IRT celebrates 40 years serving the international horse community

As the pioneer in transporting horses overseas, and with an insatiable commitment to serving the international horse community, IRT has made an indelible contribution to the equestrian industry.

Whether it’s flying the Australian Olympic Equestrian Team, a World Cup contender, or simply a treasured pet, the team at IRT has a proven track record of delivering time and again with care.

Shane Rose, Australian Equestrian and a silver medalist at the 2008 Summer Olympics had no hesitation acknowledging the role IRT has played in the success of the Australian Equestrian Team over the past 40 years. 

“Unlike most Olympic sports, our success is totally dependent upon the horses, and it’s a huge relief knowing we’ve got the professional team at IRT on board to deliver the team in the best possible condition to compete,” said Shane.

IRT’s contribution over four decades to the Olympic movement has been profound. From Mexico 1968 to London 2012, IRT Founder Quentin Wallace and IRT have flown every Australian Equestrian Team to the Games.

At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games IRT was also appointed by SOCOG (Sydney Olympic Organising Committee) to manage all in-bound and out-bound equestrian transport.

Equestrian Australia CEO, Mr Grant Baldock congratulated IRT on its 40^th anniversary milestone and legacy to the industry.

“The Australian Equestrian community is indebted to IRT for its dedication, professionalism and commitment to our sport,” said Mr Baldock.

“Not only does IRT ensure that our team arrives at their destination ready for competition, but it also gives back to the sport by sponsoring Equestrian Australia and investing in our future success,” he added.

The pressure of transporting an entire team to a major sporting event is a daunting prospect, but according to IRT Operations Manager Chris Burke, it’s a pressure the team thrives upon and it’s ultimately what defines them as an organisation.

“We understand the magnitude of the task and our global team thrives on the challenge,” said Burke.

“It’s not an easy exercise transporting horses across the globe, but we pride ourselves on attention to detail and leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the safe and healthy delivery of the horses.”

IRT’s service extends beyond the safe delivery and airfreight of horses. It also encompasses quarantine regulations and customs clearance, insurance, road transport, veterinary requirements, professional grooms, agistment and practically any specialized equine need.

The IRT journey began in the mid 1960’s when its entrepreneurial and UK-born founder Quentin Wallace first visited Australian shores to work as a Jackeroo in Western Victoria.

Noticing a high demand for horses, Wallace returned to the UK and began shipping horses to Australia by sea with LEP, a large UK based shipping and forwarding agency.

However, this all changed in early 1972, when the shipping of horses came to an abrupt halt due to African Horse Sickness and the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis.

During this period an opportunity presented itself back in Australia to become involved with the flying of horses from Australia and New Zealand to the United States.

It was just the break Wallace was looking for and a permanent move to Australia was made. IRT was born shortly after and a 40-year career revolutionising the equine transport industry the result.

“It started as a dream and quickly became a reality,” said Quentin Wallace proudly.

“It’s been an amazing journey and privilege to serve the international horse community. At IRT we strive for perfection, and by constantly working closely with government bodies and industry stakeholders we’ve been able to streamline the process of transporting horses across the world.”

With offices in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Germany, and a global team of more than 30 dedicated and professional staff, IRT can facilitate just about any equine shipment request.

So the next time you see an equestrian horse participate on the world stage, whether it is at an Olympic Games, or a World Cup event, you can almost guarantee that IRT has played a role in its success.