Equitrans has the answers

What information does the shipper require when transporting a horse internationally?

We need to know if the horse is a bad loader, a poor traveler or even a scrambler. This information helps us in planning his journey, ensuring our experienced grooms know exactly what to look out for and that he is loaded first, and kept distracted and calm.

What equipment does my horse need for his international travel?

We recommend horses do not travel with boots or rugs during the flight as temperatures in the aircraft average between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius, and when combined with the body heat of three horses per container, horses are adequately warm. 

Equitrans supplies hay, water and shavings for the duration of the trip, we also supply lead ropes, however horse owners should supply their own headcollars. 

While we do allow a small consignment of essential items to travel with your horse (own feed bucket, rug for arrival destination, etc.) we request that additional equipment is kept to a minimum as it can be hazardous for the groom in-flight. Clients wishing to send additional equipment can have it booked on the same flight and have this customs cleared and transported together with the horse.

What happens if those sharing the same pallet as my horse cancel their travel during pre-export quarantine or a few days prior to the flight?

Equitrans always endeavours to find shares and constantly ensures that all horses are committed to their share. However, changes do occur, and horses may not be fit to travel or the circumstances of the owner or horse can change due to performance, sickness etc. which can affect the shared/consolidated loads.

Equitrans will always do our best to find alternative shares if possible and when not possible, we provide the best options to other clients with the changes.

Are mares in-foal allowed to travel on flights?

Yes, mares can travel up to two months prior to foaling.

Can mares and foals that have not been weaned travel together?

Certainly, however they do require a larger space and we usually recommend two thirds of a stall so that the mare does not step on the foal if they sit/lie down.

Can I accompany my horse when it flies?

We prefer to have professional grooms fly with your horse/s as they are competent, trained to handle horses in the air and security cleared. If an owner, trainer or stable groom needs to travel with their horses this depends on the airline requirements, number of seats available, security requirements and number of other horses on board.

How big is a horse stall on a plane?

The average dimensions of a stall on commercial flights like Emirates, Etihad, Martin Air, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines is L 294cms, W 234cms and H 232cms.

What happens to my horse if the flight experiences turbulence?

In the unlikely event of turbulence, the Equitrans grooms monitor the horses until the event has passed. The equine jet stall is completely secured, stopping all adverse movement impacting the horse. Interestingly, we have found that horses are minimally impacted by turbulence events and generally continue eating and show little sign of stress. If a horse is unsettled by turbulence events, our flight grooms are fully licensed to administer oral sedation.

Are my horses INSURED when transported?

Unless requested specifically by the client horses are NOT insured by Equitrans and its partners. Equitrans can provide insurance on request.

How many quarantine days does my horse have to complete on arrival in the UAE?

Ten days’ quarantine on arrival in a State-approved quarantine facility.

Can I visit my horse in quarantine?

Depending where your horse is quarantined and the local regulations at that quarantine, it may be possible to visit during their visiting hours and with prior appointments, forty eight hours after arrival.

Can I work my horse in quarantine?

Most quarantines in the UAE only allow horses to be hand walked twice a day. However there are a few quarantines in the UAE that will allow horses to be ridden or have a quarantine for horses in training which have to be supervised to avoid quarantined horses from mixing with horses of a lower health status.

Are horses sedated before travel?

This is not required as with professional grooms on board most horses are in good hands and travel confidently. Having haynets up usually helps distract the horses as they begin eating once loaded, so keep them hungry before a flight.

Can my equipment go in a stall?

Ideally we prefer not to have equipment in the front of the stall as this can be a hazard if the groom needs to attend to the horses in case of an emergency. Rugs, travelling boots and other small equipment can go in front of the stall. When there is a load of equipment travelling we can book this on the same flight and have this cleared and transported with the horses.