STABLE ARRIVALBY LEVGLOBAL

PLANNING RESOURCE · REVIEWED OCTOBER 21, 2026

Importing a horse into the U.S.: who handles what

Understand the professional handoffs before arranging an overseas horse purchase or journey.

The buyer and the horse search

The buyer sets the brief and approves purchase decisions. The Sport Horse Edit can help identify prospects and coordinate introductions alongside the trainer. The chosen veterinarian performs the pre-purchase examination.

The international shipping agent

Ask who handles routing, collection, export arrangements, port handling and quarantine reservations, and which tasks are included in the quote. Confirm the actual departure and travel history of the horse.

Veterinarians, customs and authorities

The appointed professionals handle their respective health documents, import and customs responsibilities. Authorities determine clearance and release. A customs clearance is not a substitute for veterinary release.

Additional quarantine and onward travel

Applicable requirements depend on the horse and its circumstances. Ask the specialists whether further quarantine is required and how authorized transfers and final delivery are arranged. Do not treat an estimated release date as a guaranteed one.

LEV’s role

Stable Arrival organizes the agreed information, contacts, follow-up and destination plan around specialist decisions. You approve providers and costs. Clinical, customs and transport decisions remain with the responsible professionals.

This is a planning overview, not individual veterinary or customs advice. Your appointed professionals must verify current requirements for the horse and route.

USDA equine import guidance ↗

Florida equine movement guidance ↗