Horse Transport Welfare: Long-distance Considerations

Long-distance horse transport causes significant physiological and psychological stress. Best practices minimize these impacts and protect horse welfare during transit.

Key Facts

Horses transported for more than 8 hours show measurable increases in stress hormones
Transport myopathy (tying-up) is a serious complication of long-distance transport
Respiratory infections including shipping fever affect up to 15% of horses after long transport
Dehydration during transport is common and has significant welfare implications
Horses transported facing backwards show lower physiological stress indicators than forward-facing
EU regulations mandate maximum journey times and rest periods for equine transport

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance transport stresses horses through physical exertion maintaining balance, environmental challenges, social disruption, and restricted access to water and forage. Shipping fever — pneumonia triggered by transport-associated immune suppression — is a serious welfare consequence of poor transport management. The welfare impacts of unnecessary transport, such as sending horses long distances to slaughter, are particularly significant given that alternatives exist.

What You Can Do

Plan transport carefully, using appropriate vehicles, bedding, and ventilation
Offer water at every opportunity during transport and at regular intervals on long journeys
Provide hay throughout the journey to encourage drinking and reduce stress
Monitor horses closely in the days after transport for signs of respiratory infection
Source horses locally where possible to reduce transport duration
Support welfare standards for horse transport at the regulatory level