Shipping a Horse from the UK to the USA: What Really Happens
Step by step, from export vetting in Kent to your horse walking off the plane in the United States. No surprises, no unknowns.
Understanding the Process Before It Begins
Shipping a horse across the Atlantic is one of the most significant logistical undertakings in the equestrian world. For American buyers purchasing from the United Kingdom, it involves a carefully choreographed sequence of veterinary examinations, government certifications, quarantine periods, international flights, and customs clearances — all of which must happen in the correct order, within specific timeframes.
The good news is that horses travel between the UK and the USA regularly, and the process, while complex, is well established. The key is understanding what happens at each stage so that nothing catches you off guard.
This guide walks you through the entire journey, from the moment a sale is agreed to the moment your horse walks into its new American barn.
Pre-Export Veterinary Requirements
Before a horse can leave the United Kingdom, it must undergo a series of veterinary tests and examinations mandated by both UK and US authorities.
Blood Tests and Health Screening
The horse must be tested for a range of infectious diseases, including:
- Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) — commonly known as the Coggins test, this is a mandatory requirement for entry into the United States
- Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) — a blood test or vaccination history must demonstrate the horse is not a carrier
- Dourine and Glanders — blood tests for these diseases are required as part of the export health certificate
- Equine Piroplasmosis — this is a critical test for US entry, as the USDA takes piroplasmosis extremely seriously. A positive result can prevent import entirely.
These tests must be conducted within specific timeframes prior to export — typically within 30 days of departure, though some tests have shorter windows. The timing is critical, and any delay can invalidate results and require retesting.
The Export Health Certificate
Once all tests are clear, the horse is examined by a government-approved veterinarian who issues an Export Health Certificate (EHC). This document certifies that the horse is healthy, free from notifiable diseases, and meets all requirements for entry into the United States.
The EHC must be endorsed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK, adding an additional layer of official verification.
USDA and APHIS Import Regulations
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), sets the regulations for importing horses into the country.
Import Permit
An import permit must be obtained from APHIS before the horse departs the UK. This permit specifies the port of entry, the quarantine facility, and the conditions under which the horse is authorized to enter the United States.
Approved Ports of Entry
Horses entering the United States from the UK must arrive at an approved port of entry with a USDA-approved quarantine facility. The primary ports for equine imports are:
- New York (JFK) — the most common entry point for horses arriving from Europe
- Miami — an alternative for buyers based in the southeastern United States
- Los Angeles — available for West Coast destinations, though less commonly used for UK shipments
Documentation Requirements
The USDA requires a comprehensive set of documents to accompany the horse:
- Original Export Health Certificate
- Laboratory test results for all required diseases
- Import permit
- Microchip identification records
- Any relevant vaccination certificates
All documentation must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
Quarantine Protocols
Quarantine is a mandatory component of the importation process, and it occurs at both ends of the journey.
Pre-Export Quarantine in the UK
Before departure, the horse must enter pre-export isolation (PEI) at an approved facility in the UK. During this period — typically 14 to 21 days — the horse is housed in a controlled environment, separated from other horses, and monitored by veterinary staff.
During PEI, the required blood tests are conducted, and the horse's health is closely observed. Any sign of illness during this period can delay or cancel the shipment.
Post-Arrival Quarantine in the USA
Upon arrival in the United States, the horse enters a USDA-approved quarantine facility at the port of entry. The quarantine period is typically three to five days, during which the horse is examined by a USDA veterinarian, and additional testing may be conducted.
During quarantine, the horse is housed in a secure facility with appropriate care, but visitors are generally not permitted. The quarantine period ends when the USDA veterinarian is satisfied that the horse meets all health requirements for release.
Choosing a Specialist Equine Shipping Company
The logistics of international horse transport are too complex and too critical to leave to a general freight company. Specialist equine shipping companies handle every aspect of the journey, from stable door to stable door.
