in a language that you understand. As a compromise, many Spanish horse sellers therefore use contracts in English. If you have problems understanding this, it is helpful to involve a trustworthy contact person who speaks English or Spanish. A quick forwarding of a photo of the contract followed by a translation will save you from unpleasant surprises. There are other important points to consider when signing the contract:

  • Which payment method is agreed upon (possibly with buyer protection)?
  • Where and for how long will the horse be housed before its departure?
    • Are there any additional costs involved?
    • Is farrier or veterinary care necessary until then?
    • What happens in case of injury or even death of the horse (who is liable)?

Checklist when buying a Spanish horse at Picadera

If you were able to clarify these points with the seller amicably, nothing now stands in the way of your purchase. Another little tip from my own experience: It is especially nice when you are back in Germany and are eagerly waiting for your dream horse to be kept up to date with photos, videos and stories about your darling. Depending on the transport company, the waiting time can possibly drag on (see also Buying a horse in Spain Part 2 - Transport).

Now you have learned roughly which criteria can be important when buying a horse from Spain, both in advance during the search and during the subsequent viewing. In my second part of this series “Transport & Arrival in Germany” you will learn how to organize, plan and prepare the transport of your Spanish horse and the acclimatization. Important information regarding the transition of your horse will also be explained to you.


Discover the right equipment for your Iberian darling

Julia Neulinger
Julia Neulinger

My name is Julia Neulinger and I am 29 years old. Since I was three years old, I have loved spending my free time with horses and in the saddle. From 2007 to 2019, this passion gave me the opportunity to have a very special horse by my side and to develop myself together with my Trakehner mare. Despite the horse breed being atypical for working riding, I fell in love with the riding discipline of working equitation as early as 2008. The combination of different focuses with attention to the various original working riding styles and the understanding of the horse as a partner are difficult to find in other equestrian disciplines and always confirm my desire to continue with it. For this reason, after the death of my mare, I decided to buy a Doma Vaquera-ridden Lusitano-Cruzado gelding from Spain. I am now training him further so that I can take part in working equitation tournaments with him next year.

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