Companion Animals

Horse Transport Welfare: Long-Distance Journeys

Long-distance horse transport presents significant welfare challenges including physical injury risk, dehydration, fatigue, and psychological stress.

Key Facts

EU regulations limit horse journey durations but long-distance export remains a significant welfare concern
Horses show elevated stress hormones, dehydration, and muscle fatigue after journeys exceeding 8 hours
Respiratory disease risk increases significantly on journeys over 24 hours due to head-down posture restriction
Regular access to water, appropriate rest periods, and low stocking density mitigate transport stress

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance horse transport causes measurable suffering that scales with journey duration. Shorter journey caps, mandatory rest and watering, and improved transport vehicle design are achievable welfare improvements that industry and regulators can implement.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for 8-hour maximum journey limits for horses in the EU
Advocate for unannounced inspections of horse transport vehicles at borders
Engage with research on evidence-based horse transport welfare standards