Horse

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How Do Horses Travel By Plane: Equine Airline Rules

Horses are one of the most beloved animals on earth that always showed a special connection with humans. That’s why they’ve been around us for thousands of years.

Back in the day, horses were used for transportation, but those days are now gone. Quite ironically, we now transport horses from one place to another, and in some cases, this is thousands of miles apart. This means that the only way to transport horses that far is by plane.

For some people, it might be difficult to transport a dog by plane, let alone a 1000-pound animal. So, how do they do it? Are there any safety precautions or special requirements in order for horses to get on a plane?

Why Fly Horses in the First Place?

At this point, you might be thinking – Why would horses get on the plane in the first place? Well, there are plenty of reasons for that.

First of all, we have horse racing. Yes, horse racing is a global sport with events happening in the United States, United Kingdom, France, all over Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Racehorses are also quite expensive and in order to make horse racing profitable for the owners, they need to travel thousands of miles just so they can participate in racing events.

Another reason why horses may fly is for a medical situation that needs assistance, but it is not provided locally.

The road isn’t always feasible or safe for long distances, which makes traveling by plane the only choice.

With that said, it’s not as easy as booking a flight for tomorrow and getting the horse on the plane. It is a more complicated procedure that involves preparing the horses for air travel.

What Goes into Getting a Horse Ready for Air Travel?

1. Health Checks and Quarantine

Horses need to go through a thorough health check before traveling. This is the first and probably one of the most important steps. After all, the well-being of the horse should be our first priority.

We have standard things like health certificates, vaccinations, and tests for diseases before they are allowed to travel by plane, especially when crossing international borders.

2. Booking “Horse Cargo” with Specialized Airlines

We are talking about huge animals, so obviously they don’t get a window seat in the plane. This means that you need to book a “horse cargo” that is only available in specialized airlines.

Choosing the right airline is also very important and you’d want to pick the one that has IATA-certified protocols to ensure horses are handled by professionals who deeply understand equine behavior and their needs.

Even boarding the plane is not as simple as walking your horse on the plane. This is a process often done by a team of handlers and in some cases veterinarians just to ensure the horse has a pleasant journey.

If we are talking about a $300,000 horse, then the safety of the horse should always be in the first plan.

Boarding Process

You won’t find horses squeezed into coach; they travel in specially-designed stalls within the plane’s cargo hold. These stalls come in different “classes”—yes, there’s a first-class for horses! The typical setup is either:

  • Economy: Three horses share a single stall.
  • Business: Two horses per stall.
  • First Class: Just one horse, which is ideal for the claustrophobic types or those who need extra space.

Specially designed “air stalls” keep horses comfortable, allowing them to shift around safely while preventing excess movement. For instance, airlines use partitions that can be adjusted to offer extra space, helping ease any stress for claustrophobic horses who may feel penned in by tighter walls.

Comfort in the Clouds: Safety and Stress Management

1. Handling Stress with Expert Grooms

Flying can be stressful for anyone, especially a thousand-pound animal with little flight experience. To make things easier, experienced grooms are on board to keep horses calm, monitor their breathing, and even offer treats. These handlers understand each horse’s quirks, which help immensely when the horse is loaded into the air stall or when experiencing noise and vibration.

2. Reducing Noise and Vibration

Noise and vibration dampening are critical. Horses feel every jolt, and in a moving plane, vibrations can be unsettling. Airlines use padded flooring and anti-slip mats to minimize these effects, making it easier for the animals to stand comfortably and maintain balance throughout the journey.

3. Air Quality and Temperature Control

Maintaining stable air quality and temperature is also crucial, as horses are sensitive to fluctuating temperatures. Airplane cargo holds used for horses have controlled airflows and temperatures to avoid issues like overheating, which can lead to dehydration.

What’s It Like for a Horse at 35,000 Feet?

During the flight, horses usually remain calm, partly due to the darkness in the cargo hold, which prevents external stimuli from causing anxiety. Handlers monitor their breathing, hydration, and general demeanor, ensuring they’re adjusting well to altitude changes.

Unlike humans, horses stand throughout the flight, using their strong legs to balance as the plane ascends, cruises, and lands.

So, it is a complicated process, but definitely doable. And we didn’t mention the tons of documents you’ll need to be able to transport your horse internationally.