Frequently Asked Questions

Is my horse insured during transit?

Unless otherwise informed we assume that all horses that we carry are fully insured by our clients and all horses are handled at the owners risk as per our terms and conditions. We do offer insurance for All Risks Mortality for horses in transit or quarantine with 30 days included prior or post departure. Insurance is at competitive rates and offered through our Insurance partners and underwritten at Lloyds.

Can I fly with my horse?

Due to the current aviation security requirements, it is very rare that an owner can travel with their own horse. We provide professional flying grooms who are all fully security cleared on the various carriers that we use. There may be the opportunity for a client or groom to fly with their horse alongside one of our professional grooms on specific flights to competitions or races abroad. In these cases, we arrange all the necessary clearances, VISAs and documentation well in advance.

Am I allowed to bring my own horse to the airport?

Yes. We don't discourage owners from bringing their own horses to the airport to watch them being loaded and chat to our staff. Usually, of course, we arrange for your horse to be collected directly from you but for owners who would like to feel more involved, then coming to the airport is fine. LG will provide you with all necessary directions, timings and contacts.

My horse is quite old - is there any age limit up to which he or she can fly?

There is no set age limit up to which your horse can fly. Each horse is treated as an individual and we will go through his or her general health with you and your veterinary surgeon to establish whether he or she is fit to fly.

My mare is in foal. What are the date limits up to which she can fly?

There are potential risks of travelling a mare over 300 days in foal other than over short distances. The Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines recommend that pregnant mares should not be transported after 300 days from the date of last service. If clients do wish to go ahead beyond this date, we would advise that there is a chance of the vet not passing the mare as fit to travel if she is showing signs of being close to foaling.

Should my horse wear shoes during the journey?

As a general rule, it is safer for your horse and its handlers to have the hind shoes removed for shipping.

Are you able to provide tack for my horse to travel in during the journey?

Yes, we can provide a leather headcollar, brass nameplate, ropes, leg wraps and rugs if they are required. We always prefer the use of leather headcollars (not nylon) for safety and provide boots (NOT bandages) for travel if required.

I am sending my horse to the United Arab Emirates.The flu vaccination requirements are very confusing - please could you explain these?

All horses travelling to Dubai (in addition to the mandatory blood tests) should have received a primary course of flu vaccinations 21-42 days apart and yearly boosters thereafter. The horse will require a booster vaccination to a previously certified course within 60 days of departure but NOT within 14 days of departure. However, many horses will have been given vaccinations as per FEI / Jockey Club guidelines of 21-92 days apart. Unfortunately this does not comply with UAE requirements and the primary course must be started again, within 60 days of departure and not within 14 days of departure. If you are thinking of travelling your horse to the UAE and it does not meet the vaccination reuqirements, it is worth contacting your vet and restarting your vaccination course now.

What is the difference between a single or double stall on an aircraft and how do I know what my horse will need?

Horses are usually flowing in "jet stalls" or "airstables" with three horses per airstable. Three horses in an airstable are based on the horse being of a normal size and with no previous history of being a bad traveller. If your horse is a larger, warmblood type or a mare in foal or has had a previous history of travelling badly then he or she may well need to travel in a double stall i.e. 2 horses to a pallet. The best option is for you to discuss your horse with us as to the safest means of travel on the aircraft.