Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Traveler, a 6-year-old Irish import who is for sale stateside and already winning at Novice. Click on photo to view his listing on Sport Horse Nation. Photo by Erin Gilmore.
The prospect of importing a horse from Ireland might seem as elusive as a four-leaf clover, but with the right guidance, it can be surprisingly straightforward. Courtney Cooper of C Square Farm, the USA partner of Excel Star Sporthorses, brings 35 years of expertise to the process, making it not only manageable but enjoyable. Courtney recently shared insights with EN about what goes into importing horses and the advantages of working with a seasoned professional to find your perfect match.
Why Import?
Why cross the Atlantic for a horse? “It’s about finding the horse you can’t find in the U.S.,” Courtney says. “I love a good American Thoroughbred, but finding the right horse here can take time and significant expense.” Overseas, the abundance of purpose-bred sport horse is combined with more affordable competition and breeding costs often means better value and higher quality.
However, venturing into the international equestrian market without guidance can be a challenge. Logistical hurdles, unfamiliar standards, and understanding what’s really being promised (“What does ‘nappy’ mean, anyway?”) are just a few hurdles. That’s where a professional like Courtney steps in.
Sheep native to Ireland. Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper.
Three Paths to Your Perfect Horse
Courtney provides three main options for importing from Ireland, tailored to meet different budgets, goals, and levels of risk tolerance. Whether you’re a hands-on shopper or prefer to outsource the details, there’s a path for you.
The Overseas Experience:For those who want the full immersion, Courtney organizes quarterly trips to Ireland (her next one is fast-approaching, Dec. 3-8). From the moment you land, she and her trusted partners handle everything—from hotel bookings and farm visits to horse evaluations and vet checks. “All you need is a passport and plane ticket,” she says. The experience isn’t just about buying a horse; it’s a masterclass in evaluating young horses, breeding lines, and potential. Plus, Courtney’s connections help ensure the price doesn’t mysteriously inflate just because you’re American.
Buying Off a Video:If traveling isn’t an option, Courtney facilitates remote purchases. After a detailed consultation to understand your needs—age, height, temperament, training, budget, and your riding ability—Courtney and her Irish partners curate a selection of potential matches. Videos show everything from being groomed and loaded into a trailer to being ridden, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. Additional vet evaluations are conducted, and once the perfect match is found, Courtney coordinates the shipping and quarantine process.
Buying Stateside: For those who prefer a hands-on, closer-to-home trial, Courtney also offers horses that have arrived stateside. Courtney likens this option to buying retail rather than wholesale. By the time a horse gets to the U.S., there’s more investment involved on her end as she’s not just covering the upfront costs of purchase, shipping, and care but also accounting for the risk she assumes as the agent. That added responsibility translates to a higher price tag for buyers, but it comes with peace of mind – you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
Courtney Cooper and Excel Star at Bromont CCI. Photo by Cealy Tetley.
The Process Simplified
No matter the path, Courtney’s streamlined process takes the guesswork—and stress—out of importing. Her Irish partners do the groundwork, vetting horses for temperament, trainability, and quality. Horses are pre-screened with European-standard X-rays, and additional American-standard imaging is conducted before purchase.
Shipping logistics, including bloodwork, quarantine, and transportation, are coordinated by Courtney’s team. A WhatsApp group provides real-time updates, photos, and videos as the horse travels across Europe and over the Atlantic. “We make it easy and transparent,” she says.
Excel Star Can’t Touch This (aka Cactus) arrives at his new home with Shannon Miller. Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper.
Why Work with an Agent?
One of the biggest advantages of working with Courtney is her commitment to long-term client relationships. If a horse isn’t the right fit, she’ll help facilitate a swap or resale. “It’s about building trust and making sure my clients are happy,” she says.
Yes, the process can feel intimidating—especially buying sight unseen. “It’s scary for us too,” Courtney admits. “That’s why we’ve built a system to minimize risk and make it as seamless as possible.” Her commitment doesn’t end with the sale. Courtney takes real pride in her matchmaking, offering ongoing communication and support to ensure that both horse and rider thrive.
Kelly Glaser Beaver with Excel Star Pluto and Kathleen Bertuna with Excel Star Harry celebrate after both jumping double clear in showing jumping to finish as Champion and Reserve Champion in the Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur Championship at the USEA American Eventing Championships 2023. Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper.
A Dream Within Reach
Importing a horse might sound daunting, but with the right guide, it’s entirely achievable—and often more efficient and cost-effective than you’d think. Courtney points out that the dollar is currently strong, and Dublin remains one of the most affordable entry points in the EU. For instance, a round-trip flight out of Atlanta in early December costs around $830—a small investment compared to the value of finding your ideal partner.
The process begins with a conversation. “Pick up the phone and call me,” Courtney says. “We’ll talk about your ‘heart horse’ and I’ll let you know if I can help. From there, we’ll figure out the best path forward.”
Finding and consistently representing quality horses is no easy task, but for Courtney, it’s about more than sales—it’s about building relationships and creating happy matches. “I want people to look back and say, ‘This was the best decision I ever made.’”
Click here to learn more about Excel Star Sporthorses, and find more horses for sale at the new and improved Sport Horse Nation!
