I have a question for folks living in the UK or Ireland. I am working towards qualifying to apply to veterinary schools in either Scotland, England, or Ireland. The spot where it gets tricky is that I also have a horse (whom is like my rather large child. I have owned her for 9 years) that will need to be imported with me if I move. Now, I have always heard that Northern Europe is VERY horse friendly. So, I am wondering what the conditions are out there now with the market? I have heard that there isn't enough hay being grown and so therefore is being sold at an astronomical rate. Is that true? I have also heard that the market is very poor right now in selling horses (if I moved I would likely end up staying and start up my horse breeding venture. I would also be bringing my mare over in foal as she is a very rare Spanish horse breed that descends from the Spanish horses that were bred in California by the Spaniards when they were settling the territory out here. Their dominant colors are either zebra dun or grulla (black dun). I can't count 100 of them in the world so it is imperitive to continue to breed them). Is that true? What is the likelyhood of me finding a farm or ranch to stay at with my horse(s)? This venture of mine will likely see its fruition in about 2 years (if I get in). I have already been getting estimates on horse importation, I just need to get an idea if I would be able to have her at a place where I would be or how much boarding costs.

I am also wondering (being that I wont have a car) how horse friendly those countries are in still using them as transportation? I have never been to Europe before, so please forgive any ignorant or stupid questions. I just want to cover all of my bases. I have dreamed of Europe for nearly a decade now and would love to spend some years out there. Who knows? I might just end up staying! 🙂 Then you horse lovers out there will get to see my old Iberian blooded horses at expos and the like! 🙂

Any advice is appreciated!