How to FedEx a Horse

Many horses will travel to London this summer to participate in the Olympics. But owners can't just book extra seats on commercial airliners. So when horse owners need to move their steeds over great distances, they turn to Tim Dutta, the owner of a company that specializes in that complex task. When Dutta flies a horse, he does so in a purpose-built stall that fits inside a cargo plane. This year, he's using Federal Express MD-11 jets:

"The horses are flown in jet stalls, which are proprietary stalls," Dutta says. "All of the horses that will be going to the Games will be flying two in a pallet, meaning they'll be sharing the container with another horse."

That gives them more space, he says — the pallets can accommodate as many as three horses. As for an inflight beverage and snack service, the horses will get hay, along with apple juice mixed with water. They'll also get Gatorade, to help them stay hydrated, Dutta says, "and of course, carrots."

His staff will use what Dutta calls "mood lighting" — dimming the lights to keep the horses serene. And if one does start to fret, "we'll have a groom stand with them and talk," Dutta says.

Link -via Marginal Revolution | Photo: Flickr user Alaskan Dude