Equitrans transports horses for the Longines League Abu Dhabi

International charter flights and coordinated regional road movements are forming the backbone of the complex logistics operation supporting the Abu Dhabi leg of the Longines League of Nations™, taking place from 11–15 February at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, in conjunction with The Emirates Jumping Cup.

Equitrans Logistics is managing the end-to-end movement of competition horses arriving from Europe and across the UAE, delivering a time-critical, welfare-focused transport programme for what is considered the country’s richest and most prestigious show jumping event.

In the lead-up to the competition, Equitrans coordinated the arrival of 55 international competition horses via two long-haul charter flights into the UAE, ensuring seamless stable-to-stable transport for the ten qualified national teams representing Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA. The UAE will also compete as host nation in the team competition on 13 February.

The two charter flights arrived at Dubai World Central (DWC) on 7 and 8 February, operating from Amsterdam into the UAE using Boeing 777 freighters configured for equine transport. Each flight required precise coordination between airport authorities, veterinary officials, grooms, airline crews and ground handling teams to ensure smooth, low-stress transfers for the horses.

Of the 44 riders slated to compete in Abu Dhabi, eight riders have horses permanently stabled in the UAE, while the remaining competitors are transporting their horses under temporary import permits. In addition, two riders will remain in the UAE following the competition to participate in the upcoming CSI5* event at the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, extending the logistical timeline beyond the Abu Dhabi leg.

Beyond international air movements, Equitrans is also managing significant regional road transport, including the movement of 35 horses from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi to support the additional international classes running alongside the main Longines League of Nations programme. These road transfers require specialised equine vehicles, climate control, biosecurity checks, and staggered scheduling to ensure horse welfare and regulatory compliance.

Following the conclusion of the competition, Equitrans will oversee coordinated departures on 16 February, including two Boeing 777 charter flights returning horses from the UAE back to Europe, completing a tightly sequenced international transport cycle within less than ten days.

This year marks the third consecutive year that Equitrans Logistics has been entrusted by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation to manage horse transport for the Abu Dhabi leg of the League, reflecting the company’s growing role in delivering complex, time-critical logistics for elite equestrian sport.

David Robson, Managing Director, and Ryan Azzie, Operations Manager at Equitrans Logistics, said, “Events of this scale demand meticulous planning and absolute precision. From coordinating the charter flights to managing the road transport, our focus is always on efficiency, welfare, and reliability. Supporting the Longines League of Nations™ in Abu Dhabi is a responsibility we take extremely seriously.”

Mohammed Al Nakhi, Showjumping Committee Manager of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, added, “The movement of horses for an event of this scale requires a company with experience and consistency at the highest level. We’re delighted to partner with Equitrans once again.”

With extensive experience supporting top-level riders, valuable competition horses and major championships across multiple equestrian disciplines, Equitrans continues to position itself as a trusted logistics partner for the global sport, delivering seamless, professional solutions where precision and animal welfare are non-negotiable.