Guards Polo Club Official Yearbook 2017 Official Yearbook 2017 | Page 110

horse transport
idyllic scene, but stimulates physiological
function. Walking promotes circulation,
the grazing of high-fibre native pasture
allows for optimal digestive health, and
having their heads down allows the
respiratory tract to clear itself effectively.
Consequently, long haul air transport is
not without health implications, as both
mobility and lowering of the head are
restricted inside the air stable.
Chris Burke, Managing Director of
International Racehorse Transport,
specialists in equine air travel, is, not
surprisingly, hugely experienced in
flying horses around the world. From
his Melbourne Office, he explained the
care of ponies during flight to prevent
problems associated with long haul
travel. “Prior to flying, the horse’s feed
is gradually modified by reducing the
amount of grain until the diet is primarily
high-fibre roughage,” he explained. “This
prepares the horse for the on-board diet of
grass or meadow hay and helps to reduce
the chance of colic occurring. Exercise is
maintained as much as possible, whilst
remaining compliant with the quarantine
regulations of both the departure and
destination countries. Water intake is
closely monitored to ensure ponies are
well hydrated prior to take off. Fussy
drinkers are supplemented with electrolyte
pastes and tempted with molasses-
flavoured water.”
During the flights ponies are offered
hay and water at regular intervals. Whilst
owners are welcome to send their own
grooms on the flight, transport companies
have their own equine air stewards.
Chris explains that there is a fine line
between attending horses regularly, and
interrupting them too often so they don’t
settle down and rest. For this reason,
worrisome owners are encouraged