Buying a PRE horse in the Netherlands: what are the steps, what to look for in a vet check, which papers do you need and what does a PRE horse cost? A complete guide from NL Stables Vinkeveen.
PRE horses (Pura Raza Española) are the officially recognised Spanish sport horses, valued worldwide for their movement, character and presence. If you want to buy a PRE horse in the Netherlands, it is important to know what to look for: from the vet check and paperwork to transport and choosing the right breeder. This guide takes you through the purchase process step by step.
What is a PRE horse?
PRE stands for Pura Raza Española, the official designation for an Andalusian horse with full stud book registration at ANCCE (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española). Only horses that meet all breeding criteria and are registered in the Spanish stud book may carry this name. The term Andalusian is not an official breed designation: always check for official ANCCE papers.
Where to find PRE horses for sale in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands there are only a handful of specialised stables that import officially ANCCE-registered PRE horses. Most horses come directly from Spain, where the breeding farms are concentrated in Andalusia. NL Stables in Vinkeveen is one of the few stables in the Netherlands that works exclusively with certified PRE horses and personally selects every horse from trusted Spanish breeders.
Be careful when buying through classifieds sites or general horse marketplaces: the risk of ending up with a horse that lacks official ANCCE papers, or has incomplete documentation, is significant. Always buy from a specialised stable that can demonstrate the horse's origin and papers.
The vet check: essential before purchase
A thorough vet check is not optional when buying a PRE horse. It consists of a clinical examination and radiological screening (X-rays of the joints). At NL Stables every horse is vetted by an independent veterinarian before sale. You receive the report before purchase so you can make an informed decision.
ANCCE registration and papers
Every official PRE horse has an ANCCE passport. This document contains the full pedigree information, DNA verification and the official breed designation. Without this passport, a horse is not an officially recognised PRE. When the horse changes hands, make sure the passport is transferred into your name, that the registration with the Dutch authorities is arranged, and that the microchip number matches the passport.
What does a PRE horse cost?
Prices vary widely depending on age, gender, training level and bloodlines. As a general guide: a young PRE (3-5 years, basic training) costs between 15,000 and 30,000 euros. A trained PRE at medium or advanced level ranges from 25,000 to 60,000 euros. Specialist breeding mares and trained stallions start from 40,000 euros. Current prices are visible on our horses-for-sale page.
Transport from Spain to the Netherlands
PRE horses are brought over by professional horse transport from Spain. The journey typically takes 24 to 36 hours, depending on the departure location in Andalusia. NL Stables arranges the entire transport and takes care of all the documents required for cross-border transport within the EU.
After arriving in the Netherlands, a horse needs time to acclimatise. Plan the first few weeks calmly: let the horse get used to its new stable, the climate and its care routine. A check-up by a local vet shortly after arrival is recommended.
Personal advice at NL Stables
Want to buy a PRE horse but not sure where to start? Get in touch for a personal advice conversation at our stables in Vinkeveen. We will discuss your wishes, budget and riding goals, show you our current horses, and guide you from that first introduction all the way to your horse's arrival in the Netherlands.