A small horse named Freckle Butt Fred recently got the opportunity of flying in first class for the first time.
All thanks to his human companion, Ronica Froese.
The 115-pound equine started his first-ever plane ride across the United States on Feb. 7. Flying from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Ontario, California with a stopover at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Froese tells PEOPLE.
A specially trained service animal, Fred is technically allowed to accompany Froese. She owns Little Horses Big Smiles. This is the company that specializes in equine-assisted therapy — on commercial flights.
Froese says she and Fred worked along with other service horse handlers to prepare for the big trip. It includes sonic exercises to get the gentle creature accustomed to loud noises and potty training for when he needs to relieve himself at the airport.
According to Froese, Fred now learned how to defecate on command and pee.
“Fred was the definition of a perfect service animal in flight,” she tells PEOPLE. “He is so bonded with me, he is willing to do anything I ask of him.”
To make sure Fred had a lot of room during his ride, Froese bought two first-class tickets in bulkhead seating. She also made sure that each flight was no longer than three hours. Fred also wore special shoes.
As to help other passengers, Fred wore a teal hood so that those who are allergic to horses would not be affected by his hair.
“He has ridden probably 10,000 miles in my truck so flying was a breeze,” Froese says. “I have trained him to lay down on command and sit it my lap like a dog in the event the plane crashed so we could evacuate down the slide. Luckily, we didn’t have to see if that training was a success.”
“Everyone loved him. Pilots, copilots, flight attendants, TSA, airport staff, and all the passengers were kind,” she tells PEOPLE. “Lots of the passengers were so amazed how well he behaved.”
“Many politely asked, but others were just rude. We had people wait 30 minutes for us to come out of the bathroom just to snap a picture,” she shares. “We aren’t a sideshow and would like to be treated with respect.”
His owner says it’s important for him to be able to fly because he is a much-needed service animal.
“I don’t have a mental illness. I have an invisible autoimmune disease,” Froese tells PEOPLE. “Not all disabilities can be seen and we all deserve the same respect as the blind whose disability can be seen.
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