International Horse Transport from the USA to Asia-Pacific, the Gulf and Europe

A single horse typically runs $20,000 to $30,000 — air freight, pre-export isolation, testing, USDA fees and a groom travelling with the horse, with ground transport to quarantine billed separately on top. Horses shipped as a group cost materially less per head than one travelling alone. See our full horse shipping cost calculator for the complete breakdown by species and group size, or send us the details and we'll put a written figure to your specific move.

The pre-export isolation period is set by the destination country's import protocol, not by us, and varies from a few days to several weeks depending on the country and the species. We tell you the actual figure for your destination in your quote.

Less than most owners expect, when it is done properly. Horses generally travel well in air stables — the stressful parts are loading and unloading, which is exactly why we brief handling crews and send grooms with the animals rather than trusting the process to whoever is on shift.

Neither, in the way most people picture it. Horses travel on the main deck of a freighter or a combi aircraft, in air stables built for the shipment — not in a pressurised hold stacked with luggage. The main deck is climate-controlled, and a groom is aboard for the entire flight, keeping forage available and watching for any sign of stress.

The flight is the smallest part of it. We start with pre-export isolation at a USDA-approved facility, where a USDA-accredited veterinarian runs the destination country's test panel. Once results clear and USDA APHIS endorses the International Health Certificate, the horse flies in an air stable on the main deck, with a groom travelling alongside. On arrival, our people handle the offload and coordinate with the receiving agent — see How Animal Export Works for the full step-by-step.

Shipping fever is the term for a respiratory illness that can follow prolonged transport — generally linked to a horse's head being held in one position for extended periods, dehydration and the general stress of a long journey suppressing the horse's normal ability to clear its airway. It's a documented risk on long ground hauls in particular. On our flights, grooms keep forage and water available throughout and are aboard the entire flight watching specifically for early signs of respiratory distress or stress. If a horse has a health history that concerns you, raise it during the pre-export veterinary exam — that's exactly what it's there to catch.

Yes. We arrange pickup from the origin barn, transport to a USDA-approved pre-export isolation facility, and onward to the airport in our own vans and trailers. At the destination our grooms handle the offload and assist with loading into trailers.

Yes, including purchasing assistance at major Thoroughbred sales. If you have bought a horse and need it moved, or you need someone at the sale on your behalf, both are within what we do.