Air Horse One, a specially equipped Boeing 727 operated by Sutton Forwarding Co., transports racehorses to major events across North America. The flights are easier on the horses than long road trips in a van, and tickets cost between $3,150 and $5,000 USD. Horses are loaded through a loading door in front of the wing and stand three abreast in padded stalls. If a horse needs to be flown internationally, it is shipped via FedEx.
Some of the best athletes in the world fly to major events across North America with one particular airline. But these aren’t football players headed to the Super Bowl, or big-name golf eyeing a green jacket at the Masters. It’s the thoroughbreds who make a mad dash to the finish line in prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby. These prized horses are almost always booked on “Air Horse One,” a specially equipped Boeing 727 that can carry up to 21 racehorses, jumpers, or dressage horses. Flights are much easier on the horses than long road trips in a van, and they typically arrive a few days before a race, ready to ride.
Running to catch a flight:
The aircraft is operated by Sutton Forwarding Co., which has been transporting horses for nearly 50 years. A ticket costs between $3,150 and $5,000 USD, depending on how many four-legged passengers are on board.
Horses are loaded through a loading door in front of the wing, and equine passengers stand three abreast in padded stalls. Hay and water are available and grooms are on board to keep the horses calm.
If a horse needs to be flown internationally, it is shipped via FedEx, which also carries large animals and marine life for zoos and marine parks. Some wealthy horse owners have their own planes.
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