Any tips for moving a horse?

Question

We are moving our horses from the barn that we board them at to our house soon. Any tips to make the transition smooth?

I dont mean what we will use for gettting them to our house i mean is there anything we can do to mak eit as stress free as possibel, for use and the horses

yes they will both do at the same time and they know each other

We will be using a trailer so people please stop saying use a trailer im not asking how to get them here

Answer 1

My family has been loading horses into the trailer for years and so far we have seen it all.
My mother once had a lady come up to her at a show to ask how we got our horses to load so easily. She told her that you need to teach the horse to want to go in the trailer. That way you avoid the tug of war thing.
Over the year my mother has conditioned the horses to go into the trailer. She even has one that will absolutely refuse to go in the trailer unless he is backed in. He likes to look out while we drive. Also they know at this point that if they get in there will be treats.
Just try soothing methods not threatening. Make sure they have at least a weeks rest after wards just so they can get used to the new surroundings and horses going on long trips may get dehydrated. So when ever you gas up see if you can water them.
Also give them hay not grain on the ride (unless you have to). We used apples and watermelon rinds mostly.
Also don't tie them on a short rope. Give them head room to move around a bit. Also ventilation and cleanliness.
Good luck.

Answer 2

Moving a horse can be stressfull for you and the horses. Mostly you then them....from my experience cuz i had to do it on a few occasions. My best advice is about the same as dealing with little kids and trying things that are new...stay calm and don't act any different and show them lots of love and encouragement throught the whole thing. If you had things up on there stall at the old barn and they can see it then make sure its up again where they can see it. I wouldn't suggest you ride the few days...take them out walk them around your property and spend some time on the ground and then get right back into it. Let them get used to the surroundings and you will know when they are comfortable and know that this is home..cuz if you show a lot they tend to think they are at a show and going home to the barn. Other than that just do things as usual!! Good luck!

Answer 3

I have moved horses more times than I can count. My daughter, who is now a veterinarian, has had horses since she was in grade school. Every week-end her horses had to be trailered to a show grounds. A regular horse trailer is the best way of moving horses, other than just riding them, if the distance is short.
One time, while visiting a friend in Canada, we were asked to help him move his Belgian mare to a breeder's place that was too far to ride. He had no trailer so we loaded this great big Belgian into a half ton pickup truck. We had to go down a steep rocky hill. Footing in the metal truck box was anything but sure. We made it, but I don't ever want to do it again, and I sure would not advise anyone else to try it.
If the horses will be moved only once, try renting a trailer, or hiring someone with a trailer to move your horses, If you'll be moving them periodically, like to shows, it will pay you to get a trailer of your own. Maybe a used one.

Answer 4

Hi, I have several horses and not all of them travel well. I always take a horse with them for comfort, and I also keep hay or feed in the trailer for the trip to keep them busy and take thier mind off the trip. Tractor Supply Company - TSC has a tube of paste for travel called Quietex, it calms the stomach and relaxes the horse enough so they do not stress as much or try to colic due to stress. Alot of show horses are given this type of calming paste. If they are totally horrible at loading or hauling, you can have the vet sedate them for the trip, it is amazing how much good 1cc of ace can be at a time where you and the horse could be injured by trying to load/haul an upset horse. I hope this helps, Happy Trails!

Answer 5

I used to have a mare who was alway svery stressed about travel. She hated the trailer. We found it worked best when she had a travel companion. If you don't have a travel companion, hay is great in a hay net. If she's prone to rearing and getting hung up on the front of the stantions, some hay bales stacked up will enable her to ged unstuck quickly and not injure herself (my mare did that a couple times). Be sure to tie her with a quick release knot or a quick release tie. if you need it. For getting her on coax her with treats and let her take her time. Don't rush tiwst her tail n such, it will only make the experience bad for her. We used grain on the ramp (if your trailer has a ramp) or on the step (If it's a step up). It gets her to smell the trailer and see that it's not so bad. Just be patient. If you get stressed she will to.

Answer 6

I would start working on my balance. Learning to relax, and learn to breathe. Your horse can pick up on any nervousness, and the more you are nervous the more the Horse will not trust you. Rearing is very bad. When we come across rearing, remember to go forward with the horse. Leaning forward, even hanging on the mane and his neck. There are many ways to learn better balance. Please. Take this up with your instructor and have him put you on a more quite horse. Like a bomb proof. A horse that is also kept inside a inside Arena all day can also be up setting to the Horse. Kept in a box stall, with a high feeding diet. Can you try Trail riding for a change? To build back your confidence? There are many exercises to help you in balance. But balance is what your instructor could start working with his students, as the one instructor wrote on here. I would try his/her exercises.

Answer 7

if your have trouble loading them on a trailer, put a bucket of food for each of them in there. This also keeps their minds distracted from the stress of being in a trailer, if they have any. When they get to your house, get someone to help you walk both of them, one behind the other around the gate of your farm. do this about three times, then just let them go in the feild. They'll probably run around and whinny to each other, but they should be fine. They'll just be checking the place out.

Answer 8

i moved my horse to my house a few months go and she liked it way more than her old stable. she was a little thin before we moved her and i bet she's gained 90 pounds since she moved. she eats all day and is under a lot less stress. we had stallions at our old stable. just feed them some hay in their new pasture (or stall) when they get their and they should settle in a few days. moving to a new stable can be stressful for a horse but keep them together and they will be fine. it's good that they already are buddys. i wouldn't worry about it too much. just make sure their new home is comfortible.

Answer 9

Try to move 2 at a time. That way they will have a familiar campanion and won't be as anxious. Some trailers have room for you to stand in a manager area. If you feel comfortable doing this, it would probably make them more comfortable as well. Good luck!

Answer 10

Make sure you keep them together and let them get use to the place when they get there. Also, make sure you are feeding them the same feed so that there is nothing different about there lifestyle other than where they are. Also, watch them for a couple of hours to make sure that they don't worry themselves into a colic. Oh yeah and if you are going to have them behind a fence make sure they kinda get a feel of where the fence is at.