EQUINE International Shipping (EIS) has flown some of Ireland’s most valuable sales and competition horses around the globe since 2005. I wanted to find out exactly what it takes to ship this precious cargo halfway around the world. EIS company owner, Andrea O’Brien, gives us a rare peek behind the scenes, as I trace every step of the journey from Dublin Port to LAX Airport.

Once a horse owner confirms a booking and before any horse leaves its yard, EIS completes regulation blood testing for Piroplasmosis, Dourine, Glanders and Coggins. Following negative blood results, horses travel to the EIS layover stable in Co Meath, where they are inspected by the Department of Agriculture and certified for travel to the United States of America via the European Union. EIS then complete the extensive documentation required for export of the animals.