Questions on transporting horses!?

Question

I am moving to a different province in a month and I am wondering on some tips on moving my horse. It will be approximately a 7 hour drive maybe longer. I have never trailered a horse this far before and am wondering if anyone has any tips on making it easier for my horse (gus). Some people have told me to stop every couple of hours and take him out so he can move around a bit... others have told me to drug him! (which I will not do!!) He has trailered before for about 3 hours and was wonderful! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

I honestly think I am more confused then ever now!! You all have given me some great tips and I do agree with almost everything except I guess everyone disagrees on whether or not to let him out at all during the trip! LOL.. some more info on him.. he is a VERY well behaved boy. Has never spooked at traffic loud noises or anything else. Has never had a problem trailering before but also has never been trailered for this and it will be 7+ hours. DOnt know if this helps any but Im confused!! My horse trailer is just a single but fairly roomy in the inside and is enclosed but has the open windows in the front which can also be closed though.

Answer 1

It's great that you are asking about this!! Most horse owners don't realize how crucial it is to know how your horse behaves before taking him or her on a trip! Here are some tips:

1. You should stop and allow Gus to drink water every 3-4 hours. That is the vet-recommended amount of time, and the most rational for the horse's hydration needs.
2. Make sure that the horse is comfortable in the trailer, still "fits", and doesn't have any problems with other horses you he might be trailering with, if any.
3. A few days before the trip, practice loading and unloading him into the trailer. The more comfortable he is with the sounds, sight, smell, etc. the better ride it will be.
4. During the trip, you may want to give him a hay bag (Hay nets are dangerous on road trips....if they fall of their hook they could get entangled in the horse's legs.). If he has anxiety problems, or you are worried about his hydration levels, comfort, etc. you should try putting a little powdered drink mix (e.g. lemonade, powerade, etc) in his water. This is especially helpful if you are using water that is from somewhere other than his barn water. The powder will hide the taste of the different water.
5. Make sure that all the equipment you are using is intact, fits, etc. ALWAYS use a quick-release knot/bolt during trailering.
6. A cardinal rule my trainer always tells me is to make sure that you have a First Aid Kit (for horses, obviously ;) ) on the trailer or with you. It should include things like bandages, scissors, gauze, fenal-beautezone, etc. Some tack stores carry these kits.
7. Depending on where you stop on your trip, you may or may not want to take him out. Obviously you wouldn't want to take him out at a rest stop or gas station, but if you stop somewhere along the way that is suitable for him to move around without being startled, it could help.

I hope these tips assist you! Good luck to you and Gus!!

Definitely don't sedate your horse! That could result in BAD things, and Im glad that you recognized that.

Answer 2

What are you trailering him in? Considering the time of year, I'd make sure to eliminate all the drafts you possibly can to start with.

Definitely offer him fresh water every couple of hours. Horses consume more water when it's cold out to help maintain body heat. And of course, give him some hay to comfort and occupy him along the way.

I guess as far as taking him out of the trailer, I don't think a 7 hour drive is going to make that necessary. I've had several 6 1/2 hour drives with horses that did just fine without any problems and they were new to trailering. The worst thing that happened was a small bout of diarrhea (in a yearling due to nerves).

Don't drug him! You're not going to be able to monitor your horses effects from a drug given to him from the inside of a truck. He needs to be aware of his senses and be able to balance himself back there.

I know there are going to be people who disagree with me, but I always leave my horses untied in the front part of the trailer (mine's a 4-horse), if they are riding alone on a long drive. The middle gate is closed. I feel, if for some reason your horse were to go down, at least you're not going to find him hanging by his halter or tangled up the next time you stop to check him.

Your horse has trailered before...he should do just fine. Good luck!

Answer 3

Six hours is easy peasy. Try thirty three stretched over three days. XD When I lived in Arizona, my horses made several trips that long a couple times a year with no problem. 1. How long is it okay to leave polo wraps on? I have never had to leave them on longer than a training session before. -- She should be fine with them on the whole time, though they aren't that necessary. For long trips, I skip things like that, but put them on if you want. Shipping boots would be better 2. Should I avoid giving her feed that morning? What about that evening? -- Feed her as usual. It would be more damaging to skip a feeding. 3. How often should I offer her water? -- Every two hours. She may not want to drink, a lot of horses don't when they're in trailers, so get a bag of apples, and or carrots to feed her. They have some liquid in them to help to sustain her, the biggest thing is having water ready for her when you get her to her new home. 4. Should I tie her in the trailer or just let her have her head? -- Tie her as you usually would. 5. Should I leave a bale of Timothy/Alfalfa hay in her reach, or just give her a flake here and there? Give her a flake or two in there for her to nibble on. Add: Oh, and an important thing. Unless it is a great emergency, do not take her out of the trailer when you stop. Should she get loose, if something spooks her, or she gets upset and won't trailer for some reason, you're pretty much screwed. When I moved across the country, my horses were lucky enough to get out night, since there are horse motels all over that let you rent a stall for the night, and luckily they all were willing to go back in the trailer the next morning. :p

Answer 4

give him some hay to munch on- not a ton or it will make him thirstier.
I suggest starting out with a flake or 2 of hay and stopping at about 4- 4 1/2 hrs to let him drink and stretch a bit. I think waiting longer is ok since you said he has gone on 3 hr trips before. Just like when you go on break at work- you would rather have it later and have a shorter 2nd half than right in the middle:)
Give him another 2-3 flakes of hay to munch on after drinking and finish the trip. After you get there, let him loose in the arena or a pasture to run around and get out the pent up energy and let him have the next day off from riding to stretch a bit and work out any stiffness.
Standing in one spot for a long period of time is not really that much of a strange thing to do. Draft horses (and some impatient regular horses) are put in tie stalls at night for various reasons.
I would never drug a horse for trailering in normal horse trailers- too tipsy and so many things can go wrong.

