Transporting a Horse to New Zealand

[loziasa]

Hi all,

Just a quick one!

My mum may be getting a new job in the next few months in New Zealand, and is asking me to go with her. Thankfully, she doesn't expect me to leave my horse behind, however I have no idea how to go about arranging transport and/or what I might have to do to get her prepared.
Also, I know it is going to be pricey but does anyone have an idea how much it might cost for her to send her over? I am thinking £5000+ so I won't be surprised at the cost - I am trying to be realistic!
She is fully up to date with her vaccs and worming, and *touch wood* has never had any serious illnesses in the 8 years I have had her. She is a 15.3hh Irish Cob mare, who is 12 years old - some sites I have looked on have said that mares of breeding age need more tests.

I live very near Manchester Airport so that my be easier, however I am unsure whether I could transport her through there, and am wondering whether she might have to go to Heathrow instead.

Any info would be great

Many thanks,

Helene

 

[charlotte+jill!]

i dont know anything about tests/money wise but one thing i would say....

if anything happens during flight .... if she gets scared etc... she'll be put down. Is that a risk your willing to take??

Personally id not put any of my horses through that just for the sake of me moving country (but thats my preferance)

 

[AlexNI]

Oooh, blimey, big move! I did know someone who brought her horse over and it cost £7000 - ouch. Don't really know the details of it all though - sorry. Best bet would be to google horse air transporters I guess, phone and have a chat about it.

The big worry when transporting horses long distances is dehydration and respiratory problems. If they won't drink 'strange' water you can get them used to drinking water with apple juice before the trip. And hay should definately be soaked. But I'm sure the experts will take care of that anyway!

 

[loziasa]

thanks for the concern charlotte+jill but that isn't something I am worried about. I know it could happen but she has always been a quiet traveller all her life, and although air travel will be a new experience I wouldn't put her through it if I didn't think she would be ok. Thats the reason why I am posting a question on here is so I can find out all I can before deciding what to do

 

[trieste]

My friend had a heavy cob and emigrated to New Zealand with her mother, she decided to leave Jupiter behind as when she researched the area they were going to, she decided he wouldn't cope with the climate change. I don't know if this would apply to you and I know it would be heartbreaking to live your horse behind, as it was for my friend, but when she weighed up the climate change, risks in flying as C + J has stated and then the cost she couldn't take him, she thankfully found Jupiter a lovely home.

 

[scoob&lill]

didnt someone transport a horse over there beforeor maybe i'm dreaming!!Id be getting in touch with the international type of horse transporters they should be able to answer your questions hopefully!
good luck
x

 

[Soot]

I have no idea about the travelling procedures, etc, but I do know horses who have flown trans-Atlantic and they've always arrived safe and sound (albeit a bit worried!) ... We were based in France but the horses always went up to the Netherlands (by road) to go with a professional carrier from there (not sure if that was for price reasons or something else).

I would not leave my guys if I had to move so far - would be like asking me to leave my leg behind ... esp when he's so young ... so good luck!!

 

[Jumperbabe]

Cool big move!! Hmmm I think your guess of about £5000 would be pretty close. I'm no expert but I know several people who have imported horses from Europe to America and New Zealand to America and that is approx. what they paid.

It is VERY stressful on the horse, some of my friends horses were a little freaked when they arrived, but none of them were ever put down in the air. The initial climate change can be tough on horses. One horse that came from New Zealand to America kept growing his winter coat all summer something to consider!

 

[zippytys]

http://www.irt.com/homeeu.jsp?xcid=33 Have a look on this site. That's who I contacted about taking my horse to Australia. They quoted me £7,500. There is an online quote form that you can do. Pengapenga on here moved her horse to Australia with them and I've heard very good things about them.
All the info about quarantine, vaccinations and the actual shipment are on there too.

 

[notpoodle]

my friend flew her ponies to canada. apparently they travelled quiet as anything (she was allowed to travel with them), quieter than they would on a lorry, bizarrely.

Julia
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