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 Horse travel to Europe from the UK

Practical support with horse travel paperwork, customs guidance and international horse travel preparation throughout Europe.

Travelling horses between the UK and Europe involves detailed planning, paperwork and preparation.

Whether horses are travelling for competition, breeding, training, relocation, sales or temporary stays, international horse travel involves horse export paperwork, veterinary documentation, customs requirements and travel preparation.

RS Equine Partners supports horse owners, riders, breeders and equestrian professionals with international horse travel preparation, horse export paperwork and customs guidance for journeys throughout Europe.

We work alongside trusted transport providers and industry professionals to help make horse travel feel clearer, more organised and less stressful.

International horse travel support throughout Europe
Collage of international flags and scenery: French flag by the Seine River with Eiffel Tower, Spanish flag with mountainous landscape, German flag with countryside, Irish flag with coastal cliffs, Dutch flag with windmill, and a horse in a farm setting.

  • The paperwork requirements for travelling horses to mainland Europe are often very similar regardless of destination country.

    Whether horses are travelling to France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Ireland or the Netherlands, preparation involves:

    • Horse export paperwork

    • Health certification requirements

    • Customs preparation

    • ATA Carnets for temporary travel

    • Transit stabling on route to destination

    Requirements can vary depending on destination and purpose of travel, making early preparation important.

  • Many horses travel internationally for competitions, breeding, training, sales and temporary staysthroughout Europe.

    Below are some of the most common destinations for horses travelling from the UK.

    Travelling Horses To France

    France is often the first point of entry into mainland Europe and remains one of the most popular destinations for horse travel.

    Common crossing routes include:

    • Dover to Calais

    • Portsmouth to Caen

    • Eurotunnel

    France is also frequently used as a transit country for onward travel to Spain, Germany, Belgium and other European destinations.

    Travelling Horses To The Netherlands (Holland)

    The Netherlands is a major destination for competition horses, breeding stock and international equestrian travel.

    Many horses enter mainland Europe via:

    • Harwich to Hoek van Holland

    • Immingham to Hoek van Holland

    This route is also commonly used for onward travel to Germany and Belgium.

    Travelling Horses To Germany

    Germany remains one of Europe's leading destinations for equestrian sport and breeding.

    Many horses travelling to Germany enter Europe via:

    • Dover to Calais

    • Harwich to Hoek van Holland

    • Immingham to Hoek van Holland

    • Eurotunnel

    With onward travel through Belgium or the Netherlands depending on destination.

    Travelling Horses To Spain

    Spain continues to grow in popularity for competition, training and winter bases.

    Most horses travelling to Spain enter Europe through France before continuing south.

    Popular destinations include:

    • Andalucía

    • Vejer de la Frontera

    • Valencia

    • Barcelona

    • Madrid

A rider in formal equestrian attire riding a brown horse jumping over an obstacle at a European Equestrian Tour event, with flags of various countries flying in the background.

  • Many horses travel internationally throughout Europe for FEI competitions, showjumping, dressage, eventing, endurance, polo and breeding programmes.

    Horse export paperwork refers to the documentation that may be required when horses travel internationally.

    Requirements can vary depending on:

    • Destination country

    • Purpose of travel

    • Temporary or permanent export

    • Competition, breeding, training or sales activities

    • Current travel regulations

    Requirements can vary depending on destination and purpose of travel, making early preparation essential.

Planning International Horse Travel?

Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Get in touch

  • Testimonial

    Would like to say thank you for such a fantastic service nothing is too much trouble.

    Robin is always available night or day to help should you require it. Every trip this last year has been hassle free travelling either through Hoek Van Holland or Calais with our horses and the dog.

    Would highly recommend Robin for any horse related travel documents for EU or further.

    We wish you luck Robin in your business and look forward to many more years travelling through you.