How do you transport a racehorse overseas?

What is the best way to transport a horse?

Let’s presume for the sake of arguments that you need to transport your horse to another country that you can get to without needing to cross any expanse of water. In this case, traveling by car could be a good alternative to flying but the journey is likely to be a very long one.

Do you need a certificate to transport a horse?

Even if your horse carrier does not require certificates, it is a good idea to get a vet’s approval before shipping your horse. Before practicing loading and unloading, let your horse become comfortable with the trailer. Lead your horse around the trailer and let it inspect the curious object.

How to haul a horse in a trailer?

While there are more slant load trailers available, the two-horse side by side or the stock trailer may work well for the horses you have to haul. In most trailers, the horses are tied. Make sure your horse has enough length of lead to allow adequate movement, with its head and neck for balance–but not too long a lead, as it can get tangled.

What qualifications do you need to be a horse transporter?

1st4Sport Transporting Horses qualifications. Animal welfare legislation requires anybody who transports horses in connection with an economic activity (for business purposes, regardless if the business makes a profit) on journeys to hold a Certificate of Competence.

Do you need a health certificate to export a horse?

Horses travelling to the rest of Europe and non FEI competition horses to France, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Germany etc, will require an export licence and a health certificate. It is also good to have a Route Plan to show the horse are being transported under the terms of the Welfare of Animals Transport Order 1997.

What is a certificate of competence for horse transport?

Animal welfare legislation requires anybody who transports horses for the purpose of economic activity ( which is for any business purpose, regardless of whether the business makes a profit) to hold a Certificate of Competence* for the handling and transporting of horses.

Do you need a licence to transport a horse?

If you transport livestock – including horses naturally – you are required to have a Type 1 DEFRA Licence (since the legislation came into effect in April 2008). The written test is a ‘proof of competence’ and without one, it is illegal to transport any animal for ‘economic purposes’ further than 65km or for longer eight hours by road.

What is the best trailer for hauling horses?

While there are more slant load trailers available, the two-horse side by side or the stock trailer may work well for the horses you have to haul. In most trailers, the horses are tied.

Is your horse having trailering problems?

Your horse’s trailering problems aren’t just frustrating—they can lead to accidents and injury. Learn how to deal with refusals to load, scrambling in the trailer, and other issues. A horse that’s difficult to load and haul is problematic. He’ll make you late to trail rides, lessons, horse shows, and veterinary appointments.

How to unload a horse from a trailer?

Remove the horse from the trailer. Unloading properly is just as important as loading properly to minimize risk of injury to your horse and yourself. Attach the lead rope and untie the horse from the trailer. Lower the ramp doors and release the butt bar.

What qualifications do you need to become a horse trainer?

You will need a qualification from either the Association of British Riding Schools, or the British Horse Society, their PTT (practical teaching test) is respected the world over.

What do you need to transport a horse for animal welfare?

Transport Certificate of Competence in the Welfare of Transporting Horses Animal welfare legislation requires anybody who transports horses for the purpose of economic activity (which is for any business purpose, regardless of whether the business makes a profit) to hold a Certificate of Competence* for the handling and transporting of horses.

Is starting a horse transport business right for You?

Starting a horse transport business can be a fulfilling way to turn your love of driving and horses into an income-generating occupation. Basic knowledge of horses and their care is key to your success.

Do you need a health certificate for a horse?

A health certificate is mandatory for crossing state lines, and may also be required for some horse shows and events. Generally, a health certificate is valid for 30 days, although during infectious disease outbreaks (such as vesicular stomatitis), individual states may change their requirements for incoming horses.

How do I get an export health certificate for my horse?

To apply for an EHC you’ll need to: Find the EHC and other forms you need on the export health certificate form finder. Nominate an official vet to inspect your horse or other equines. Fill in the EHC and supporting forms and email them to the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) address on the forms.

What tests do I need to export a horse?

For stallions, a test for EVA (Equine Viral Arteritis) is required within 21 days prior to export. Under the temporary health status your horse is allowed to stay in the foreign country for 90 days. To export a horse under the temporary health status, the following is required: A negative AGID coggins test is needed within 90 days of shipment.

Do I need a certificate of competence to transport animals?

Since 1st May 2008 (delayed from 6th Jan 08) anybody transporting animals (sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, birds or horses) over 60km (45miles) for commercial purposes or gain should have passed an assessment to receive a Certificate of Competence.

What are the requirements for handling a horse?

There are specific requirements in relation to the handling of horses. Where a horse is transported over 65km and the journey time is up to eight hours, the person transporting the horse is required to hold a valid certificate of competence.

How long does it take to transport a horse?

Where a horse is transported over 65km and the journey time is up to eight hours, the person transporting the horse is required to hold a valid certificate of competence. Where a horse is transported up to 65km the horse must be accompanied by an Animal Transport Certificate.

Do you need a licence to drive a horse trailer?

Horses often need to be transported on public highways. Towing a horse trailer or driving a horsebox requires different categories of driving licence, depending on the vehicle or vehicle/trailer combination. Currently, if you passed your driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can only drive Category B vehicles.

Do you need a licence to tow a horse box?

Under the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999, a category C1 driving licence is needed to tow a horse box where the maximum authorised mass exceeds 3.5 tonnes (but not 7.5 tonnes). If it does exceed 7.5 tonnes, a category C driving licence is required.

How to take care of a long distance horse trailer?

Double Check your Horse Trailer Before leaving on your long distance horse haul, it’s a good idea to take your trailer to a dealership to have lights, brakes, and the floor checked to make sure it’s up to the trip. Some mechanics or tire shops can perform this horse trailer checkup as well.

Do horses like to load in trailers?

Some horses do fine loading into a trailer, while others panic and refuse to go in. I know how frustrating it can be when your horse resists all of your best efforts to get them to load, so I put together this information to help you avoid the same issue.

How do you get a horse out of a trailer?

A calm buddy horse making the pleasant trip with him can help in this process, too. Ideally, your horse will wait for you to release him, then carefully step backward out of a straight-load trailer, or docilely turn and step out head-first from a slant-load trailer.

What is the welfare of animals (transport) order?

The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order. This applies to anyone who is transporting an animal in connection with an economic activity, ie. where animals are transported as part of a business. The Order therefore applies to the transportation of horses as part of, for instance, a professional riding, livery or stabling business,…

What do I need to transport horses?

Anyone transporting horses in connection with an economic activity on journeys over 65 km and under eight hours must: have a short journey transporter authorisation (type 1) issued by Defra complete an animal transport certificate be in possession of a certificate of competence (for drivers or attendants)

How to start a horse transport business?

Review local laws and regulations for horse transport businesses in your state, city and county. Contact an attorney or state, county or city official if you have any questions. Determine how far you are willing to travel to transport horses, whether in-state only or out-of-state.