Horses2Fly provides international horse transport with precision and passion. The company, based in Jistrum, exports horses worldwide, where a personal approach is essential and both horses and clients can rely on careful guidance.

Alex Nijboer and Pascale Drijfhout run Horses2Fly together. Alex has extensive experience in the trade and export of livestock, while Pascale is a certified equine veterinarian. Speaking about how it all began, she explains: “On our premises in Jistrum, a stable became vacant when a calf trader stopped. I saw opportunities in export quarantine for horses. Alex suggested that we also offer transport.” This proved to be a great success. “Even before the stable was finished, we were fully booked. If a first transport goes well, clients will entrust you with the next one too. That loyalty helped us grow quickly.”

Quarantine
Horses2Fly has a team consisting of four office staff members, four caretakers, one permanent driver, and a regular group of grooms who accompany the horses during flights. The twenty-hectare facility offers space for approximately eighty horses, deliberately not fully occupied. “Horses are grouped, mainly based on their final destination when quarantine is required.” Quarantine requirements differ per country. Some countries do not require quarantine, while others require two to four weeks. For this reason, the company has spacious stables that always allow for social contact. Quarantine involves intensive inspections. “The NVWA checks whether the stables are clean and hygienic, and sometimes also inspects the horses themselves. Occasionally, a truck is even sealed.” In addition, Horses2Fly takes care of all documentation. “The regulations are complex, and the Netherlands applies strict requirements.”

Horses on the plane
Once everything is arranged, the horses are transported to the airport using the company’s own truck. Horses2Fly flies worldwide, with the exception of Australia and New Zealand. Most horses are transported to the United States, followed by Canada, Taiwan, Mexico, and Colombia. “Flights increasingly depart from Liège or Luxembourg, as there are fewer cargo flights from Schiphol.” During the flight, the horses are accompanied by one of the company’s own grooms. “They travel in groups of three in a container and generally remain calm. If a horse does become restless, we can intervene, but that rarely happens.” After arrival, quarantine may follow again, for which Horses2Fly also arranges onward transport and paperwork. “We remain involved until the final destination and keep clients continuously updated with photos and videos.”

KWPN horses highly valued internationally
Although Horses2Fly transports all breeds, in practice it often involves KWPN horses. “This studbook is highly regarded worldwide, both in sport and breeding.” Export therefore remains essential. “Without international demand, Dutch breeding would come under pressure.” Trade measures, such as higher import tariffs, mainly affect buyers. “When purchasing high-quality sport and breeding horses, the amounts quickly add up.”

Ready for the future
Horses2Fly continues to invest in quality. “We have built a new stable and an indoor facility for quarantine horses that are not allowed outside. We have also introduced a new truck in which horses can stand loose, fully lined with rubber for optimal protection.” Pascale enjoys the variety in her work. “No day is the same. Flights change, time zones play a role, and the horses receive 24/7 care.” Proper nutrition is essential. “During flights, horses sometimes lose weight, so we provide additional feed.” Her background as a veterinarian is a major advantage. “If a mare is not allowed to fly or a horse becomes ill, I can act immediately.” What makes her work so special? “For our clients, horses are family- whether it is a Grand Prix horse or a Shetland pony. That is exactly how we treat them. Horses are never just a number to us. We know them by name and truly build a bond with them.”

Source: Horses2fly
Photo: Horses2fly*