Horse transport is a common welfare challenge. Even short journeys cause physiological stress responses; long-distance transport raises significant welfare concerns requiring management protocols to minimize harm.
Horse transport causes acute stress that cumulates with journey duration, loading conditions, and vehicle design. Horses transported long distances for slaughter — including exports from Ireland and the UK to continental Europe and beyond — experience the most severe welfare compromise. Even competition horses transported short distances show stress responses that affect performance and health. Welfare improvements including improved trailer design, mandatory water access, and journey time limits are achievable within existing industry frameworks.