By KRISTINA LOTZ
Traveling with horses may appear to be a daunting task, especially when they need to be entrusted to someone else’s care. Whether you’re importing a horse, relocating, or flying for a competition, the process is complex and intimidating.
Horseflight was started in 2007 by Emil Spadone and Seth Vallhonrat to help relieve the stress while streamlining the process to make it as easy as possible on horse and human.
Horseflight, established in 2007 by Emil Spadone and Seth Vallhonrat, was created to alleviate this stress and streamline the entire transportation process, making it as smooth and easy as possible for both horse and owner.
“Horseflight was founded on the idea that we could provide a personalized ex perience for every client, differentiating us from the competition,” says Spadone. “Our clients are an extension of our team, and we treat their horses as if they are our own.” With over 50 years of combined importing experience, the owners are passionate about your horse flying first class, every time.
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about flying with your horse, and Horseflight understands that concern. Their dedicated team works tirelessly to alleviate stress, guiding you through every step of the process—from initial planning to the safe arrival at the barn after the flight. Familiarizing yourself with the process before you begin can also help put your mind at ease and make the journey smoother for both you and your horse.
1. Don’t Wait to Book
While Horseflight can often secure a flight for a horse on short notice—some times within just a couple of days—plan ning ahead is always the best approach.
“We recommend giving us at least two weeks’ notice,” says Natasha Klingenstein of Horseflight. “This allows us to coordinate any necessary blood tests, book the grooms, and ensure the horse fits into the flight schedule alongside others that are already booked.” Planning ahead ensures a smoother and more organized process for both the horse and the team.
2. Make Sure Health Documents Are In Order
The required health documents and tests for your horse will vary depending on the destination and whether your horse is a mare, stallion, or gelding. Horseflight takes the guesswork out of this process by guiding owners through the necessary documentation. For example, when preparing for a domestic flight, owners will need to ensure that their veterinarian completes a health certificate and a current Coggins test, explains Klingenstein.
For international imports, Horseflight handles all the necessary paperwork, including veterinary requirements, unless the owner prefers to be more involved. When it comes to exports, Horseflight works directly with the veterinarians to ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date. “The paperwork for exports can be complex,” says Klingenstein. “There are multiple options for importing into a foreign country, whether it’s permanent, on carnet, temporary entry, or household move. We make sure everything is in order.”
3. Get Insurance
Unfortunately, unexpected issues can arise when traveling with horses. That’s why Horseflight strongly recommends owners secure their own insurance coverage for their horses. For customers who need assistance finding the right insurance, Horseflight partners with a trusted insurance company and can provide recommendations to ensure you’re fully covered during travel.
4. Don’t Vaccinate
While you need to make sure your horse has the proper health requirements to fly, do not vaccinate your horse within 14 days of air travel.
5. Decide If You Are Flying Equipment
All horses traveling with Horseflight need to be accompanied by a full hay net, an extra half bale of hay, water, and a bag of shavings. For imports and exports, Horseflight will provide these essentials, but for domestic flights, owners are asked to deliver these items with the horse. For the safety of the horse, Horseflight recommends using a breakaway or leather shipping halter during travel.
If your horse is traveling with equipment, transporting it safely from point A to point B is essential. For domestic flights, each horse is allowed one standard trunk and a small item in the front of the jet stall. For larger items such as wheelbarrows and eurotrunks, or for multiple bulkier items, Horseflight can arrange for a separate cargo container. For imports and exports, all equipment must be shipped via cargo. Horseflight will handle the coordination of delivery to and from the cargo area, as well as the necessary documentation for your gear.
6. Set Your Horse Up for Sucess
There are several steps you can take to make the journey easier and more comfortable for your horse. If you’re traveling with a foal, Horseflight recommends pairing them with a buddy. Two foals can travel together in half a jet stall, while up to four foals can share a full jet stall, helping reduce stress and provide companionship during the flight.
Depending on the horse, Klingenstein notes that some owners choose to take additional measures to support their well-being during travel. These may include administering Omeprazole a week before and during travel and quarantine to help with gastric health, providing IV fluids the day before the flight, using ear plugs for noise-sensitive horses, giving electrolytes during the flight to prevent dehydration, and/or administering NSAIDs before and after the flight to manage any discomfort. “These measures are completely at the discretion of the owner and should be based on the individual horse’s needs and how they typically handle travel,” she adds.
7. Plan for Quarantine
Don’t forget about quarantine! Every horse importing from overseas is required to complete the minimum three-day standard quarantine. From there, geldings and horses under two years old can travel on to their final destination. Mares and stallions, however, must undergo additional CEM (Contagious Equine Metritis) quarantine, approximately 17 days for mares and 30 days for stallions.
If you’re traveling for competition or a short round-trip stay, there may be exceptions to the CEM quarantine—provided you plan ahead and have all the necessary paperwork in order. “Mares and stallions traveling overseas for less than 90 days can qualify for a CEM supplemental document,” says Klingenstein. “This document must be completed by a veterinarian before departure of each stop overseas, and the dates must be precise with no gaps. It’s the owner’s or trainer’s responsibility to ensure this form is filled out correctly. Only with this documentation are mares and stallions exempt from the additional CEM quarantine.”
During the standard three-day quarantine, you won’t be able to visit or see your horse, but Horseflight will keep you updated with photos and videos upon arrival, depending on the port’s regulations. This helps give you peace of mind as you await their release.
8. Plan Your Ride
Traveling to the same destination as your horse? Don’t forget to plan your own ride! “We do our best to arrange for personal grooms on the flight if requested,” says Klingenstein. “The availability of groom seats on a flight depends on the number of horses traveling, especially for international travel. Exports are the easiest trips to accommodate additional grooms, whereas for domestic flights, grooms must undergo an approval process that can take several months and are typically reserved for those flying frequently.”
If you’re unable to fly with your horse, Horseflight will provide you with a detailed itinerary, so you can make your own travel arrangements with confidence. This helps ensure that you stay informed every step of the way while your horse is in transit.
Click here to learn more about Horseflight and flying your horse.
