Special Edition:

With no 5* showjumping this week, we wanted to update you on how global politics and the burgeoning trade war is affecting our sport. See the quick hits for the wrap up of the 3* events in Wellington and Oliva.

US Horse Import Tariffs Upend the Market

The biggest story in showjumping isn't happening in the ring – it's happening at customs offices worldwide. The US has slapped a 10% tariff on imported horses with threats of bumping it to 20% for European horses after a 90-day negotiation period. Let that sink in: a $100,000 European jumper now costs $110,000, and potentially $120,000 this summer if negotiations fail. This isn't a minor fee increase – it's a major shift for an industry built on transatlantic horse commerce.

Why now? These tariffs are part of President Trump's broader "reciprocal tariffs" policy, not specifically targeting horses but sweeping them into the net of taxable goods. The timing is particularly challenging as spring sales are typically in full swing, and many riders are planning their competition schedules and horse purchases for the upcoming outdoor season, disrupting established business patterns that have operated smoothly for decades.

The impacts are already rippling through the sport. European breeders are scrambling as their American customer base hesitates. Dutch, Irish, and German breeding operations – who've come to rely on American buyers paying premium prices – are now facing uncertain demand. Meanwhile, American riders and owners are rethinking their entire purchasing strategies. That junior jumper budget that once bought a solid European schoolmaster now doesn't stretch as far, and some buying trips to Europe are on hold.

What's happening to the domestic market is equally important. Just like we've seen in the automotive industry where tariffs on imported vehicles drove up used car prices, expect a similar effect with horses. As imported horses become more expensive, the value of horses already on US soil will climb. A quality American-bred or previously imported horse that might have sold for $80,000 last month could suddenly command $90,000+ as buyers seek alternatives to freshly tariffed European imports. This ripple effect means everyone – not just those importing – will feel the impact on their horse shopping budget.

What's most fascinating is watching the market adapt in real-time. Riders are getting creative: some rushed imports before April deadlines, others are structuring deals with "tariff clauses," and a few are exploring leasing horses in Europe rather than importing them.

There is good news for competitors, though. The temporary import bond option remains a viable solution for horses traveling for competition rather than sale. Here's how it works: horses coming to the US for shows, breeding, or training (but not for sale) can enter under a Temporary Import Bond without paying the tariff, as long as they leave within a year. This means European riders can still bring their horses to major US events like World Cup qualifiers, the Winter Equestrian Festival, or even the World Cup Finals without facing the new tariffs. Similarly, Canadian riders can continue crossing the border for US shows using an ATA Carnet (essentially a passport for goods) that simplifies the process for frequent travelers. The tariff is only triggered if the horse is sold in the US or doesn't leave as promised – meaning the competition calendar should remain relatively unaffected for international riders aside from some extra paperwork.

The biggest winner? Potentially US breeders. After decades of struggling to compete with European imports, domestic breeders might finally have a protective cushion. "Will the market get stronger for horses bred here? Possibly," noted one industry observer. With under 1,400 US-born sport horse foals registered in 2022 (compared to 28,000+ in Germany), there's enormous room for growth if the incentives shift.

For young riders, the impact could cut both ways. The traditional path of buying an experienced European horse might become less accessible if prices jump 20%. But necessity breeds innovation – we might see more Americans developing young horses themselves or forming partnerships with domestic breeders. Short-term pain, long-term gain for horsemanship skills?

The industry isn't taking this lying down. The American Horse Council is lobbying for exemptions similar to those for racing horses under other trade agreements. European officials are negotiating furiously – even the Irish Minister of Agriculture flew to Kentucky to discuss the matter. The next 90 days are crucial as both sides try to hammer out a deal.

What's my take? This looks like a restructuring of our sport's economics. If these tariffs stick, within five years we could see a more regionalized sport with fewer Europeans wintering in Florida, more emphasis on US breeding, and potentially higher prices for top American horses. The days of casually shipping horses across the Atlantic might be ending, replaced by more deliberate, strategic movement.

Will the negotiators carve out an exception for horses? I'm cautiously optimistic – equestrian sports touch influential people in both Europe and America. But until then, be ready for a wild ride in the horse market.

Quick Hits

Wellington, Florida – Palm Beach County Sports Commission Grand Prix (CSI3*)

Talk about a hot streak! Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) dominated Wellington's Spring Series, capturing the $120,000 Palm Beach County Sports Commission CSI3* Grand Prix – his FOURTH international win in four days. Riding his 13-year-old mare Condara, he blazed through a 7-horse jump-off in 40.30 seconds, beating Chris Pratt (CAN) by over two seconds and leaving Alexandra Worthington (USA) in third.

Brazilian course designer Erica Sportiello's 1.50m track on the derby grass field demanded adjustable pace, starting with a forward line (oxer to wall) and featuring a careful combination after a triple bar. Just 7 of 40+ starters went clear, which Larrazabal called "a very good number." In the jump-off, his risk-taking strategy to leave strides out paid off, thanks to Condara's quick-footed agility.

What makes this win even more impressive? The field included several top international riders who stuck around post-WEF, "In Wellington, it's not a surprise to be jumping against the top riders in the world, but beating them takes more power," Larrazabal noted, clearly savoring his moment. His sweep with Condara – his 2024 Paris Olympic mount – underlines their chemistry and return to top form.

Oliva, Spain – Spring MET IV Grand Prix (CSI3*)

Home-field advantage played out perfectly at the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour finale, with Spain's Teresa Blazquez-Abascal piloting her fiery mare Nasa de Toxandria to victory in Sunday's CSI3* Grand Prix. She topped a 14-horse jump-off out of 59 starters, blazing through the short course in 38.98 seconds for what she called a win "at home."

The Spanish celebration doubled when veteran Sergio Alvarez Moya took third with his promising mount Kannan S Touch PS, while Britain's Matthew Sampson slipped into second aboard Daniel. The top five were separated by just 1.5 seconds – talk about competitive!

The course invited forward riding but punished lapses in concentration. "It was a nice course with an easy start, and after the triple it was all connected distances," noted Blazquez-Abascal. Her winning strategy? Attacking the long gallop from fence 1 to 2 to set a rhythm, then executing a tight turn back and flat-out gallop to the last. Oliva's massive arena definitely played to her advantage: "The main ring is unbelievably big...super nice," she said, clearly at home in the Spanish venue.

This victory marks a breakthrough for the relatively unknown Blazquez-Abascal – but don't be surprised to see more of her. Her partnership with Nasa ("a horse of a lifetime for me") is showing real promise on the international stage.

Looking Ahead

All eyes will soon turn to the historic grounds of Fontainebleau, France, where the CSI5* runs April 23-27 as part of "Le Printemps des Sports Equestres." This prestigious event, set in the majestic Grand Parquet, will feature Championship de France Master Pro competitions alongside international 5* jumping. With free entrance for spectators, it promises to deliver high-caliber sport in a spectacular setting.

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