Shipping your horse - either by van or by air - is, risky though, an inevitable and routine part of owning a potentially winning stable. Not only do the racing meets move from track to track throughout the year (both in Northern and in Southern California), but as your horse rises or drops in class and ability, you may have good reason to ship to another track or state, even if only for a single race.

Though your trainer will have his or her own preference with regard to transport companies and will make the actual arrangements, itīs useful for the owner to have an overview of the process. There are financial choices worth looking into - and there are little-discussed downsides to be prepared for.