Answer 5

It is good to get them out but if there isn't room or it's too busy just be sure to give him about twenty minutes of being still to rest. Getting out isn't to stretch really. It's because the trailer is boucing and shifting constantly and your horse is working to readjust himself nonstop. This is tiring for them even though they're "standing still". Just be sure to offer water every horse is different. Some won't drink in a trailer so only drink in the trailer because it's familiar, some won't drink till they arrive. I made a twelve hour haul and only got my horse out once there and not at all coming back. But they were also good haulers. Just don't believe the "stop as little as possible" guy. Good luck

Answer 6

I would definately stop every 3-4 hours and offer your horse water. Make sure he has enough hay. If you are traveling over his normal meal time, you may want to offer him a SMALL PORTION Of his grain. (remember, horses need to move to digest and since he will be stationary on the trailer, feeding more than a few handfuls of grain could cause colic.)

Depending on your horse and how well he trailers and loads, you MAY want to consider allowing your horse to stop and walk around while you eat your lunch. For example, if you stop at Macdonalds, you can unload your horse, walk it in a nearby field to let it stretch its legs and then load it back up after 20 minutes or so.

This all depends on your horse. If the horse does not load well or is likely to spook, this is NOT a good idea. You will be in an open area near lots of traffic and htis could cause your horse to bolt and get struck by a car !!! But if your horse is naturally calm, etc, then you may consider this option.

As always discuss your options with your vet.

Tranquilizing the horse may be the right option depending on how stressful the travel will be- ask your vet!

Also- don't overlook the possibility of using a professional shipper. They have a regular shipping program and, any insured shipper will take excellent care of your horse.

Answer 7

Any vet and true horse owner will say that you take your horse out of the trailor roughly every 2 to 3 hour drive. In summer, it is roughly 2, especially stopping for long time or a bite to eat.

Horses have to drink water.

Horses have to move their stiff legs (I doubt you would want to stand in a single for 7 hours without moving/stretching etc.

My rule when I travel, if I get out to stretch, so does my horse.

I would just make sure you have plenty of water jugs, hay and allow him to stretch roughly 2 to 3 hours.

Pull over to a open parking lot, country road or area that gives enough room away from traffic and lots of public (who will want to pet your horse, sometimes rudly with out permission).

I would pull him a little more often up til the day you leave. It will make it easier on him. Plus, make sure any blankets is available if it does get cold in your area.

Know vets on the way incase of an emergancy, you would know where and who to contact.

As he trailors wonderfuly at 3 hours. I would say he would be great if you allow him to some walk around, grazing, and just stretching inbetween pit stops.

Answer 8

If you really want to avoid problems here are a few do's and don'ts.

Do:

1. drive straight through with as few stops as possible
- plan your stops at places where you have manouvering room
2. give him hay for the trip
3. check him everytime you stop and top up his hay
4. have your truck and trailer checked by a reputable mechanic before you go
5. carry extra hay
6. carry an equine first aid kit
7. take out removable partitions - this is a judgement call - some horses will lie down in the trailer if they have the room. They trailer better and arrive rested if they do.
8. bed your trailer with good quality shavings
9. always use shipping boots, much better than wraps. The boots will come off/break away at the velcro. Wraps are dangerous for trailering.

Don't

1. feed any grain or water while enroute - a sure recipe for colic if you do
2. use bungee ties or a lead to tie up, use a break away strap made specifically for trailering

Answer 9

I'm so glad that you are concerned about the welfare of your horse. I own a small horse ranch in Texas and know that the situation you are in can get sticky.

First off before you even think of hauling him a long distance make sure you have all the required paperwork- coggins (ELISA), showmanship papers, proof of ownership, plus a valid trailer registration. Depending on where you live, some or all may be required.
Make sure all lights and brakes on your trailer are working and that all tires are inflated to proper requirements.

Now on the trailering-
Place wood shavings in your trailer that are clean. This will save you clean up and provide your horse with better traction in the trailer.
Depending on how your horse acts in the trailer or tied you may chose to leave your horse untied only if you own a slant trailer. If not make sure that your horse is tied not to tight but not loose enough that if he were to reach his front leg up he gets caught in the lead rope.
If you have a hay sack its a very good idea to let him graze on this on the ride. This will give him something to play with and make the trip go faster.
Always remember to travel with your horse in a fly mask. This will make him comfortable in the trailer and save you a vet bill in case debris gets caught in his eyes.
Always consider the weather- if its hot you may want him to travel in a fly sheet if it's cold or rainy- travel with him in his blanket. You may also choose to move him with trailer boots.
If it's cold you don't have to stop to water your horse- he'll be just fine...even if its hot he can go with out it. Stoping to water is all up to you.
Take time into consideration. Leave for your destination early in the morning- that way you will get to your new venue in daylight and your horse will be able to explore his new surroundings with you monitoring him.

Lastly, be prepared for an emergency- before you leave do some research. Know which cities you will be going through and find local stables in each one. Keep their numbers and address's and an atlas on you at all times. Also keep your feed, hay, watering tools useful and handy to you. You may never be too prepared if your truck breaks' down and can't be fixed until next day.

Answer 10

Stopping once during the trip to let him out for a drink and to move around should be sufficient.