Working Animals

Equine Transport Welfare Standards

Transport is one of the most stressful experiences for horses, and welfare standards during equine transport are critically important.

Key Facts

Horses show elevated stress hormones during transport lasting 24 hours post-journey
Poorly designed trailers cause physical injury through falls and inadequate space
Head restraint during transport prevents horses from lowering their heads to drain respiratory secretions
Compartment orientation, ventilation and loading practice all significantly affect welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Horse transport causes a combination of physical and psychological stressors — confinement, vibration, temperature fluctuation, inability to adopt natural postures and the presence of unfamiliar horses. Respiratory disease following transport (shipping fever) is common and reflects the physiological burden of transport stress. Better trailer design, appropriate rest breaks and skilled handling reduce but cannot eliminate these stressors.

What You Can Do

Ensure trailers are well-maintained with appropriate ventilation and space
Limit journey times and provide rest, water and hay on long trips
Train horses for positive trailer loading experiences
Advocate for minimum transport welfare standards in equine legislation