Throughout much of history, the horse has been used to carry people great distances and was a dependable, relatively swift source of transport. Into the modern era, the horse racing industry has evolved into a vast national and international business, and transporting roles have been reversed. Getting horses to and from the races, stud farms or sales has become a specialized undertaking for dedicated personnel representing road transportation companies or charter flight operators.
The global nature of racing sees thoroughbreds sent to all corners of the world for breeding, racing or commercial purposes. Export and quarantine regulations make it a complex logistical undertaking to send horses out of South Africa so only a select few undertake that costly mission. There is however, a steady inbound flow of horses purchased overseas, who are regularly being flown into this country. Once here, they join an increasingly mobile horse population that is trucked around depending on where their owners need them to be.
Peter Choice is the founder of Choice Carriers, a horse transportation company used by equestrians, the racing and breeding fraternity or even the military. He grew up working with stock horses in Australia, spending time as a veterinary pathologist, qualifying as a farrier, and training racehorses part-time. That training gig yielded a Grade 1 winner when Les’ Choice clinched the Doomben Cup in 1986 on his way to winning 16 of 26 career starts, to provide the highlight of Choice’s training spell.
A polo-crosse player in Australia, he strayed over to South Africa in 1993 to compete in a Test series, before moving here permanently to coach the game. He started out in thoroughbred road transportation in 1996 with a five berth truck, gradually increasing his fleet as warranted by growing demand. Nowadays, he has eight trucks and 11 trailers, together with smaller raiders and three berth horse-boxes to move horses safely around the country between bases in Mooi River (KZN) and Cape Town.
Choice states that one of the toughest parts of this job, apart from the heavy overheads and operating costs, is finding qualified drivers who understand horses. “It is not enough for competent drivers with Code 14 licenses to do this job – they also have to be able to work well with horses, and that is a rare combination.”
As part of Choice’s contract with the operators, his company transports horses from stables in Milnerton and Philippi to the tracks run by Kenilworth Racing. “We are very proud that in five years of getting horses to and from the races, there has not been a single bad incident.” His admin staff, including super- efficient wife Karen, sort out bureaucratic necessities for this nation-wide business – all horses must have valid passports and meet quarantine or vaccination criteria when changing locales.
Just as people typically find long-haul travel quite stressful, horses can experience arduous journeys too. The same troublesome respiratory infections, dehydration and lack of sleep that make us irritable and out of sorts, are also common issues for horses, whether in the air or on road trips.
The welfare of the horse is paramount so reputable transport companies will go to great lengths to make their precious cargo feel at ease and keep twitchy owners satisfied. Accompanying handlers strive to make things as comfortable as possible, ensuring their charges eat and drink properly whilst constantly checking vital signs for anything untoward.
For example, Oz heroine Black Caviar who went through her 25 start career undefeated, wore a special body compression suit to promote blood flow and assist with water retention when she took the 30 hour plane journey from Australia to Britain. Scared when lifted onto the plane, and unsettled by the sound of engines at take-off it was a freaky travelling experience which took a lot out of the filly. Yet, she was still good enough to get the job done at Royal Ascot, despite tearing muscles during the race, which cemented her reputation as an adaptable champion.
New Turf Carriers are another major player in the South African thoroughbred road transport scene. Set up by Mark and Dorrie Sham in 1995 and now run by their sons Michael, Mathew and Marcus, the family business comprises eight trucks capable of carrying loads from six to 16 horses. They also have the horses’ best interests at heart – providing extra space for mares and foals during tiring road journeys. New Turf Carriers have a midway stop at Colesberg in the Karoo, with stabling for 60 horses’ right next to the resident local vet who assists when needed.
“This is probably the hardest work in the industry, for the least amount of recognition.” Michael Sham said ruefully. Top trainers Mike de Kock, Sean Tarry, Justin Snaith, Geoff Woodruff and Michael Azzie entrust New Turf Carriers to carry their valuable stock. “90% of our work is with racehorses, so as long as we‘re keeping busy transporting them around, we’re happy!” Sham said
Despite experienced staff following strict safety routines when using a modern fleet of vehicles, handling flesh and blood creatures is fraught with problems. Loading and unloading, albeit on non-slip ramps, is always tricky, whilst some horses find vibration and noise especially irritating during the journey. Trying to maintain balance when travelling, puts strain on the muscles. Dealing with temperature changes, together with exposure to germs, dust and different types of bedding can also be unsettling. After 24 hours on the road, horses may lose around 6% of body weight and cortisol levels (a sign of stress) usually spike, only dropping when the journey is over.
Tragic accidents happen – mercifully very rarely. Other reckless road-users are the main hazard, but high winds or swerving to avoid a kudu at night can topple a long- range rig costing R2.5 million, with dreadful consequences to the often more valuable horses and travelling grooms. The fact that accidents are freak occurrences, with each year thousands of thoroughbreds being safely despatched around this country and overseas is testimony to these hardy professionals who do their job with rare commitment and fine horsemanship.
People in this segment of the racing industry are totally dedicated horse-lovers far removed from the limelight. Criticized when things go awry, but seldom acknowledged publically for their sterling efforts, they toil long hours and take on huge responsibility providing a routine, but vital, service. They are unsung heroes in racing.