Horse transport — for competition, sale and movement between yards — causes measurable welfare impacts that skilled transport management can significantly reduce.
Horse transport welfare varies enormously with vehicle design, journey management and driver skill. A horse loaded into a well-ventilated trailer, with familiar hay to occupy travel time, regular access to water during stops, and a calm driver who minimises abrupt acceleration and braking, experiences far lower stress than one crammed into an inadequate vehicle without access to food or water. Head freedom — allowing the horse to lower its head during transport — is a welfare requirement based on airway drainage physiology that significantly reduces post-transport respiratory disease. Journey duration should be minimised, with adequate rest for long trips.