Equine transport causes significant stress and health risks; research on journey duration, vehicle design, and horse preparation informs welfare standards for horses in transit.
Horse transport welfare is a significant concern particularly for long-distance commercial transport. Research consistently shows that journey duration is the most important single predictor of welfare outcome — every additional hour of transport increases physiological stress and respiratory risk. Transport fever occurs when horses cannot lower their heads to drain mucus from airways; untied or loose loading (where safe) significantly reduces respiratory infection risk. EU enforcement of transport welfare regulations for horses exported for slaughter has been chronically inadequate, leading to well-documented suffering during journeys across Europe and to third countries. Consumer choices about horse meat consumption and advocacy for stronger enforcement are the primary levers available.