01/09/2024
Air Horse One: Flying horses around the world requires impressive levels of organisation.
Each year, approximately 5,000 horses are transported worldwide by the horse transport company IRT, ensuring that there is a horse in transit every hour of every day.
A quarantine period of 14 days is required before and after the transportation of horses to Australia; however, IRT extends this duration to three weeks to accommodate necessary testing. "The isolation procedures are meticulously detailed — the showering protocol mandates washing one's hair and cleaning one's nails," states Jim Paltridge, the European managing director of IRT.
The stalls accommodate up to three horses, with an approximate cost of ÂŁ14,350 per horse for transportation to Australia, which includes fees for quarantine, veterinary services, and transfers. Clients have the option to pay an additional 35% for "business class" accommodations (allowing two horses per stall) or 70% more for "first class" (designated for a single horse), which is particularly suitable for stallions or racehorses participating in the Melbourne Cup.
The Stalls
The stalls accommodate up to three horses, with an approximate cost of £14,350 per horse for transportation to Australia, which includes expenses for quarantine, veterinary care, and transfers. Clients have the option to pay an additional 35% for “business class” (allowing two horses per stall) or “first class” (designated for a single horse at a 70% premium), particularly for stallions or racehorses participating in events such as the Melbourne Cup.
Feeding
Each horse is provided with two small-gauge haynets to ensure continuous grazing during the journey. It is expected that horses may lose between five to 15 kg during the flight; however, they typically regain this weight within five days.
The Veterinarian
“The IRT engages a veterinarian for the duration of the flight. While this is not a legal requirement, flights exceeding 12 hours pose a heightened risk for shipping fever,” states Jim. “Having a veterinarian on board is essential for the well-being of the horses. Highly skilled traveling grooms play a crucial role as they can detect any signs of distress in the horses, much like a mother would with her child. The veterinarian is also responsible for administering fluids if the horses do not drink after eight hours.”
The process of transferring horses from the lorry to the stall is executed with precision. A detailed "load plan" outlines the designated position for each horse. During quarantine, the horses have been paired with companions, ensuring they are familiar with one another.
The lorries are positioned adjacent to the stall, allowing handlers to lower the ramp directly into the stall. The horses are guided in using chifneys, and most enter without hesitation.
Subsequently, the stalls are lifted onto a scissor-lift high-loader, elevated, and then placed through a large opening into the aircraft.
As each stall is brought into the airplane, the grooms open the flaps at both ends to facilitate airflow and verify the name stickers on the quarters. The temperature inside the aircraft rises rapidly, and the air soon becomes saturated with the familiar scents of manure and haylage.
The dim lighting within appears to calm the horses; there is an absence of neighing or noise, and the composed demeanor of the grooms seems to have a soothing effect.
“The optimal situation is to minimize disturbance to the horses, only checking on them for drinks every four hours,” explains Jim. “It resembles a matron overseeing a ward at night. The goal is to maintain a tranquil atmosphere and allow the horses their space.”
Traveling conditions
As I feel a chill, I observe that all the horses are clipped and travel without rugs; however, with the stall flaps secured, they remain comfortably warm. The clipping occurs in the UK to prevent the horses from emerging into the extreme heat of 40°C in locations such as Singapore and Melbourne with heavy, sweaty coats, which would make clipping unfeasible and lead to significant stress from overheating. The horses travel without hind shoes unless they have fragile hooves.
Addressing Issues
In addition to managing the loading process, the staff diligently monitors any disturbances within the stalls. Early in the procedure, a warmblood gelding begins to bang, prompting veterinarian Katie Wilcox to promptly administer a sedative.
“It typically lasts for two to three hours, although they generally require only a single dose,” explains Jim. “We do not utilize a significant amount of sedative—only three during this loading operation—but it effectively induces a state of relaxation, allowing the horses to remain calm and not disturb the others.”
Jim, who is also quick to respond at the first indication of a kick, notes that incidents of horses falling or rearing are uncommon: “A skilled groom can compensate for the need for sedatives. We have exceptionally talented horsemen who are adept at soothing the horses. Some even manage to rest beneath the horses’ heads.”
