Traveling halfway around the world takes a bit of time. For me, around 21 hours including all the airport security, switching planes, baggage, etc.
For Dixie, there are some other factors to consider. Mostly the stress of such a long trip. The longest haul Dixie has done was about 8 hours from Northern California to Southern California in 2012. For this trip, we needed to be strategic about each stop to ensure she had the smoothest transport possible.
Her trip began July 13th from Napa, CA where she went to LAX (about 8 hours in a trailer). She then caught a direct flight to Amsterdam July 14th and arrived July 15th. I have been told horses don't even know they are flying (how would they??) since the stalls are spacious and hay and water are supplied. Still, I am sure they know something is going on. For this reason, using some type of ulcer medication was recommended. I was able to have a friend fly as her groom and keep me updated with pictures.
After customs, she got a ride to Belgium (3 hours) to a relatives home (thanks Isabel!) where she could spend a few weeks on a grass pasture resting. Now the final stretch is approaching us. She left Belgium July 15 taking an air conditioned trailer to the South of Spain. It is a 2 day drive but they had to make stops in France for some other horses so arriving July 18th. She will then rest another 2 weeks at a stable while she waits for the last (and hardest) leg of the trip... the boat! The soonest we could get her on the boat will be September 3rd and she will arrive September 6th. From there, less than an hour to get to the final barn she will be calling home.
What a haul! I am wondering if she will be happy to see me. I will let you know if she turns her tail up or gives me a big kiss like a golden retriever!
Here she is after arriving in Amsterdam
Her trip began July 13th from Napa, CA where she went to LAX (about 8 hours in a trailer). She then caught a direct flight to Amsterdam July 14th and arrived July 15th. I have been told horses don't even know they are flying (how would they??) since the stalls are spacious and hay and water are supplied. Still, I am sure they know something is going on. For this reason, using some type of ulcer medication was recommended. I was able to have a friend fly as her groom and keep me updated with pictures.
After customs, she got a ride to Belgium (3 hours) to a relatives home (thanks Isabel!) where she could spend a few weeks on a grass pasture resting. Now the final stretch is approaching us. She left Belgium July 15 taking an air conditioned trailer to the South of Spain. It is a 2 day drive but they had to make stops in France for some other horses so arriving July 18th. She will then rest another 2 weeks at a stable while she waits for the last (and hardest) leg of the trip... the boat! The soonest we could get her on the boat will be September 3rd and she will arrive September 6th. From there, less than an hour to get to the final barn she will be calling home.
What a haul! I am wondering if she will be happy to see me. I will let you know if she turns her tail up or gives me a big kiss like a golden retriever!
Here she is after arriving in Amsterdam
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