Plan Your Buying Trip – The Expenses Involved
When planning your horse‑search trip, consider the time and investment involved. We
typically visit several establishments, often spread across Portugal. Before your arrival,
we organise your itinerary—airport pickup and return, hotel, travel route, appointments,
and restaurants if required.
Our goal is for you to feel relaxed between viewings. We pick you up at the airport or
hotel, plan the route, and drive you to each stable.
All expenses of the Lusitano Heritage representative accompanying you are covered by
you—transport, tolls, meals, and accommodation if required. Costs are sent prior to your
visit, with receipts or invoicing available.
What Kind of Travel Insurance Do I Need?
We recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers horse riding. Not all yards have
adequate insurance.
We partner with World Nomads, who offer reasonably priced insurance for travellers
including physical activities.
At each visit you should feel comfortable handling and riding the horses. If you prefer not
to ride, this is not a problem—we help you select appropriate horses and support you
throughout your visit.
Do I Need a Hire Car?
We drive you to each stable, airport, and hotel. You simply cover driving expenses—fuel
and tolls. This is usually less expensive and far more relaxing than hiring a car.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Please bring appropriate riding attire including a safety helmet, boots, and riding
trousers. Some arenas are outdoors; depending on the season, you may need
sunscreen, a sun hat, or rain gear.
We provide drinking water and refreshments during the viewing days.
Who Are the Owners of the Horses?
Ride More Than Once
We recommend trying a horse more than once whenever possible. Booking a 2–3 day
trip allows time to revisit your preferred horses, which can make a significant difference
to your decision.
Horse Prices & Sales Commission
Horse prices are set by the owners. We discuss pricing with them in advance. Lusitano
Heritage receives an agreed commission from the owner upon successful
sale—standard practice in the industry.
Payment is made before the horse enters transport, usually via bank transfer.
All horses are sold with a contract signed by seller and buyer. Lusitano Heritage
prepares this contract and oversees ownership transfer.
Will the Horses I See Have X-Rays & Health History?
We encourage sellers to pre-examine horses, but they are not obligated to do so. If
records exist and the seller agrees, we will share them with you and your vet.
We never present horses that we know have serious health or character problems.
Horse Prices – Making an Offer
Prices vary widely depending on breeding, training level, results, and potential. We
curate your viewing list according to your budget and goals.
Website price ranges reflect that horses may develop in training over time. You may
make an offer; acceptance is at the owner’s discretion, and we assist with negotiation.
Will I Need to Pay VAT on My Horse Purchase?
Horses owned by VAT‑registered businesses include VAT (IVA) in Portugal—6% for
breeding stock; 23% for leisure horses such as geldings.
If you have a VAT‑registered equestrian business within Europe, VAT may not be
charged when invoiced correctly. This does not apply to private purchases.
Pre Purchase Examinations
Buying a Horse Without Visiting
We have successfully helped many clients buy horses remotely using video evaluations,
professional test‑rides, and structured assessments.
This method works well with proper guidance, and we offer full support for video‑based
purchases.
Dressage Lessons & Sight Seeing
During your trip, you may take classical dressage lessons with Nuno Cavaco on our
schoolmasters. We offer private lessons in classical dressage, in‑hand work, and
working equitation.
If you are travelling with family or friends, we can also arrange sightseeing to extend
your stay.