If you have exported a horse internationally, you probably already know about the international demand for nice American Quarter Horses bred in the US. If you have not yet sold a horse to an international buyer, you might start looking to the international market for sales possibilities. The AQHA’s international department reported to me today that the total dollar amount in bloodstock exported internationally has increased over the past few years, even in this depressed horse market. The AQHA is also looking to position someone in China to manage AQHA’s affairs in that country.

NRHA Reiner Online announced today that a “big money” reining event, the NRHA European Affiliate Championships is happening next week in Switzerland. The venue for the show is the CS Ranch in Givrins, Switzerland. If you don’t believe the Europeans are “getting Western”, check out the CS Ranch’s show and training facility in Switzerland.  Looks like they’re open for serious business. 

In other international news, the Americana, billed as “Europe’s #1 Western Horse Show” will take place in Augsburg, Germany beginning on August 31. I will be attending the Americana, so contact me if you’re going and I’ll meet you there!  The Americana will feature the European Championships for cutting and working cow horse. These international markets are moving into disciplines that involve working cattle in addition to reining and Western pleasure-type events.  

Stay tuned for a discussion of legal issues arising in international horse sales.