VAT on the lot: Yes, unless
If you buy the lot (and possibly the recipient mare) from a professional (VAT-registered) seller, the seller is obliged to charge VAT on it.
In this case we will always collect the auction price (and possibly the purchase price of the recipient mare) plus the appropriate VAT.
If your purchase subsequently satisfies the requirements for an intra-Community or outside-EU delivery, we will credit this VAT afterwards.