Prepare Your Horse for Long Distance Travel!

Planning a road trip with your beloved horse companion?

Here are 10 tips to ensure a secure and relaxed journey as you take him from one destination to another.

1. Ensure your horse's well-being and have the necessary documentation. Before a lengthy trip, ensure your horse is healthy and obtain the necessary documents. A vet check will confirm their fitness for travel. You must also have proof of required exams, vaccinations, and compliance to the destination country's health requirements.

2. Be ready in case of an emergency. You can never anticipate every scenario, no matter how carefully you plan. Always keep an equine first aid kit on hand in case of an emergency. Ensure the driver knows where it's located and keep it easily accessible.

3. Weigh Your Horse before the trip. Horses often lose weight during long travels, especially journeys lasting over 12 hours. Research indicates they can shed up to 5% of their body weight, even in cooler conditions. Generally, healthy horses regain this weight within three to seven days after shipping. Weighing your horse before and after travel can help gauge the recovery period needed.

4. Plan Your Route. Before your trip, consider your route and the ideal travel time. Long pauses in traffic may be difficult for the horse because a trailer in the sun can be up to 20 degrees warmer inside than outdoors. Traveling at night may be more favorable when it's very hot outside because it will be cooler and there will probably be less traffic.

5. Think About Leg Wraps. Leg and coronary band protection during horse carriage can be achieved with standing wraps and bell boots. However, they can be problematic if the horse isn't accustomed to them. If you choose to use wraps, ensure your horse is familiar with them before shipping and monitor for any irritation or rubbing during the journey.

6.  Plan Regular Rest Stops. For journeys exceeding 8 hours, according to European law, it's crucial to schedule rest breaks. These breaks should occur every 4 hours during long-distance travel, lasting at least 30 minutes. Use this time for watering, feeding, urination (especially for males), and vehicle cleaning. Avoid loading horses for over 18 hours without providing unloading opportunities for exercise, safeguarding equine well-being.

7.  Ensure Your Horse Stays Hydrated. To maintain proper hydration during the journey, offer water to your horse every three to six hours. European regulations recommend bringing your own water supply since some horses may refuse unfamiliar-tasting or smelling water. If carrying enough water for the entire journey is not practical, think about introducing your horse to flavored water beforehand. A well-hydrated horse will arrive at its destination in better condition and better prepared for its intended role.

8. Provide Unrestricted Access to Hay. It's advised to limit or eliminate grain from your horse's diet while giving them unlimited access to their regular hay while travel. Make sure you pack enough hay for the duration of the trip as well as a few extra days at the destination. If you use a hay net, sack, or feeder, put it up high and out of the way of the horses' hooves, at least at chest height.

9. Give Your Horse Recovery Time. After a long journey, your horse needs time to recuperate before returning to work. Typically, a full day of rest is adequate for trips lasting six to 12 hours, while longer journeys or air travel may require two to three days of recovery. If your horse exhibits signs like refusing food, nasal discharge, or an elevated rectal temperature upon arrival, consult a veterinarian.

Key Safety Advice: The most crucial step to ensure your horse's well-being and contentment during an extended journey is also a fundamental aspect of injury prevention in travel: Training.

10. Invest time before your trip to educate your horse on loading and unloading procedures and ensure their comfort within the trailer. Introduce your horse to trailer experiences to minimize stress and reduce injury risk. Remember that no amount of preparation can substitute for practical experience.