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Topic: What is involved in importing a Trakehner? (Read 747 times)
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shadytrake
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Gold Medallist
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Posts: 263
I LOVE Trakehners!
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For those of us who are interested in importing but have never gone through the experience, I thought it might make a good thread and possibly a good ATA magazine article to discuss the ins and outs of importation.
For example: Fees involved (not purchase fees, but Gov. fees), quarantine, shipping options, safety, and insurance.
Okay all you experts--fill in the blanks. Educate me please. 
Melissa
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Maren
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Old Hand
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Posts: 691
The Bouncer
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It's not even that compicated.
It very much depends on the age of the horse you want to buy how long (and expensive) the quarantine will be.
All horses up to their 2nd birthday are free of any longer quarantine. They come into the country and have to stay in an initial 3 day quarantine at the airport, but after that, you can come and pick them up to take them home. This appleis to both genders.
After their second birthday, fillies have to go through an extended 18 day quarantine, where swps are taken and tested for various contagious diseases. You can either pick a spot in a state station (but I personally have mdae bad experiences with them) or look for a private farm that offers this service. You can even have your own farm set up as quarantine station with he help of the gov vets. This is the most cost-cutting option.
Colts older than 2 have to go through extensive CEM quarantine, for at least 28 days. They have to life cover two mares during this process and again are tested. All station options from above apply again, but setting it up at your own place is time- and cost consuming.
Incoming ports to the US and Canada are NYC, Miami, LA, Toronto or Calgary. From there, you can either pick smaller flights (e.g. Lexington) or trailer your horse home.
Flights leave Europe from Frankfurt, London and Amsterdam.
For flights to the East coast you have to estimate around $3,000-3,500 for the flight, the 3 days at the airport, all fees, customs papers and vets both in Europe and the US will add around $1,800. Flights to the West coast are a little more expensive.
The quarantine costs totally depend on the local situation and the quality of the station, but a good pick for stallions is app. $5,000, for mares it is significantly less, around $2,000.
This sounds a lot, but keep in mind that due to the number of horses offered for sale in Europe, you often spend less for the same quality compared to the US.
Flights are stressful for horses, no question. It is important that the seller in Europe understands to train and prepare the horse before the flight comes up. This also includes vet care (vaccinations, worm treatments) and a good diet. The last horses we shipped tothe US all had a good flight, no incidents whatsoever on the planes. The planes start and land in a much flatter angles than you are used to from flying. Apart from that, the horses stand in cushined stalls (either 2 or 3, depending on how much comfort you want to pay for) and are accompanied by professional personell (vets, flight attendants for animals, etc). It is important to make sure you don't ship a young horse in the middle of winter in Europe to, let's say, Florida, because the difference in climate can really get to them. Especially foals (weanlings) have to handled with care, they get upset quickly without you noticing it right away. I heard of several episodes with ulcers.
Ifyou want some first hand info, contact Lara here on the forum, she just imported a filly this past May. She can tell you in detail how she behaved and felt after she arrived.
I hope this helped! 
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Equine Connection
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Posts: 444
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Maren provided a very good explanation of many of the aspects involved in importing a Trakehner or any horse, and the cost certainly depends upon the age of the horse being imported. It is much less expensive to import a youngster of less than 2 years, because after this age, they are considered "of breeding age" and must complete a fairly extensive stallion or mare quarantine. The mare quarantine lasts about half as long as the stallion quarantine, and now, I believe the stallion quarantine is a bit longer - 30+ days. The cost to import a colt/stallion runs about $5,000-$6,500 extra (over and above the transportation costs, which normally run $3,500-$4,600, depending upon where you are importing from. And usually, the cost to transport includes the initial 3-day USDA quarantine). The mare quarantine runs a bit less since they must be quarantined about half the time. Still, it's an expensive proposition.
While it is a fairly straightforward process, from my experience, there is a fair amount of "up front" (legwork) and preparation to be done to help the process run more smoothly. In our cases, we acted as our own "agent," so we realized some savings (good thing since it cost close to $6,000 for stallion quarantine!).
One of the most important aspects I believe, is to narrow down a selection of reputable transport companies and check their references - not one, but numerous. Also, if at all possible, arrange to have your horse shipped on an airline that includes "passengers" (the human kind), as the delivery day/time of an imported horse is typically a bit more "predicable" when the horse is transported on a passenger plane vs. one with livestock only. This can't always be done, but it's certainly worth the try.
Also most important (IMO) is a very open line of communication with the seller (or exporter) to ensure as much preparation has been done as possible (shots, paperwork, etc.) in advance (but within the allowed timeframes). Based on my experience, better planning typically will result in a smoother transport process.
If importing from Canada, I can also say the process is much smoother than it used to be - a lot less paperwork and headaches.
Also not to forget is the transport of one's horse from the USDA quarantine to your home (or mare/stallion quarantine, as applicable). Here again, there are many haulers out there who are very good; however, there are many who are not, and the care that is given (or not given) along the way, can greatly affect a horse of any age. We chose to transport our stallion from the USDA quarantine in Newburgh, NY to the stallion quarantine farm (very close to us) ourselves for piece of mind. But, here again, if one uses a commercial hauler, ask questions, definitely require a written contract, and check multiple references in advance of both current and past clients. This does not provide a 100% guarantee, but it can certainly aid you in making a more informed decision.
We just imported a filly and in advance, I checked out 6 references throughout the US and Canada. I'm very glad we did as it ended up our filly had a safe and very happy (as happy as one can be traveling 2,200+ miles) journey. We were kept abreast of her progress on a daily basis; she was unloaded every day and they stopped every 3 hours or so (more, if needed) to make sure all was well with the horses. They fed her supplements, electrolytes, etc., etc., and when she arrived, she was in excellent condition and attitude. In fact, I believe she was in better shape than we were. (grin)
The wait for a horse can be a very nervewracking one, but upfront legwork and research can certainly maximize the chances for a healthy and safe trip.
Hope this helps you out. 
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Warm Regards,
Renee & Happy Hour
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