Buyer Authority Guides
Buying in Spain becomes much easier when the process is organised before you fall in love with a horse. Use this practical sequence to move from first enquiry to a confident purchase decision.
Write down the rider level, intended discipline, preferred age and height, temperament, experience, budget and any non-negotiable requirements. A precise brief makes the search faster and reduces the risk of choosing an impressive horse that is not suitable for daily life. For an amateur rider, confidence and rideability may matter more than spectacular movement; for a competitive rider, training history and future potential may carry more weight.
Ask for recent photographs and ridden video that show the work relevant to your intended use. Confirm the horse’s identity, breed or registration status, sex, height, age, current training and availability. The purpose of the shortlist is to eliminate unsuitable candidates before travel, not to make a final purchase from a polished advert.
When you view in person, watch the horse being handled and, where appropriate, ridden before you ride. Notice behaviour during mounting, transitions, contact, recovery after work and ordinary stable moments. Keep written notes after each horse. If you are viewing several candidates in one day, objective notes prevent the details from blending together.
If a horse is offered as registered PRE, ask to see the relevant official identification and Stud Book information. If breeding status, pedigree or competition history is important, verify it rather than relying on shorthand in an advertisement. The official PRE Stud Book managed by ANCCE is the reference for registered Purebred Spanish Horses.
The veterinarian should work for the buyer and should know the intended use of the horse. Agree the scope before the examination. Depending on the individual horse and the buyer’s risk tolerance, that may include a clinical examination and additional diagnostics such as radiographs or blood sampling. No vetting can guarantee future soundness, but it gives the buyer independent information before the sale is completed.
The sale agreement should clearly identify the horse and record the agreed commercial terms, payment arrangements and any other points that matter to the transaction. Where legal, tax or import questions arise, use appropriate professional advice for the buyer’s circumstances and destination.
Ask for current transport options, approximate timing and destination requirements early. Health certification, route, customs procedures and documentation can vary by destination and can change, so confirm the current requirements with the veterinarian, professional transporter and relevant authorities before the horse travels.
Before the horse leaves Spain, ask for the current feeding routine, shoeing information, vaccination record supplied with the horse and practical care notes. Plan a calm arrival period at the new yard. The purchase is only one part of a successful transition; the first days at home matter too.
Official PRE Stud Book information — ANCCE · EU information on movement of equine animals
It is possible to progress a purchase remotely, but buyers should insist on detailed current video, document checks, an independent veterinary examination and clear written terms before committing.
An independent pre-purchase examination gives the buyer professional information about the horse at the time of examination and should be discussed with the veterinarian according to intended use.
Send rider level, discipline, preferred age, height, temperament, budget and purchase timeframe so unsuitable horses can be excluded early.
Ready to narrow the search? Use Horse Finder or contact Majestic Horses with your rider level, discipline, preferred age, height and budget.
