Importing a horse from Europe is equal parts exciting and intricate—a decision that often marks a major step in an equestrian’s journey. Whether you’ve discovered a standout warmblood at a German auction, found a promising young jumper in the Netherlands, or secured a seasoned dressage partner in Spain, bringing that horse to the United States involves far more than booking a flight. There are regulations to follow, veterinary protocols to meet, quarantine procedures to complete, and, of course, costs to consider.

This guide walks you through the entire process, so you can approach each step with clarity, confidence, and a well-informed plan.

Europe has long been considered the gold standard for sport horse breeding. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Sweden consistently produce some of the most sought after warmbloods and performance horses in the world. Breeds such as the KWPN, Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Oldenburg, and Trakehner regularly dominate international competition—and American riders are well aware of their appeal.

Importing from Europe opens the door to bloodlines that are harder to find in the U.S., along with proven genetics from top studbooks, often at competitive prices compared to similar horses stateside. It also gives buyers access to young, unstarted prospects directly from respected breeders.

That said, it’s not a casual undertaking—importing a horse requires thoughtful planning, experienced professionals, and a solid understanding of USDA requirements to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.

Before you even think about flights and quarantine, the first step is finding—and properly vetting—the right horse. Some American buyers choose to work with an agent or import specialist who understands the local market, speaks the language, and can evaluate horses on their behalf.

There are several ways to source horses in Europe:

• Online auction platforms—these are a popular in Europe and many high quality horses can be found this way
• Sport horse studbook sales in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium
• Private brokers and trainers based in Europe with established seller networks
• In-person buying trips to Europe, which many serious buyers undertake

No matter how you find your horse, the pre-purchase exam (PPE) is non-negotiable.

It’s essential to hire a reputable European equine veterinarian—ideally one with no connection to the seller—to conduct a thorough evaluation. This typically includes a full lameness exam, radiographs of key joints, and, when appropriate, an upper airway scope. Bloodwork and video footage of the horse in motion are also commonly included.

Make sure all findings are well documented, and have your U.S. based veterinarian review everything before you make a final decision. It’s one of the most important steps in protecting your investment and setting you up for success.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) governs the importation of horses into the United States—and every horse entering the U.S. from Europe must meet strict federal requirements designed to protect domestic livestock from foreign diseases.

Key USDA requirements for importing horses:

1. Health Certificate 

Your horse will need an official health certificate issued by a government accredited veterinarian in the country of origin. This certificate must be endorsed by the national competent authority (e.g., a government vet) and must meet USDA APHIS standards.

2. Disease Testing 

Horses from Europe must test negative for a range of diseases, including:

• Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)—via the Coggins test
• Dourine
• Glanders
• Piroplasmosis (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi)—this is critically important and a common reason for import delays or denials
• Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)—culture testing required for intact mares and stallions; also required for geldings from certain countries
• Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE)—vaccination may be required depending on origin country

The exact testing requirements depend on your horse’s country of origin and its travel history. Work closely with your import agent and a USDA accredited veterinarian to ensure everything is completed correctly and within the required windows.

3. Microchip 

Your horse must be microchipped with an ISO compatible microchip before travel, which allows for proper tracking and verification throughout the import process.

All horses imported into the United States from Europe must undergo mandatory quarantine at a USDA approved facility upon entry, with the exact length depending on the horse’s age, sex, and intended use.

• Geldings and non-breeding mares (mares under 730 days old), the standard quarantine is typically 3 days, assuming all health requirements are met and no issues arise.

• Breeding mares (mares over 731 days old) require a two-step process: an initial 3 day USDA import quarantine, followed by a 14 to 21 day quarantine for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) testing. In total, you’re generally looking at 17 to 25+ days before release

• Foals traveling with their dams generally follow the same quarantine timeline as the mare—assuming everything is in order.

• Stallions have the most intensive protocol—after they complete the initial 3 day USDA import quarantine, they enter a 30 to 45 day CEM quarantine. In total, stallions are usually in quarantine for approximately 33 to 48 days, depending on the facility and testing results.

USDA Approved Quarantine Facilities

Horses arriving by air typically land at one of a handful of approved entry points in the United States. Major ports of entry with USDA approved equine quarantine facilities include:

• New York (JFK International Airport)
• Miami International Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Your import agent will typically coordinate the quarantine booking on your behalf, but it’s worth planning ahead—especially for breeding horses, where extended quarantine can significantly impact both timeline and cost.

Quarantine costs vary by facility but expect to budget several hundred dollars per day, including feed, bedding, and veterinary oversight.

Horses traveling from Europe to the United States are shipped by air freight—not by sea—and they fly in specially designed horse stalls within cargo aircraft, accompanied by experienced grooms or handlers who monitor their care throughout the journey.

In terms of what to expect, long haul travel can be demanding, so proper care in transit is essential. Reputable shippers will provide constant access to hay and water, ensure experienced grooms are monitoring the horses throughout the flight, and use protective equipment like leg wraps, shipping boots, and head bumpers. Horses are also typically checked by a veterinarian before departure.

It’s always worth asking your shipping company about their specific protocols, including how horses are monitored in the air and whether a veterinarian is present or on call during the journey.

Importing a horse from Europe is a significant financial commitment, and the purchase price is only the beginning. Beyond the horse itself, there are several additional costs buyers should plan for:

Once your horse has cleared quarantine and arrived safely at your facility, you’ll need to address registration if applicable.

• If the horse is registered with a European studbook (KWPN, Hanoverian, Oldenburg, etc.), contact the relevant North American affiliate registry to transfer or dual-register the horse
• For U.S. based breed registries, provide the required documentation including passport, pedigree, and microchip information
• Update your insurance policy to reflect U.S. coverage

Even experienced buyers run into trouble. Here are the most common mistakes to watch for:

1. Skipping the pre-purchase exam (PPE). No matter how impressive the videos are or how reputable the seller may seem, a full PPE is absolutely essential

2. Underestimating piroplasmosis testing. A positive result can seriously complicate or even prevent import. This should always be tested before purchase—not after.

3. Not hiring a licensed import agent. Trying to navigate USDA APHIS regulations without professional support can lead to expensive and avoidable mistakes. A good agent is well worth the investment.

4. Choosing the cheapest shipper. Air transport quality matters. The lowest quote is rarely the safest option, so prioritize companies with proven international equine transport experience.

5. Ignoring potential quarantine delays. If additional testing or monitoring is required, quarantine can be extended significantly. Make sure your home boarding or training plan has enough flexibility to accommodate delays.

Importing a horse from Europe can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Many of the top Grand Prix competitors in dressage, show jumping, and eventing across the United States were born and started their careers in Europe, where strong breeding programs and deep sport horse traditions set a high standard.

With the right support team—a knowledgeable agent, a meticulous veterinarian, and a reputable shipping company—the process becomes far more manageable, and the outcome can be exceptional.

Take the time to do your research, budget conservatively, and avoid rushing decisions. The right horse is worth the patience and precision it takes to bring them home properly.