When moving horses across international borders, you're essentially responsible for protecting an entire nation's horse population from foreign disease. | Photo: Anne M. Ebehardt/The Horse

Governing officials are exploring ways to reduce hurdles for horses crossing country lines–but without compromising equine health

Horses on the move require a host of care considerations to keep them safe and healthy. You protect them with shipping boots and head bumper, along with current vaccinations and careful disinfection efforts. But when it comes to moving horses across international borders, the picture becomes a whole lot bigger than simply safeguarding your own horse. Suddenly the responsibility falls on you and your veterinarian to protect an entire nation’s horses, and heeding vaccine, blood test, health certificate, and quarantine requirements becomes very important. While these government requisites are necessary, veterinarians note they can pose significant obstacles for international trade or movement of high-level equestrian sport horses. With the help of major worldwide equine competition and health organizations, however, international equine movement might be on the brink of a major breakthrough.

Biosecurity & Regulatory Medicine

Biosecurity is all about ensuring traveling horses are free of disease and that their caretakers have taken all necessary measures to prevent disease spread.

Scott Leibsle, DVM, deputy state veterinarian of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, in Boise, says horses crossing international borders must be accompanied by a detailed passport, international health certificates, and test and vaccination records as required by the importing country. Passport and health certificates are the same no matter where horses travel, but the tests and vaccinations required can vary considerably depending on the destination