What a Good Shipping Company Provides
- Door-to-door coordination — collecting the horse from the UK yard, managing quarantine, arranging the flight, handling customs clearance, and delivering the horse to its final destination in the USA
- Experienced grooms — qualified handlers who travel with the horse throughout the journey, monitoring its welfare and providing care during the flight
- Climate-controlled transport — specialist horse trucks and aircraft stalls designed for equine comfort and safety
- Insurance coordination — helping arrange appropriate transit insurance to protect against loss or injury during transport
- Customs brokerage — handling all import documentation and customs clearance procedures
How to Choose
Look for companies with:
- A proven track record of UK-to-USA shipments
- References from previous clients
- USDA-approved facilities and processes
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Clear communication throughout the process
Harriet works with established specialist shippers she has used repeatedly, ensuring a consistent standard of care for every horse that leaves her yard.
Flight Routes and Durations
Horses traveling from the UK to the USA typically fly from a major UK airport — usually Stansted or a cargo hub near London — to the port of entry in the United States.
The Flight Experience
Horses travel in specially designed air stalls that accommodate two or three horses side by side. The stalls are secured in the cargo hold of a wide-body aircraft, which is pressurised and temperature-controlled.
The flight from the UK to the eastern United States takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on the route and weather conditions. During the flight, experienced grooms travel with the horses, offering water, hay, and reassurance throughout the journey.
Most horses travel surprisingly well. The motion of the aircraft is smoother than a road journey, and the white noise of the engines often has a calming effect. Horses that are well-prepared for travel — fit, healthy, and accustomed to loading and confinement — typically arrive in good condition.
What Happens at the US Quarantine Facility
Upon landing, the horses are unloaded and transported directly to the quarantine facility at the port of entry.
The Quarantine Routine
- Day 1: Arrival and initial veterinary examination. The horse is settled into its quarantine stall with hay, water, and bedding.
- Days 2-3: Monitoring and any additional testing required by the USDA veterinarian.
- Day 3-5: Final examination and clearance. Once cleared, the horse is released for domestic transport.
Conditions in Quarantine
USDA quarantine facilities are purpose-built for equine use. Horses are housed individually in clean, well-ventilated stalls with appropriate feed and water. Veterinary staff are on-site, and the horses' welfare is closely monitored throughout their stay.
Cost Breakdown and Typical Timelines
International horse transport is a significant expense, and it is important to budget accurately.
Typical Costs (UK to USA)
| Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Pre-export quarantine and veterinary testing | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Export documentation and APHA endorsement | $500 – $800 |
| International flight (UK to East Coast USA) | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| US quarantine (3-5 days) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Customs clearance and USDA fees | $500 – $1,000 |
| Domestic transport (quarantine to final destination) | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Transit insurance | $500 – $1,500 |
| Total estimated range | $14,000 – $25,300 |
These figures are indicative and vary based on the specific route, time of year, and individual circumstances. West Coast destinations will typically be at the higher end due to additional domestic transport.
Typical Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sale agreed to PEI entry | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Pre-export isolation | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Flight booking and scheduling | Coordinated during PEI |
| Flight | 1 day |
| US quarantine | 3 – 5 days |
| Domestic transport to final destination | 1 – 3 days |
| Total from sale to delivery | 4 – 7 weeks |
How Harriet Manages the Entire Process
One of the most significant advantages of buying from Horses Smith is that Harriet manages the shipping process from start to finish. She has done this many times, with the same trusted partners, and knows exactly what is required at every stage.
From the moment you agree to purchase a horse, Harriet:
- Coordinates with her veterinarian to schedule all required testing
- Arranges pre-export quarantine at an approved facility
- Works with her preferred shipping company to book the flight and ground transport
- Ensures all documentation is completed accurately and on time
- Keeps you informed at every stage with regular updates
- Liaises with the quarantine facility in the USA to ensure smooth processing
- Arranges domestic transport from the quarantine facility to your barn
You do not need to become an expert in international equine logistics. That is Harriet's job, and she does it with the same care and attention she applies to selecting and preparing the horses themselves.
Planning to import a showjumping horse from Europe? See how Horses Smith makes the process seamless for American buyers.