A step-by-step guide to importing horses from Europe, covering costs, quarantine, paperwork, and logistics.
Buying Guides · 2026-02-28 · 8 min read
Importing a horse to South Africa is a significant undertaking, but for buyers seeking specific bloodlines — particularly PREs, Lusitanos, or European warmbloods — it can be the only way to get exactly what you want. Here's how the process works.
Work with a reputable agent in the country of origin. For Spanish horses, agents based in Jerez, Seville, or Madrid are common. For warmbloods, Germany and the Netherlands. Budget for a trip to try horses in person — videos can be misleading.
The horse must complete the blood tests and health checks required by the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). Lead times depend on the country of origin and the current protocol — your agent should confirm them in writing before you commit.
The horse enters an approved quarantine facility in the exporting country, where further testing is carried out. The required duration is set by the current export protocol between the two countries.
Horses fly to South Africa in specially designed air stalls. Flights from Europe typically route through Johannesburg (OR Tambo).
Import costs sit on top of the purchase price and are made up of agent or search fees, pre-export veterinary testing, quarantine at both ends, air freight in a specialised air stall, permits and clearing, and road transport at the South African end. Air freight is usually the single largest line item, and it moves with fuel prices, currency and the number of horses sharing a flight.
We deliberately do not publish a total figure: quotes vary substantially by origin country, season and agent, and any number we print would be out of date within months. Ask two or three established import agents for an itemised written quote, and add a contingency for delays.
Imported horses complete a period of post-arrival quarantine at a facility approved by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), where further testing is carried out. Approved facilities, quarantine durations and testing requirements are set by DALRRD and change from time to time, so confirm the current protocol with DALRRD or your import agent rather than relying on previously published timelines.
For many buyers, a locally bred horse is a simpler route — but if you need specific bloodlines, importing is a well-established process.
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