Buying a PRE Horse in the UK: The Hidden Costs of Cheap Imports from Spain

The PRE horse market in the UK has grown rapidly in recent years. The beauty, trainability and presence of the Pura Raza Española make them a dream horse for many riders. As demand increases, so does the number of importers bringing PRE horses from Spain into the UK.

We are now seeing a worrying pattern.

More and more owners are contacting us for help after purchasing a PRE horse either from a competitor importing into the UK or directly from Spain. In many cases, the horse was marketed at a very attractive price. Unfortunately, the reality behind that low price often surfaces later.

If you are considering buying a PRE horse in the UK, here is what you need to understand before committing.

The True Cost of Importing a PRE Horse from Spain to the UK

Transporting a horse from Spain to the UK is not inexpensive. Professional, DEFRA compliant transport typically costs around £3,000.

On top of transport, a seller must cover:

• Commission

• VAT where applicable

• Travel expenses

• Pre sale preparation

• Basic production and schooling

• Operating costs and margins

When you see a PRE horse advertised at a very low price, it is important to ask yourself a simple question:

Where have the costs been cut?

Because they have been cut somewhere.

Cutting Corners on Vet Checks

One of the biggest issues we are seeing with cheap imported PRE horses is inadequate veterinary examination.

A proper five stage vetting, including high quality X rays and thorough assessment, is essential when importing. This is especially important with PRE horses, who can be predisposed to certain conformational and spinal issues.

We are increasingly seeing:

• Kissing spine

• Early arthritic changes

• Back and sacroiliac problems

• Poor muscle development disguising weakness

In many cases, these horses passed only minimal checks before export. Sometimes the vetting was arranged quickly, sometimes it was limited, and sometimes buyers purchasing direct from Spain did not fully understand what should have been done.

The initial saving on purchase price can quickly disappear in veterinary bills, rehabilitation costs and emotional stress.

Buying Cheap and Selling Fast

Another key difference in the market is production.

Some importers operate on a fast turnover model. Horses are sourced cheaply, brought into the UK, and sold quickly with minimal schooling or structured development.

At first glance, this can look appealing. The horse appears talented and flashy. The price seems competitive.

But without proper production:

• The horse may not be balanced or correctly started

• Underlying weaknesses may not yet be visible

• Behavioural issues may not have surfaced

• The horse may not have been tested in varied environments

Producing a PRE horse correctly takes time. It takes careful strengthening work, correct flatwork foundations, and a settling period before sale. When that process is rushed, the new owner often becomes the one dealing with the fallout.

The Reality of Buying a PRE Horse Direct from Spain

Buying direct from Spain can feel like an adventure. Many buyers are drawn by the idea of finding a hidden gem at source.

However, we regularly speak to owners who were not prepared for:

1. The Settling In Period

Moving a horse across countries is a major life event for that animal.

The transition includes:

• Long distance travel

• New climate

• Different forage

• Different management systems

• New rider expectations

The settling period can be challenging. Horses may lose weight, become tense, or show behavioural changes. Owners who were expecting the same horse they trialled in Spain often feel shocked.

Without experienced support, this phase can become extremely overwhelming.

2. Lack of Aftercare Support

When you buy direct, you are often on your own once the horse arrives.

If problems arise, there may be:

• No local professional guidance

• No structured settling in programme

• No follow up training support

• No accountability

For many buyers, that isolation becomes one of the hardest parts.

Why the Purchase Price Should Not Be Your Only Benchmark

When comparing PRE horses for sale in the UK, it is essential to look beyond the headline figure.

Ask:

• Has the horse had a full, transparent vetting?

• Has it been properly produced and strengthened?

• Has it been given time to settle before being sold?

• Is there ongoing support after purchase?

• Does the pricing realistically reflect transport and preparation costs?

• 
  

If the price appears significantly lower than the market average, there is usually a reason.

Protecting Yourself When Buying a PRE Horse in the UK

If you are currently searching for a PRE horse, here are some practical steps:

1. Always commission your own independent vetting.

2. Insist on X rays, particularly of the spine and hocks.

3. Budget realistically for transport and production.

4. Work with professionals who prioritise long term soundness over quick turnover.

5. Prepare properly for the settling in period if importing.

A PRE horse should be a long term partner, not a short term regret.

Final Thoughts

The PRE breed offers extraordinary quality, character and athleticism. But like any premium breed, they require careful sourcing, proper veterinary scrutiny, and thoughtful production.

As the UK's leading Iberian Stables, we are passionate about seeing these horses succeed in the UK.

That starts with responsible importing, transparent processes, and educating buyers about the real costs involved.

If you are unsure about a horse you are considering, or you are struggling after a recent purchase, it is always better to ask questions early. A well informed decision at the start can save years of difficulty later.