Transporting or traveling with a horse or pony is common for enthusiasts, whether it is to go to a competition, to the vet, to the farrier; as is loading large quantities of hay. However, horse transport should be done with someone who is used to carrying large trailers or horse trailers. This article refers to the transport of horses in the main means: the simple trailer, the trailer and the van as well as any other means suitable for you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Simple Trailer
Step 1. Set up the trailer
Make sure it is suitable and connected to the transport vehicle. Get a full check including brake lights, tire pressure and fuel in the tank. Also check that you have a mobile phone, medical and legal documents of the horse and a map with the necessary directions in the vehicle. Always be ready for any problems.
Step 2. Make the trailer inviting for your horse
Horses suffer from claustrophobia and will rarely, if ever, spontaneously enter a dark, confined space. If you have a loading ramp, lower it and throw some sawdust on it to make it more familiar to the horse. Open all other doors and windows to let in as much light as possible. If you can, put some hay in an area that the horse can see well from the outside as well.
Step 3. Prepare the horse
Always use a transport halter with a head protector and put the leg bumpers on the horse. You can brush it but it is not necessary. If it's a hot day, you can give him a coat of anti-fly spray so he doesn't kick too much, thus minimizing the risk of hurting himself. Cover it up if appropriate, remembering that inside the trailer could be much warmer than outside. If you have windows open, but not so that the horse snouts out. Remain calm yourself throughout the process as the horse will take your stress.
Step 4. Load the horse
Take it calmly to the ramp or step, and finally onto the slide. If he's nervous, go in first or let a quieter horse in if you have space for two. The idea is to show him that the trailer is a safe place, not a threat. Always make sure that a heavy horse or a horse traveling alone, stays in the box on the driver's side. The second empty space should be the one on the passenger side. If you have any problems, ask your instructor or someone with experience in horse transport.
Step 5. Secure the horse in the trailer
Close the doors by locking them. Double-check that there is nothing open that could cause the horse to move into the empty area. If the horse is in company or if you are concerned that it may move during the journey, tie it to the internal safety hook, specially designed for this purpose. If you prefer to let the horse loose, make sure it is safe. Horses should never touch their nostrils in the trailer or a fight could arise.
Step 6. Get started
Remember to avoid freeways / highways and always drive a little below the limit. Don't forget that any decision you make could endanger your life and that of your horse. It would be helpful to have a second driver following the trailer, thus giving you room to maneuver.
Method 2 of 3: Trailer
Step 1. Do a security check
You need to be sure that the trailer is registered and legal to drive. A mechanic expert in this type of vehicle will be able to check the vehicle correctly, or you can take it to the DMV. You can also do a basic check yourself, you should worry about: indicators, brake lights, tire pressure and compounds, gasoline, water and other fluids besides oil.
Step 2. Prepare the horse
Make sure the horse is ready for the trailer: many hesitate the first time they have to get on it, while others are used to two or three-seater trailers. Make the environment familiar using the same procedures for the trailer. Inside the trailer it can be quite hot and a horse only needs a light travel cover, however the trailers may not be fully enclosed and therefore drafty. This means that a light blanket may suffice, but if you travel during very cold seasons, be prepared to bring something heavier as well. The bumpers are necessary because the ramps or the closing gate are more inclined and wider than those in a normal trailer: if the horse were to slip, in the worst case, it would injure its legs. The transport halter is best, however even a good quality normal halter will suffice. You should make sure that the guide rope is of good quality and longer than normal. In trailers, the safety hook will be in a different position than in the trailer (usually at the top) and therefore a longer rope is needed to ensure the safety and comfort of the horse.
Step 3. Prepare the trailer
If you have a ramp or a rear gate, you will need to put some clippings or sawdust in it to make it more inviting and prevent the horse from slipping. Most trailers have open railings or windows for ventilation - open everything to let in more light. This way the horse will feel better. Horses can easily be bribed by using food. To tempt a nervous or stubborn one, place a hay trail or bucket of food on the trailer floor. For horses that travel smoothly in trailers, arrange the net with hay and the bucket included in the trailer. Since most trailers have a mechanical ramp, it may be noisy, so it's best to lower it before the horse arrives; this way there will be less likelihood that the animal will fidget or get nervous at the sound. Make sure you have everything you need for the trip including: horse and vehicle documents, a cell phone, a flashlight, spare tire, mechanical tools, a first aid kit for people and animals, etc. You will also need water and food for you and the horse. Make sure you have everything close at hand, plus the glove box in the cockpit.
