In the world of equestrian sports and equine commerce, international travel for competitions and sales is a common occurrence. Whether it’s for prestigious events like the Olympics or for buying and selling horses, the process of transporting horses across borders involves careful planning, attention to detail, and adherence to regulations. In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of traveling with horses internationally, covering everything from preparation and logistics to legal requirements and best practices.
Preparation: Before embarking on an international journey with your equine partner, thorough preparation is key. This includes ensuring that your horse is fit and healthy for travel, obtaining the necessary documentation, and making arrangements for transportation and accommodation.
- Health and Fitness:
- Schedule a veterinary examination to ensure your horse is in good health and fit for travel.
- Update vaccinations and obtain any required health certificates or permits.
- Discuss travel-specific health considerations with your veterinarian, such as managing stress and preventing respiratory issues. While flying, it is very important to keep horses hydrated. A Duphalyte IV drip can be administered by the vet, this is full of vitamins and minerals. During the flight offer water every couple of hours. If a horse isn’t drinking well after a couple of hours, give them some electrolyte paste by mouth, it’s full of salts and minerals and encourages them to drink.
- A vet will always be on board along with an assistant, so should a horse show signs of becoming dehydrated they will administer IV fluids.
- Careful Feeding
Feeding on a flight has to be done with care, greedy horses eating too much can develop colic best to feed little every four to six hours and, if possible, off the floor of the stall. This encourages horses to get their heads down, so there is more chance of anything in their lungs from the air con running out.
- Documentation:
- Research the entry requirements for the destination country, including health certificates, import permits, and quarantine regulations.
- Prepare all necessary paperwork well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
- Keep copies of important documents, such as passports and health certificates, both digitally and in hard copy.
- Transportation:
- Choose a reputable equine transportation company with experience in international travel.
- Coordinate logistics such as scheduling flights, arranging ground transportation, and booking accommodations for layovers if needed.
- Ensure that transportation equipment, such as shipping containers and trailers, meets international standards and provides adequate comfort and safety for the horse.
Legal Requirements: Complying with legal requirements is essential when traveling internationally with horses. Failure to do so can result in delays, fines, or even refusal of entry.
- Customs and Import Regulations:
- Familiarize yourself with customs regulations and import procedures for both departure and arrival countries.
- Declare any medications, supplements, or equipment you’re bringing with you, and ensure they comply with local regulations.
- Be prepared for customs inspections and have all necessary paperwork readily available.
- Quarantine and Health Checks:
- Some countries require incoming horses to undergo quarantine or health checks upon arrival.
- Make arrangements for any necessary quarantine periods in advance, and ensure your horse meets all health requirements.
Best Practices: In addition to meeting legal requirements, following best practices can help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your horse.
- Comfort and Welfare:
- Minimize stress by maintaining familiar routines and surroundings as much as possible.
- Comfortable bedding and rest stops: Whether in a horsebox or during layovers, prioritize your horse’s comfort. Use appropriate bedding to reduce the impact of travel vibrations, and schedule rest stops during long journeys to allow your horse to stretch their legs and relax.
- Be mindful of temperature variations between your departure and destination locations. Ensure your horse is adequately protected from extreme temperatures with appropriate rugs or cooling sheets as needed.
- Communication and Contingency Planning:
- Stay in regular contact with your transportation provider and any relevant authorities to stay informed of any changes or developments.
- Have a contingency plan in place for unexpected events, such as flight delays or inclement weather.
International travel with horses for competition or sales requires careful planning, attention to detail, and compliance with legal requirements. By adequately preparing your horse, obtaining the necessary documentation, and following best practices, you can ensure a safe and successful journey. Remember to prioritize your horse’s comfort and welfare throughout the travel process, and be prepared to adapt to unexpected circumstances. With proper preparation and diligence, you will enjoy the thrill of competing or conducting business on a global stage while keeping your equine partner safe and happy. Safe travels and best of luck in your international equestrian pursuits!