Buying a PRE horse is a dream for many equestrians. The breed is known for its elegant appearance, kind temperament, willingness to work, and impressive movement. It is no surprise that the popularity of PRE horses continues to grow worldwide.

However, buying a PRE horse is a decision that requires careful consideration. A beautiful appearance alone says very little about a horse's health, character, training, or long term potential. In this article, we explain what to look for when purchasing a PRE horse so you can make a well informed decision.

What Is a PRE Horse?

PRE stands for Pura Raza Espanola, or Pure Spanish Horse. This breed has been bred in Spain for centuries and is renowned for its combination of strength, agility, and intelligence.

PRE horses are commonly used for:

Dressage
Working Equitation
Recreational riding
Shows and exhibitions
Advanced dressage competition

Thanks to their people oriented nature, they are often suitable for both ambitious amateur riders and professional competitors.

Determine Your Goals Before You Start Looking

One of the biggest mistakes when buying a PRE horse is falling in love with its appearance without having a clear purpose in mind.

Ask yourself:

Do I want a horse for recreational riding?
Do I want to compete?
Am I looking for a horse for higher level dressage?
Do I want a horse that can teach me?
Am I looking for a young horse to train myself?

A 10 year old PRE gelding with competition experience represents a very different investment compared to a 3 year old horse that is still at the beginning of its training journey.

The clearer your goals, the greater the chance of finding the right horse.

Look Beyond Bloodlines

Bloodlines often receive a lot of attention within the PRE breed. Well known bloodlines can certainly be valuable, but a strong pedigree alone does not guarantee a good riding horse.

You should also evaluate:

Temperament
Health
Movement quality
Trainability
X ray results
Training and competition history

A horse with less famous bloodlines but excellent character and sound health can often prove to be the better choice in the long run.

The Character of a PRE Horse

Temperament may be the single most important factor when purchasing a horse.

PRE horses are known for being:

People oriented
Intelligent
Eager to learn
Sensitive
Willing to work

However, there can be significant variation within the breed.

Always observe:

How the horse reacts to new situations
Its behavior during grooming and tacking up
How it responds to unfamiliar people
Its manners in the stable and during transport

A horse that truly matches your experience level and ambitions will provide years of enjoyment.

Thoroughly Assess the Horse's Health

A veterinary examination should never be skipped when purchasing a PRE horse.

A comprehensive pre purchase examination provides valuable insight into:

General health
Limbs and joints
Back condition
Respiratory system
Heart health
Eye health
Overall soundness

Depending on your intended use, additional X rays may be advisable.

An independent veterinarian can provide objective guidance throughout the process.

Evaluate the Quality of the Training

A horse with impressive movement is not necessarily a well trained horse.

Make sure to ask:

How long has the horse been under saddle?
Which exercises does it perform confidently?
How frequently is it trained?
Does it have competition experience?
Who has trained the horse?

Take multiple test rides whenever possible and consider bringing your own trainer for a second opinion.

A solid foundation is often far more valuable than flashy movement alone.

Verify the PRE Registration

An officially registered PRE horse should have the appropriate documentation.

Always verify:

Passport
Microchip number
Ownership documents
Registration with the official Spanish studbook

This helps prevent future issues regarding ownership or pedigree verification.

Importing a PRE Horse from Spain

Many PRE horses are purchased directly from Spain.

This offers several advantages:

Greater selection
Access to renowned bloodlines
Increased availability

However, there are also important considerations:

Reliability of the seller
Transportation arrangements
Veterinary inspections
Documentation
After sales support

For this reason, it is wise to work with a specialist experienced in sourcing and importing Spanish horses.

How Much Does a PRE Horse Cost?

The price of a PRE horse can vary significantly.

Factors that influence value include:

Age
Gender
Bloodlines
Training level
Health status
Competition results

A quality recreational horse will generally be priced differently than a proven dressage horse with established competition credentials.

Remember that the purchase price should never be the only consideration. Boarding, training, veterinary care, and ongoing maintenance costs will ultimately represent a much larger part of the total investment.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Buying a horse is an emotional process. That is exactly why independent guidance can be so valuable.

An experienced specialist can objectively assess:

Health
Temperament
Suitability
Market value
Long term potential

This helps avoid costly mistakes and significantly increases the likelihood of finding the right match between horse and rider.

Conclusion: Buy a PRE Horse with Both Logic and Emotion

Buying a PRE horse is an exciting and rewarding journey. The breed's combination of beauty, intelligence, and willingness to work has made it a favorite among riders around the world.

Take the time to evaluate multiple horses, always arrange an independent veterinary examination, and look beyond appearance or pedigree alone.

When health, temperament, training, and your personal goals align, you create the foundation for a successful and lasting partnership.

If you are looking for a carefully selected PRE horse with proven quality, character, and soundness, NL Stables is happy to help you find the horse that perfectly matches your ambitions and riding goals.

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Buying a PRE Horse: What Should You Look For?