Buying and transporting a sport horse in the heat: the heat protocol and transport rules (2026)

You have finally found the right sport horse, but it is the height of summer and the thermometer is creeping towards 30 degrees. Transporting a horse in the heat then calls for preparation: warmth is far more taxing for a horse in an enclosed trailer than it is for you in the car. In this guide you will find the official temperature limits from the Dutch heat protocol, a practical checklist for buyers and sellers alike, and concrete tips for bringing your new sport horse home safely.

Why heat is especially dangerous during transport

A horse generates body heat continuously while loading, waiting and travelling. In a stationary or slow-moving trailer the temperature climbs quickly and there is barely any airflow. On top of this, a horse loses a great deal of fluid and minerals through sweat.

The risk is greatest when stationary: a traffic jam, a queue at an inspection, or a loading problem on a hot car park. It is precisely at these moments that ventilation drops while the heat lingers.

Rule of thumb: in warm weather, always plan transport for the early morning or late evening, and never at the hottest part of the day.

The heat protocol: these are the official temperature limits

In the Netherlands, clear limits apply under the Protocol for extreme weather conditions for horses issued by the Sectorraad Paarden (version of 22 June 2022), which is enforced by the NVWA. In brief:

These limits refer to the ambient temperature. Bear in mind that inside a trailer it is soon a few degrees warmer than outside.

Checklist: buying and collecting a sport horse in summer

Have you bought a horse and need to collect it yourself? Work through these points before you set off.

• Plan around the time of day, not the day itself. Set off early in the morning or in the evening and check the weather forecast for both the departure and arrival locations.
• Calculate the journey time honestly. Stay comfortably under 8 hours where possible and allow for traffic jams; above 30 °C, longer transport is not permitted.
• Provide ventilation. Open the trailer's air vents and always park in the shade during breaks.
• Take water with you. Give the horse the chance to drink before departure and offer water at every stop along the way.
• Avoid rugs. A sweat or fly rug traps heat; in the heat, leave the horse as unencumbered as possible.
• Sort the paperwork in advance. A correct passport and (for longer or cross-border transport) the right transport documents prevent delays on a hot car park.

For sellers: how to deliver a horse safely and properly

If you are selling a sport horse yourself, a sound transport arrangement makes the difference between a satisfied buyer and a stressful delivery.

• Agree a realistic collection time with the buyer outside the hottest hours.
• Let the horse drink well before departure and make sure it can stand out of direct sunlight while loading.
• Be honest about how the horse responds to loading and travel; this prevents panic en route.
• For a buyer based far away: consider a professional horse transporter with a climate-controlled lorry.

Riding and viewing in the heat

The weather counts during a trial ride or inspection too. The KNHS advises riding in warm spells either early in the morning or late in the evening, when it is cooler. In addition:

• A horse's water requirement can double on a warm day. If the horse drinks poorly, a splash of apple juice in the water can help.
• Hose down an overheated horse straight away with cool water; this cools it faster than a rug or cooler, which you are better off leaving off altogether.
• Through sweating, a horse loses sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. A salt lick or electrolytes replenish these.
• Heat stress arises not only during work, but also when a horse stands in the summer field without shade.

Recognising the signs of heat stress

Watch for these signs during and after transport. If in doubt, always call in a vet.

• Heavy or rapid breathing that does not settle
• Lethargy, dullness or, conversely, restlessness
• Excessive sweating or noticeably dry, warm skin
• Refusing to drink or eat

This is general information and not veterinary advice; where there is any doubt about a horse's health, a vet is always the deciding authority.

Frequently asked questions

Can you transport a horse at 30 degrees?

Yes, short transport is allowed, but from 30 °C, transport lasting longer than 8 hours is not permitted, except in a fully climate-controlled vehicle. Plan the journey to be as short and as early or late as possible.

At what temperature can you no longer transport a horse?

Above 35 °C, transporting horses is not permitted at all under the heat protocol. The sole exception is a sick or injured horse that must be taken to a clinic, under strict temperature monitoring.

Can you ride a horse at 30 degrees?

Riding is possible, but keep it gentle and preferably early in the morning or late in the evening. Make sure there is plenty of water, hose the horse down afterwards and keep a close eye on signs of fatigue.

How do you keep a horse cool during transport?

Provide maximum ventilation, park in the shade during breaks, offer water regularly and leave rugs off. Travel outside the hottest hours and plan extra short stops.

Finding your next sport horse safely

Whether you are looking for a talented showjumper in summer or want to sell your own dressage horse: good preparation for transport is part of a responsible purchase. If you would like to know more about the whole process, read our beginner's guide to buying a horse and what does a horse cost too.

Ready for the next step? Browse the current selection of sport horses for sale or place an advert yourself and reach serious buyers.