Horse transport by air
Is your dream horse "on the other side of the world"?
Horse transport by air has become a routine method of transporting horses over long distances. Every day and all around the world, horses fly in specially designed aircraft stalls, where they are taken care of by trained grooms. Airlines have listened to experts' advice and adapted the conditions according the the needs of horses, so they would feel safe and comfortable. When it comes to long distances, air transportation is probably the best choice as a long journey in a trailer is just as stressful for you as it is for your horse. Of course, air transportation is also a bit uncomfortable and that is why we gathered a few useful tips about how to make this adventure as stressless as possible - for you and your horse.
It is important to realize that planning is going to take quite a bit of your time. The first thing you will need to do is find a transport company.
Getting you horse home by plane
Air transportation doesn't need to be stressful.
Horse transport companies
Choose a reliable horse transport company! Ask your friends, vets, farriers or associations for recommendations. If you do not get any advice, start researching on your own: browse the web and choose several companies. Contact them and ask specific questions such as:
- How much experience do you have in transporting horses by air? Choose a company that has been dealing with this kind of transport for a longer period of time.
- Where can I check your references? Ask for a list of references which you can verify. Ask their customers, if they were satisfied with the service.
- Do you require a deposit? Some companies require a certain amount to be paid in advance. Never pay the full amount in advance!
- Could you send me a sample contract? Companies usually draw up a contract. If they do not, ask for it yourself! Read it well and make changes if necessary.
- Does the price include insurance for the horse? Some final prices already include insurance for the duration of the transport. If your horse is already insured, you probably do not need to pay the extra fee.
- Ask, if they can help you arrange all the documents. Read more about the documents and certificates you need in the next section of this article.
- Does your company provide a groom? Some companies provide grooms themselves and the service is already included in the price but some do not.
- Are your ramps safe and which safety standards do your aircraft stalls meet?
- Ask for an approximate calculation and then compare the prices by other companies. You will realize that air transportation is not cheap. That is due to the weight and space the cargo occupies. Do not choose the cheapest, choose the most reliable and trustworthy one!
The transport company must put the well-being of your horse first
Make plans prudently and carefully. A reliable transport company with many experience is of crucial importance.
Documents
Every country has its own regulations for importing horses. If the company you chose can offer you help in this area, it can help you gather information faster. Even if it can, it is still better the double-check all the information by official sources. Some of the typical requirements when transporting a horse are: a Coggins test, required vaccinations, blood test records in a passport. Although depending on the country, you must also consider quarantine times. This varies from 72 hours to 30 days. The transport company might also ask for a current health check papers from the vet, proving that the horse is healthy and ready for air transportation. But even if they do not require them, it is recommended for a vet to check your horse a couple of weeks prior to transportation. Sick animals or mares in late pregnancy are not allowed to travel by airplane.
MUST-READ ADVICE
- The groom or the staff monitor the well-being of the horse during transport. Many transport companies provide their own hay but you should make sure the horse also gets hay it is use to eating in order to avoid possible colic. The groom should provide the horse water every four hours to prevent dehydration that can occur because of excitement that leads to sweating.
- Do not give the horse any additional rich feed (grain, alfalfa etc.) prior or during transport. Provide only hay. Although electrolytes and minerals are recommended.
- Before you arrange the transport, make sure your horse is sound and healthy for the journey. Make sure the horse is not claustrophobic and that it does not panic because of noise. It will hear noise coming from the engines on the airplane. Note that the transport company is responsible for the well-being of your horse but they are not in the business to train your horse, if he does not want to load in and out of trailers and stalls.
- It is recommended that the horse is accompanied by a familiar person. If not, make sure the person gets all the information about the horse's character and temperament.
- Make an arrangement with the transport company to regularly inform you about the location and condition of your horse.
- If you are also transporting horse equipment, make sure you label every piece. Give the list to the company and do not forget to keep a copy for yourself.
The groom monitors the well-being of horses on the airplane
Make sure the person taking care of the horse during transport has experience. It is also recommended that the person knows the horse's character.
We wish luck with planning the transportation of your new equine companion.
Written by: Maja Primožič from the EquiGaia Team