Pricing with Horseflight: Simple, Transparent, and Stress-Free

If there’s one question we hear more than any other at Horseflight, it’s this:

“How much does it cost?”

And honestly, we understand why. In equestrian sport, every dollar matters. Even in the so-called “sport of kings,” horse owners want to make smart, responsible financial decisions.

The challenge is that the horse industry has earned a reputation for hidden fees, vague estimates, and surprise expenses. That’s exactly what we’re working to change.

At Horseflight, our goal is simple:

Clear quotes. Transparent pricing. No surprises. 

We want you to understand exactly what you’re paying for before your horse ever steps on a plane.

How to Read a Horseflight Quote

Every shipment is a little different, but our quotes are structured to make the process easy to understand. Here’s how pricing works for international imports, exports, and domestic flights.

Quotes are always available in advance when requested! Do not hesitate to ask. 

International Import Quotes

International import quotes are divided into two sections: International charges and U.S. charges.

We work with trusted partner agencies in the country where your horse originates. This ensures the process runs smoothly with local agents getting everything needed done safely and quickly. Think of it as a pitcher and a catcher: we are on the same team but have different roles and locations. 

1. International Charges

International charges typically include everything up until landing in USA:

  • Airfreight
  • Vet and courier charges for blood
  • Lab charges at Bose for blood work
  • Transportation to the departure airport including Health Certificate

2. U.S. Charges

Once your horse lands in the United States, the U.S. portion of the quote includes:

  • Receiving charges
    • 3 day USDA quarantine
    • Trucking from aircraft to quarantine 
    • Airport handling 
    • All USDA veterinary oversight fees
    • Blood test and NVSL and courier 
  • USDA import permit
  • US Customs processing fee
  • Trucking from the airport to your stable (if requested)

Additional Charges for Stallions and Mares

Certain horses require additional testing and quarantine procedures, including:

  • CEM swabs and bloodwork
  • CEM STATE  import permit (currently only Florida)
  • CEM quarantine

What Is Not Included?

To keep things transparent, we also clearly list expenses that are not included in our standard quotes:

  • U.S. import tariffs (currently 10% for horses arriving from the EU)
  • Insurance — we can recommend agents if needed
  • Unforeseen costs, such as additional quarantine days if blood tests positive for foreign disease, veterinary treatment, illness, injury, or document discrepancies
  • Layover charges, if required
  • Horse equipment

Final Import Invoice

Normally a day before shipping (or the day of shipment), you’ll receive your final invoice. At that point, international charges are converted into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate provided by our bank.

International Export Quotes

Export quotes are structured similarly to import quotes as they are divided into two sections: U.S. charges and International charges

Same as above, we work with trusted partner agencies in the country where your horse is destined. This ensures the process runs smoothly with local agents getting everything needed done safely and quickly. Think of it as a pitcher and a catcher, we are on the same team but have different roles and locations. 

All export quotes are provided in U.S. dollars and include two shipping options:

  • ½ stall pricing
  • ⅓ stall pricing

What’s Included in Export Quotes?

Export pricing includes:

  • Airfreight
    • Professional groom(s)
    • Airport handling
    • 5-hour pre-export quarantine
    • USDA supervision charges
  • Health papers
  • Equipment charges

What’s Not Included?

Export quotes do not include:

  • Insurance — we can recommend agents if needed
  • Ground transportation — available for quote once stable addresses in each country are received
  • International destination charges – quote will be requested from a trusted partner agent in your country of destination once we have the final destination for your horse and confirmation for how he will be imported regarding customs options
  • Any unforeseen expenses such as veterinary treatment, illness, injury, or aircraft delays

Why Customs Status Matters

To finalize a complete export quote, we need to know how your horse is entering the destination country from a customs perspective.

We provide a guide explaining the differences between:

  • Carnets
  • Temporary imports
  • Permanent imports

Once you decide which option fits your needs, we can finalize all destination-related expenses. We are always available to discuss your horse’s plan to help you make the best decision. 

Final Export Invoice

Normally a day before shipping (or the day of shipment), you’ll receive your final invoice. At that point, international charges are converted into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate provided by our bank.

Domestic Flight Quotes

Domestic horse flights are simpler because pricing is based on our contracted rates with FedEx, currently the only airline operating domestic equine air transport in the U.S.

Quotes are based on how many horses share the jet stall:

  • 1 horse = full jet stall cost
  • 2 horses = half stall cost per horse
  • 3 horses = one-third stall cost per horse

So, if your horse shares a jet stall with horses from other clients, you only pay for your portion of the space.

What’s Included?

Domestic quotes include:

  • Airfreight
  • All fees for two professional grooms

What’s Not Included?

Domestic quotes do not include:

  • Ground transportation
  • Unforeseen expenses (injury, late cancellation or illness, aircraft delays) 

Final Invoices & Payment Options

Final invoices are sent through QuickBooks the day before or the day of your horse’s shipment. The invoice will include all agreed-upon charges and payment instructions.

We accept:

  • ACH/direct deposit via the QuickBooks “View & Pay” link (no fee)
  • Wire transfers
  • Credit cards (3.5% processing fee applies)

Why Transparency Matters to Us

Moving a horse internationally is a major investment, and it can feel overwhelming if pricing is unclear. Our job is not just to book flights, it’s to guide you through the entire process with honesty and clarity.

We often say:

“When you fly with Horseflight, you fly first class.”

And anyone who has flown first class knows the difference: you’re taken care of from the moment you book until the moment you land.

That’s the experience we aim to provide for both you and your horse.

Ready to Book Your Horse’s Flight?

If you’re ready to move your horse safely and confidently, we’re here to help.

Contact Horseflight

  • Phone: +1 (844) 832-5848
  • Email: team@horseflight.com

Have questions about a quote or a specific shipment? Reach out anytime. We’re always happy to walk you through the details.