1. Preparation is everything
An old German proverb says: Good preparation is half the battle!
It is important that the course of the upcoming trip is planned well in advance. Here it often offers itself to contact a transport company, which will organize and carry out the process or the trip itself.
For clubs and new horse owners it is very important to apply in advance for all important documents, send them to the transport company and keep others.
2. Thinking about blood and nasal tests early on
In order to import a horse into the People's Republic of China, it is mandatory that the horse passes several blood and nose tests.
If these tests are positive by the laboratory, this does not necessarily mean that the horse has a health restriction.
Nevertheless, the horse cannot enter China.
Therefore, you should have the tests done early, so that you can still make changes if necessary.
Tip: Many reputable horse sellers know about the blood and nose test for horses entering China. Therefore, they accept that the horse is bought under one condition: The horse is bought only if the tests are negative. If this is not the case, the horse can be returned.
Caution: This is only an offer of some sellers. It is not required by law!
3. Organize quarantine
It is very important that the quarantine is well organized in Europe as well as in China. Depending on the country or region from which the horse departs or lands, the provisions for external caretakers who can move or ride the horses are handled differently. If it is allowed that external riders or grooms come into the quarantine, this possibility should always be used. Not only the rider but also the horse benefits from a good and healthy training. Horses flying to China should possibly be moved or ridden daily until departure. This will train the horses' circulation and condition, which will make it easier for them to cope with the stresses and strains of the flight.
4. Get to know the habits of the horses
Like people, horses have preferences and habits. Some have a spot where they particularly like to be cuddled. Others like to eat muesli or mash. Still others like to eat a certain kind of fruit. It may sound strange at first glance, but it often helps to find out such information. This often makes it easier for the horses to settle into their new environment more quickly and to gain trust in their new surroundings.
5. Give the horses enough time to get used to the new environment
In my opinion, this is the most important point!!! Horses, like all humans, need time to get used to their new environment. It must not be forgotten that many horses could not be ridden or trained for several weeks now. Therefore, they cannot be expected to perform at a high level in a short period of time. In order to participate in a show or competition in a proper condition, the horse should be trained for at least 4 weeks now that it has arrived at the new stable/club.
Johanna's secret tip: Mash after a long journey
Who doesn't know it. The good old Mash! Especially after long trips, where my horses do not drink much, I prefer to provide my horses with mash in addition to their normal feed. For this I use about 200g of mash and mix it with Sufficient warm water. This way they absorb even more liquid, which is essential especially after long journeys!
