Importing a pony is pretty straightforward but there are also a lot of pitfalls.
When I import a pony I'm making sure the pony I'm bringing in from Europe is ready to go home with you in the same condition and state in which I keep my ponies. In other words, they're healthy, sound, and up-to-date on their maintenance. Below are some of the things I check off before they arrive at your farm:
Sport Pony Imports ponies see the best care because it's just how I care for my own ponies and it's how you care for your ponies too. When I hand a pony off to you I want you to know it's in top-notch condition and ready for its job and life with you.
import Protocols
So who's his ideal rider?
Ferdinand
A super ambitious amateur with chops bringing up green horses in a competitive program or a professional who wants to bring along someone with talent and looks who's also a pleasure in the barn. Either way it's a rider who wants to go far and who can do it with leadership that is confident, encouraging and kind. This one is special; his rider will know it.
next
Previous
buy now
What are the nitty-gritty deets?
Ferdinand
He's a 16.0h black 2017 Galaxie x Voice KPWN gelding. His sire, Galaxie, is an FEI Prix St. George stallion ridden successfully by Eugenie Burban for France. His grandsire, Jazz, is an FEI Grandprix stallion. His damsire, Voice, is an FEI Grand Prix stallion ridden by Edward Gal for the Netherlands and whose pedigree includes DeNiro and Donnerhall. Full set of clean xrays on file. Passport transfers upon sale.
next
Previous
buy now
Dentistry
Ponies have littler mouths than horses do, duh. And that means they can be more susceptible to ulcering. When a pony arrives I make sure they see an equine dentist to get their teeth floated (ALL of them, not just the ones that are easy to reach) and assess any issues or ulcering that is present. Our ponies need to be happy and comfortable and they can't do that if they have sharp edges on their teeth and ulcers in their mouth. When your pony arrives at their new home with you they are comfortable and ready to get to work!
Ulcers
Yuck. Ulcers give me the heebie jeebies and make me so nervous because sometimes it feels like they come out of nowhere. I'm constantly anxious about them. The transport from Europe to the US is nothing to sniff at with ground transport from the original barn, sometimes a layover before the flight, the air travel itself, quarantine (weeks for mares and stallions), and then ground transport once again. Yeah, it's kind of a lot. I treat all my ponies preemptively and prophylactically for ulcers to make their transition as smooth and, honestly, as quick as possible. They can't work or be a good friend if they have ulcers from stomach acid eating away at their tummy. Poor things. This is a serious issue and I consult with lots of vets about it on the regular and especially before anyone makes the journey to the US.
Farrier Care
Like the old adage says, "No hoof, no horse". When a pony arrives one of the first things I look at is their feet. And then I have the best farrier look at their feet. Often I wail and lament and plead. I get their feet right, should they need a change, and if they're not right I keep working at it until they are!
It's not anything fancy or difficult, but of course I make sure all ponies are up to date on their vaccines and worming. Once they get to your farm they can roll right on to your vet's schedule for vaccines and worming. Easy peasy!
Vaccines and Worming
