Burke has been known as a visionary for taking IRT to new heights year-after-year. Being part of a company which values their people, he has relished challenges and with it has grown an exciting understanding of the transport of valuable Thoroughbreds around the world. Ten Furlongs talks to Chris Burke to understand better racehorse transport:
Q: When transporting a horse by air does the transporter have to take factors like horse training and preparation into account? If yes, what are the factors you would say are the most important while transporting a horse?
A: Yes we have to discuss with the trainers what their ideal program is for their horses, then we can work in vaccinations, quarantine and possible flight services that best match their preparation for elite performance.
Q: Does the horse get fed during a flight?
A: Depending on the length of the flight will determine the feed the horses receive, generally its just hay to reduce risk of problems like Colic.
Q: Who is responsible for food and water during a flight, especially long ones?
A: We have a professional staff that accompany the horses to make sure they are cared for along the way.
Q: Can air transport be stressful for a horse?
A: At times it can be, that why a companion horse and humans with they can help make the journey more comfortable.
Q: How many horses are usually transported on a single flight?
A: You can get as many as 87 horses on a 747 Freighter.
Q: What other equipment is fitted on a plane specially built for equine transport?
A: The main piece of equipment is the air-stable the horses travel in. See picture attached.
Q: What are your considerations when you select staff to travel with the horses?
A: Generally, they have been involved with horses from a young age and learn the skills of flying from more experienced staff who have worked for us for many years.
Q: Do any stable staff travel with the horses or is it only your staff?
A: It depends of the availability of seats on the aircraft and the airlines security requirements.
Q: What are the considerations for new owners to keep in mind when discussing transport with their trainers?
A: It is important not to change the horse’s normal routine too much. Too many changes can mean the horses is not settled before the journey even starts.
Q: How has technology affected and influenced your business?
A: With the volume of horses travelling around the world and all the testing and regulation to go with these movements, we have developed an in-house Flight Manager Software. It would be difficult to keep track of everything if we did not have the support of the software.
Q: What energises you and brings you excitement?
A: Continually striving to find betters ways to do what we do, so that the process of moving horses around the world is always getting better for horses, owners and trainers.
Q: What is a dream you have that you’ve yet to achieve?
A: Mastering a second language!
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
A: “Act in haste repent in leisure”. Its always important when things become difficult to pause, draw breathe and come up with the right solution
Published In Tenfurlongs Journey To The Dubai World Cup Vol - IV
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