Veterinary Care for Horse Transportation by Air

During air transport, horses undergo a great deal of stress as they adjust their physiology and behavior to cope with changes in temperature, humidity, environmental contaminants, unfamiliar co-travelers, and small, confined spaces. For example, the ascent, descent and turbulence encountered during air travel requires them to shift their weight to compensate. Also, disruption in feeding and drinking patterns can induce a high degree of stress on horses.

During transport, there are several measures that can be taken to minimize the impact of stress on the horse. These involve:

• Jet stalls. Partitions should be adjusted properly to ensure adequate space and ventilation.
• Grooms. The flight attendants on board should be well-trained, and able to keep the horses comfortable as well as able to handle medical emergencies.
• Sedation. Administering the sedatives early enough to take effect before loading can reduce stress.
• Dehydration. Water should be readily available and offered for adequate amounts of time.
• Medication. A properly outfitted medical kit should be available to handle any issues.
• Careful observation. Horses can only be accessed at the head during flight, so careful observation of respiration, pulse, etc. must be ongoing as indicators of horse well-being.