Step 4. Load the horse onto the trailer, but remember that many have no dividers and two or more horses would be very close to each other
If your horse is not used to traveling, load a quiet one first who will already know what to expect and the other will feel safer, stopping fidgeting. If you only have unaccustomed horses, get the one who has never traveled in first, so that a chain reaction does not occur if one of the horses fidgets. If you are traveling with multiple horses, load them normally but put the easiest ones to handle back: if during the journey there was a problem, you could drop them and you would have even less problems if you had to stop by the side of the road, because the horses would be easy to move. When tying them, tie a knot that is easy to untie and make sure each horse is comfortable before loading the next one.
Step 5. Get started
Many just leave, without worrying about the load until they arrive at their destination. If the journey is short you can do it too, but if you plan to spend more than two hours on the road, it is better to plan a few stops. Horses will certainly be fine, but if you get tired you could endanger your life and that of the animals. Plan your stops and if you go to an exhibition, include some extra time. If you go far, stop and make your horses stretch their legs, make them walk a little so that as with people, the blood circulates throughout the body. If you had to sit for hours, your legs would fall asleep and for horses it's the same, so they need to move. If you're lucky, you can stop at a friend's house or a horse-friendly hotel; otherwise, it calculates some stops.
Method 3 of 3: Van
Step 1. Do a security check on your van
You must be sure that he is registered and authorized to drive. A mechanic expert in this type of vehicle will be able to check the vehicle correctly, or you can take it to the DMV. You can also do a basic check yourself, you should worry about: indicators, brake lights, tire pressure and compound, gasoline, water and other fluids besides oil.
Step 2. Prepare your horse
Make sure it's ready - the van is quite comfortable, but some horses may not be convinced by its measurements. Make the environment familiar using the same procedures for trailers. As with the trailer, the horse may be hot inside so a light cover may suffice, however, even vans can be drafty if there are open vents instead of lockable windows. The light cover will suffice but also prepare something heavier in case you have to travel when it is very cold. The bumpers are essential: the van has a flat and not sloping ramp, because the back has a classic door in addition to the normal ones. Take all the necessary precautions: if the horse slips, in the worst case it will injure its legs. A transport halter is the best choice but a good quality classic one will also suffice. You should make sure that the guide rope is of good quality and longer than normal. In vans, the safety hook is similar to that of the trailer but there may be one with a higher loop, so the longer rope is for the safety and comfort of the horse.
Step 3. Prepare the van
If you have a steep ramp, a back gate, or a horse used to being in the stable, you will need to put sawdust on the ramp to prevent the horse from slipping. Most of the vans will be closed and will have ventilation windows, April to let in the light. This way the horse will feel more comfortable. Horses can easily be bribed by using food. To tempt a nervous or stubborn one, place a trail of hay or a bucket of food on the floor of the van. For horses that travel smoothly, set up the net with hay and travel bucket. Since the van ramp is not steep, a horse will usually walk over it without difficulty but make sure the ramp is down and the additional door open before the horse arrives. Make sure you have everything you need for the trip: horse and vehicle documents, a cell phone, a flashlight, spare tire, mechanical tools, a first aid kit for people and animals, etc. You will also need water and food for you for the horse. Make sure you have everything close at hand, plus the glove box in the cockpit.
Step 4. Load the horse as you would for the trailer, but remember that many vans may not have dividers, so if you are traveling with multiple horses, they may be very close together
If your horse is not used to traveling, load a quiet one first who will already know what to expect and the other will feel safer, stopping fidgeting. If you only have unaccustomed horses, get the one who has never traveled in first, so that it doesn't trigger a chain reaction if one of the horses gets agitated. If you are traveling with multiple horses, load them normally but put the easiest ones to handle back: if during the journey there was a problem, you could drop them and you would have even less problems if you had to stop by the roadside, because the horses would be easy to move. When tying them, tie a knot that is easy to untie and make sure each horse is comfortable before loading the next one.
