Horse transport causes significant stress and welfare risk. Science-based transport standards and training preparation can substantially reduce suffering.
Horse transport welfare is a persistent problem spanning pleasure horses trailered to competitions, performance horses moved between facilities, and slaughter horses transported across long distances. The welfare costs of transport arise from the physical effort of maintaining balance in a moving vehicle, social disruption, unfamiliar environments, and restrictions on normal feeding and drinking. For slaughter horses, these costs are experienced at the end of life and without the possibility of subsequent management improvement. Reduced journey time limits, mandatory rest stops, improved vehicle standards, and better enforcement of existing regulations are all proven welfare improvements.