A Quick Manual to Ensure the Safety of Horses While Travelling

Racing has caught on like wildfire all around the world. Horse racing is extremely popular, and it’s not an uncommon sight, to see horses flying around the globe to be crowned champions and win big prizes. Expert and trainer accompany as a team with the horse and ensure the proper care for the equine.

Having a team of professionals reduces the hassle for the horse owner.  Let’s be honest, putting a horse in a box and jetting it all over the globe is no easy feat and it is essential that you know what you are doing.  

As the owner of your prized possession, you might be globe-trotting to Australia, Dubai, Singapore, or Presque Isle Downs in America. Read on and self-educate on specific safety measures to ensure proper safety and care for your horse.

Mindful of logistics

Preparation for the flight plan is necessary. Ensure to maintain the highest standard for care and safety during the travel. The team of trainers will manage and monitor the food and water status for the horse, along with the peace of mind for a lengthy flight. How to fit in the training schedules in long flights and dealing with the quarantine paperwork and regulations for the countries are planned as well and in advance. No cutting corners for the would-be champion!

Packing

  The traveling team should make sure to pack all the gear in advance. It’s always better to start early, and for a long distance trip a wise advice to follow is to plan and start a week in advance. Water containers and haystacks in neat hay net packing are essential to avoid loss of food and water. You need to make it sure that there is enough for a long journey.

Quarantine

It is crucial for any horse flying abroad. Every country has different laws and procedures vary as well. Every country will vaccinate your animal against equine influenza and perform nasal swab and blood tests to check for the state of health of the animal. The quarantine period may vary from 72 hours to 2 weeks depending on the country. The process of quarantine is done under the supervision of a vet. It’s essential for you to be clear on the quarantine laws of the country you are visiting and take the necessary steps to avoid risking legal hassles.  

Take-off and during flight

A vet must accompany the horse during its entire trip along with the team of trainers. The captain of the plane usually doesn’t allow the team to stay with the horse during the take-off, but they can monitor the status once in the air. You can invest in an IV drip of essential vitamins and minerals before the flight to keep your horse healthy. Salts, minerals, and hydration are all the horse required during the flight. Ensure to control the feeding and do it in regular intervals of 4-6 hours.

After landing

Make sure to record the temperature of the animal. A high temperature is indicative of fever and illness setting in. The training team will ensure a training regimen after landing including acclimatizing period, grazing, and exercising. So plan your departure and arrival accordingly. In case of sickness due to travels, it is crucial to administer antibiotics and check for worsening symptoms. Caring is the first step towards success in horse-racing.