Moving to Aiken With Horses: How to Ship Them Cross-Country

When my family decided to move from California to Aiken, the house was the easy part. The hard part was getting our three horses across the country safely. We fell in love with Aiken the moment we visited, and then I spent weeks figuring out how to get them here. This is what I learned, along with the official requirements you’ll need for South Carolina.

Our story: How we moved our horses to Aiken

I’ve ridden since I was three, and I focus on dressage. I show my Grand Prix horse, Navarro, so I was not willing to cut corners on how he and our other two horses traveled. We chose to fly them.

When my family moved to Aiken last year, Navarro, Duke and our mini, Little Diddy, made the trip by air. They were loaded at Ontario airport in California and flew to Charleston, South Carolina. We picked them up there in our horse trailer for the drive home to Aiken.

The FedEx air stall Shelby Stanfill's horses traveled in, waiting on the tarmac at night — Their flying stall, ready to load

Crew loading the horses' air stall onto a FedEx cargo plane at night — Loading onto the plane at night

They handled it like pros. It was nighttime when we arrived, so we had every light on so they could see their new home. Today they live right here with me, I can check on them any time of day, and they’re happily spoiled with carrots and apples.

Little Diddy, Shelby Stanfill's white miniature horse, with a windblown mane — Our mini, Little Diddy

My number one tip: if you can, fly your horses. I know it’s costly, but it’s so worth it. Getting them to their new home quickly is much easier on their health than a long haul across the country, which is brutal.

I’m so happy and grateful that I get to have my horses with me at home.

Every move is different. Flying isn’t right for every horse or budget, and plenty of horses make the trip by road with an experienced shipper. Here is how I’d think through the decision.

Flying vs. shipping by road

Flying shortens the travel time. It usually costs more.
Road shipping with a professional commercial hauler is more common for cross-country moves. Ask about rest stops, overnight layovers, box stalls versus straight stalls, and how many horses will be on the trailer.
Hauling yourself is an option for shorter moves, but a cross-country trip is a lot for one driver and rig. Plan layover barns ahead of time.

Whatever you choose, talk to your vet about your horse’s age, health and history with travel before you book.

How to choose a horse shipper

Check the carrier’s USDOT number and safety record on the free FMCSA SAFER website.
Ask for proof of insurance, and ask what is covered, including mortality and major medical coverage for your horse, which you may need to buy separately.
Ask how often drivers stop, how they water and monitor the horses, and how they handle emergencies on the road.
Ask other horse owners for references, especially people who shipped a similar distance.
Get the pickup window, the route and the delivery plan in writing.

Paperwork: what South Carolina requires

According to Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health, the state’s animal health authority, horses entering South Carolina need:

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI, or health certificate) issued by an accredited veterinarian. It is valid for 30 days and must include official identification for the horse.
A negative EIA (Coggins) test drawn within the past 12 months, for horses older than six months.

Clemson LPH also requires a current negative Coggins for horses at public assemblies in South Carolina, including boarding stables, shows and organized trail rides, so keep a copy handy after you arrive. Before you ship, check the LPH website for emergency entry notices; requirements can change quickly during a disease outbreak. Also check what your origin state, and any state you pass through, requires.

My timeline for moving horses

6 to 8 weeks out: choose your shipper and book a date; line up a barn or boarding in Aiken if your property won’t be ready.
4 weeks out: schedule the vet visit for the Coggins (if it’s due) and the health certificate, timed so the certificate is still valid on travel day.
1 to 2 weeks out: gather medical records, feed instructions and a copy of the paperwork for the shipper; take extra hay so you can transition feed gradually.
Travel day: keep the paperwork with the horse, label halters, and confirm the arrival window.
After arrival: give your horse a few quiet days to rest and rehydrate, and set up a local vet and farrier.

Where your horses will live

It helps to know where your horses are going before you plan the trip. Some clients board for a few months while they shop; others time the move to closing. If you’re buying, read my guide to the 10 things to check before making an offer on a horse property, explore the Historic Horse District and Aiken’s equestrian communities, and use my relocation guide for the rest of the move.

Frequently asked questions

What paperwork do I need to bring a horse into South Carolina?

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within the last 30 days, with official ID, and a negative Coggins (EIA) test from the last 12 months for horses older than six months. Check Clemson LPH for any emergency notices before you travel.

Is it better to fly or ship horses by road across the country?

It depends on your horse, your budget and your timeline. Talk to your vet and get quotes from experienced shippers for both.

How do I check out a horse transport company?

Look up its USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER website, ask for proof of insurance and references, and get the details of the trip in writing.

Do I need a Coggins after I arrive?

South Carolina requires a negative Coggins for horses at public assemblies, including boarding stables and shows, so keep your horse’s test current.