Horse Transportation & Pickup Policy
Effective Date: October 18, 2026
At The Golden Horse LLC, we understand that purchasing a horse often involves coordinating transportation, sometimes across state lines or internationally. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the horses in our care.
This policy outlines our general expectations regarding horse pickup, transportation, payment, and related arrangements.
Transportation Options
Buyers may arrange to pick up their horse personally, hire a professional equine transportation company, or inquire about transportation assistance through The Golden Horse.
We are happy to assist with coordinating transportation when possible. However, transportation availability is not guaranteed.
The Golden Horse may occasionally provide transportation directly on a case-by-case basis, depending on scheduling, distance, equipment availability, and other circumstances.
All transportation arrangements must be confirmed before the horse is released.
Transportation Costs
The buyer is responsible for all transportation costs unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
When The Golden Horse provides transportation directly, hauling fees are calculated based on loaded mileage. Rates are quoted individually and must be agreed upon before transportation is scheduled.
Additional expenses, if applicable, will be disclosed and agreed upon in advance.
When a third-party transporter is used, the buyer is responsible for arranging payment directly with the transporter unless otherwise agreed.
Transportation costs are separate from the horse’s purchase price unless specifically included in the written purchase agreement.
Payment Before Release
All horses must be paid for in full before they are released for pickup or transportation.
Payment may be completed before the scheduled pickup date or on the day of pickup, provided the payment has been received and cleared before the horse is loaded or released.
Horses will not be released until all required payments and purchase documentation have been completed.
Pickup Timeline
Buyers are expected to arrange pickup or transportation within seven (7) calendar days after both of the following conditions have been met:
- The horse’s purchase price has been paid in full and the payment has cleared.
- The horse purchase agreement has been signed by all required parties.
The seven-day pickup period begins on the date the second of these two conditions is satisfied.
We understand that coordinating transportation can sometimes take additional time, particularly for long-distance purchases.
Any requested extension must be discussed and approved by The Golden Horse in writing before the pickup deadline.
Delayed Pickup & Boarding Fees
If a horse is not picked up within the seven-day pickup period, a daily boarding fee of $30 per day will begin on the eighth calendar day, unless an alternative arrangement has been approved in writing.
Boarding fees are intended to cover the continued care, feeding, housing, and management of the horse while awaiting transportation.
Boarding fees will continue to accrue until the horse is picked up or another written arrangement is reached.
Any additional veterinary, farrier, or specialized care expenses incurred during an extended boarding period will be addressed according to the individual purchase agreement and applicable law.
All outstanding boarding charges must be paid before the horse is released, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Health Certificates & Travel Documentation
The Golden Horse will assist in arranging the necessary health certificates and travel documentation required for transportation.
The buyer is responsible for the costs of required veterinary examinations, health certificates, Coggins testing, and other necessary testing or documentation.
Requirements may vary depending on the horse’s destination, state regulations, international import requirements, and the transportation provider.
Buyers should communicate their intended destination and transportation plans as early as possible so the necessary documentation can be arranged.
Transportation may be delayed if required documentation has not been completed or if the horse is not legally eligible to travel.
Horse Health & Fitness for Travel
The safety and well-being of the horse are important throughout the transportation process.
If a horse becomes sick, injured, or otherwise unfit for transportation before pickup, the situation will be handled according to the terms of the individual horse purchase agreement.
Transportation may need to be postponed until the horse is medically fit to travel.
Any related expenses, changes to the sale, or alternative arrangements will be addressed according to the purchase agreement and applicable law.
Transfer of Responsibility
For horses picked up by the buyer or a third-party transporter acting on the buyer’s behalf, responsibility for transportation and the risk of accidental injury, illness, or loss during transit are intended to transfer to the buyer when the horse has been loaded onto the buyer’s or designated transporter’s trailer and accepted for transportation.
This provision does not release The Golden Horse from liability that cannot legally be excluded, including liability arising from its own actionable negligence or misconduct.
For horses transported directly by The Golden Horse, responsibility during transportation and the point of transfer will be established separately in the written purchase and transportation agreements.
The transfer of ownership, risk of loss, and other responsibilities will be governed by the signed purchase agreement and applicable law.
Third-Party Transportation
Buyers are welcome to hire a professional equine transportation company of their choosing.
The buyer is responsible for selecting a qualified transporter, confirming transportation arrangements, communicating pickup instructions, and paying all associated costs.
We encourage buyers to verify that their chosen transporter has appropriate experience, equipment, and insurance coverage.
If a transporter is delayed, cancels, or reschedules, the buyer is responsible for coordinating replacement arrangements and any associated costs.
The Golden Horse will make reasonable efforts to accommodate changes in pickup schedules when possible. Boarding fees may continue to apply during transportation delays.
Transportation Insurance
Buyers are encouraged to consider appropriate equine insurance coverage before their horse is transported.
Transportation can involve risks, including accidents, illness, injury, or other unexpected circumstances.
The Golden Horse does not automatically provide mortality, major medical, or transportation insurance for horses purchased by customers.
Buyers are responsible for arranging any desired insurance coverage unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Out-of-State & International Sales
The Golden Horse welcomes inquiries from buyers throughout the United States.
International horse sales may be considered by special arrangement.
International buyers are responsible for applicable transportation expenses, import requirements, customs fees, quarantine expenses, veterinary testing, and other costs associated with importing a horse into their country.
International transportation arrangements must be discussed and approved before a purchase is finalized.
The Golden Horse reserves the right to decline transportation arrangements that are impractical, unsafe, or cannot reasonably meet applicable requirements.
Local Pickup
Horses may be picked up by appointment at the location designated by The Golden Horse in Northern Utah.
Pickup appointments must be scheduled in advance to ensure the horse, necessary paperwork, and appropriate personnel are available.
Buyers and transporters should arrive with suitable equipment and a trailer appropriate for safely transporting the horse.
The Golden Horse reserves the right to postpone loading when an immediate safety concern exists.
Individual Horse Purchase Agreements
Every horse sold by The Golden Horse LLC requires a separate written purchase agreement.
The purchase agreement will address the specific terms of the transaction, including payment, ownership transfer, disclosures, risk of loss, transportation arrangements, and any other applicable conditions.
If a provision of this general transportation policy conflicts with a signed purchase agreement, the signed purchase agreement will control to the extent permitted by law.
Changes to This Policy
The Golden Horse LLC may update this policy as business practices, transportation options, or applicable requirements change.
The most current version will be available on our website.
Changes will not retroactively alter the terms of an existing signed purchase agreement unless the parties agree otherwise.
Contact Us
For questions about horse transportation, pickup arrangements, or related expenses, please contact:
The Golden Horse LLC
Northern Utah, United States
Email: the.goldenhorsemail@gmail.com
Website: theghorse.com
