TRANSPORTING YOUR HORSE SAFELY

 TRANSPORTING YOUR HORSE SAFELY

Travelling goes hand in hand with owning horses, but a bad journey can not only have a negative impact on the journey, but could possibly cause you issues for future loading and travelling. 

In this guide we will help explain to you how to transport a horse with ease, ensuring that they have a stress free journey. We will also offer you information on how to deal with tricky loaders. Why not have a look at our tips below:

•   On long journeys (of more than three hours), plan stops where you can untie your horse so that he can lower his head. This will help prevent the risk of pneumonia or shipping fever.

•   Use travel boots or bandages on your horses legs, damage can be done by hooves and legs becoming trapped under a partition or your horse kicking the sides.

•   Use your own hay, so that there is not a sudden change in diet and remember to offer water at regular intervals, too.

•   Make sure that you have your horse’s passport with you, as it is illegal to transport your horse without one!

•   Pack extra hay and water for your horse, just in case or accident or emergency.

•   A long, hot and bumpy ride will takes its toll and tire your horse. Consider leaving earlier and stabling overnight if you are planning a long journey. 

•   How you drive will affect the the horse and how much effort he/she will have to make to balance! Therefore, a smooth drive at slower speeds is always the best option.

•   Loading can be a traumatic part of travelling for horses, so allow plenty of time and do not rush. Make sure you stay calm and do not get cross. 

•   If your horse is young or inexperienced, practice loading beforehand.

•   Plan frequent breaks and always offer water and forage. Dehydration can trigger respiratory problems and increase the risk of colic.

If you discover your horse seems reluctant to enter the horsebox, it is important not to panic, instead try following our following advise:

•   Don’t ever try and force your horse to load. This could end up being dangerous for both you and your horse. Instead, take your time and allow your horse time to become used to the horsebox.

•   Use treats to encourage the horse to enter the horsebox. Even if it takes a number of slow steps to load your horse, providing treats when the horse begins to load, will be very beneficial for all involved. 

•   Ask a couple of your friends to help you with loading if your horse is worried about going into the horsebox.

•   Once the horse is in the horsebox, give him/her some feed as this will reinforce loading as a positive experience.

•   Remember, always give your self enough time!!

We are always on hand to help and advise you here at West Country Horseboxes and look forward to seeing you soon.

For more information, please contact on of our team:

[email protected]

01460 57524