Step 5. Get started
Many just leave, without worrying about the load until they arrive at their destination. If the journey is short you can do it too, but if you plan to spend more than two hours on the road, it is better to plan a few stops. Horses will certainly be fine, but if you get tired you could endanger your life and that of the animals. Plan your stops and if you go to an exhibition, include some extra time. If you go far, stop and make your horses stretch their legs, make them walk a little so that as with people, the blood circulates throughout the body. If you had to sit for hours, your legs would fall asleep and for horses it's the same, so they need to move. If you're lucky, you can stop at a friend's house or a horse-friendly hotel; otherwise, it calculates some stops. Many vans sometimes have extra space. It may be the best option for multi-day trips, or if you need to travel around the country.
Advice
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Travel equipment for the horse:
the horse must wear the halter for the duration of the journey. Most experts suggest a leather halter (not nylon or rope). In an emergency, the leather is easy to cut. Depending on the weather during your trip, you may or may not need a blanket. Bumpers and leg guards can be very important. The bumpers provide additional support and protection from injury during transport (check that they fit properly or they could do worse).
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Health Documents:
You will need a health certificate issued by the veterinarian stating the vaccinations and the negative result for the Coggins test carried out in the last six months. Check state regulations before traveling to see if you need other vaccinations. Note: You should do everything in advance due to the time it takes for the cards to be issued.
- Be competent in the way of traveling before tackling long distances.
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Food:
The horse will need fresh hay for the journey. When you arrange your food, think about the distance to go. You should make stops in between to give the horse water and to make sure it is always well hydrated. You may find that hiring an experienced person is easier and more cost effective.
- Get yourself an emergency kit in case of accidents during the trip.
- When transporting a horse in a trailer for two, secure it in the box at the driver's side.
- Make sure you've loaded all your safety gear the day before so you don't have to rush the next day to find your gloves or halter.
- Check that the trailer is well ventilated. Once you arrive at your destination, check your horse. Examine the joints, see if you have any cuts or scrapes, and make sure he hasn't got a fever.
- Horses who have never seen a trailer can be afraid and injured if the wearer is not careful. It is a good idea to practice before the trip so that the horse gets used to the narrow, dark space.
- If possible, find a trailer that is at least 30 cm taller than the horse.
- You will need to use a bumper cover for the animal's head in case the horse stands up on its hind legs.
- When traveling on a long or multi-day trip, always work out a backup plan. It would be better for someone to drive behind you in another car, in case you have problems that are difficult to understand, such as a flat tire; so that you can get to a mechanical workshop, vet, etc. in any case.
- Always keep halters, ropes and blankets in reserve. If you get stuck on the road or in the middle of a forest and one of the halters breaks, you need a ready replacement. Same thing for the blankets: if suddenly the cold falls, there is a blizzard or a storm, you will need to be able to cover the horse.
- Leave early in the morning and if you can, as soon as it gets light, you will see the loading and the attack of the horses which, in the evening, may not be done correctly. If you have to leave early in the morning or late in the evening, load the horses in a well-lit area to avoid any accidents.
- There are various types of horse transports and just as many ways of loading animals. Check with your carrier to find out which vehicle is right for you and your horse.
Warnings
- Horses tend to lose 900 grams to 2 kg per hour they travel in the cold. Warm even more, so always check that your horse is well hydrated.
- Horses are unpredictable and equestrian disciplines are among the most dangerous sports. Be prepared for anything. Better to have even if you don't need it than not to have it in case of need.
- Blankets, bumpers and protectors can slip or peel off over time. It is important to check the horse's legs periodically if you are traveling more than four hours. If the bumper is not worn well, it could damage them.
- Before the trip, to avoid digestive problems, it is better not to give grains to the horse.
- Fatigue is the biggest problem when traveling for a long time or at extreme times. Make sure you are prepared for the trip and not tired: if you are ready, have a good breakfast with coffee and / or a nice juice. This way you will be awake and alert.
- Try not to travel during the hottest hours of the day. If it's unavoidable, take plenty of water breaks and let the water out for him to get some air.
- Only transport a sick horse if absolutely necessary. Better not to expose it to other horses.
- Horse transports have weight limits. Check with the manufacturer and estimate the weight of the horse and gear.
- You can be a good driver, but it is the other on the road that you need to worry about, so take all precautions to avoid accidents (i.e. turn on the lights, turn on the indicators, etc.)
