How to Transport a Horse Safely?

What you must know to make your horse travel safely

Most riding horses are transported by trailer or horsebox at least a few times in their life. It may be a trip related to buying/selling a horse, a change of stable, going to a competition, to a clinic or, in the case of mares, for covering. There can be many reasons, but for most horses, even experienced ones, such a journey is always quite an experience and a smaller or greater stress. That is precisely why we should do everything possible on our side so that our horse travels as calmly and, above all, as safely as possible. By reading this article, you will learn how to prepare a horse for a journey and what to provide for it during the journey so that it arrives at its destination in the best possible condition.

Trailer or horsebox?

Horses can be transported in horseboxes or in trailers specially designed for this. The difference between them is visible at first glance. In a horsebox the part in which the horses are located is an integral part of the vehicle, whereas a trailer is a separate element hitched to the vehicle that will pull it. For the vast majority of horses, travelling by horsebox is more comfortable, as it is more stable than a trailer and easier to manoeuvre (thanks to which it goes into bends more smoothly and “shakes” less). Especially large and heavy horses can have problems catching their balance properly in a trailer. The differences between these means of transport may not be that significant if we are going to a competition in a neighbouring town, but if we are planning a journey of several or a dozen or so hours, the difference for our horse will already be very noticeable.

How to prepare the vehicle for transport?

Regardless of which option we choose and whether the vehicle belongs to us or is rented, there are a few basic things we should take care of before we set off.

1. Make sure the vehicle is in appropriate technical condition. In particular, check the floor for any holes or unevenness.
2. Take care of an appropriate surface on which the horses will stand. Avoid dusty or heavily dusting bedding; on a journey wood shavings work best.
3. The vehicle should have appropriate ventilation. Especially on very warm days, good airflow is important.
4. Hang up hay nets. While during transport the horse should not eat concentrate feed, it should have continuous access to roughage. The ability to nibble hay significantly reduces boredom and stress, and also prevents colic. You can dampen the hay slightly so that it does not dust. This is all the more important because throughout the journey the net will be very close to the horse’s mouth and nostrils.
5. Invest in monitoring. Thanks to this you will be able to observe the horse on an ongoing basis during the journey and react quickly in case of a possible problem. It is very important that the camera also has a night-vision function.

How to prepare the horse for transport?

Appropriate preparation of the horse is just as important as preparing the horsebox or trailer in which the horse will be transported. In this way we can not only prevent possible injuries, but also significantly reduce the stress that the journey causes the horse.

1. Never leave loading to the last minute. Especially if the horse does not travel often or has problems entering the trailer. Reserve an appropriate amount of time to do it calmly. If the horse is being transported for the first time in its life, then start getting it used to entering the trailer/horsebox at least a few days earlier
2. Prepare an appropriate halter and lead rope. During the journey the horse may, for example, lose its balance and jerk its head abruptly. A halter with soft fleece pads will protect it from chafing. On a journey a rubber travel lead rope like this one (many vehicles already have them as standard) will also work best, as it cushions possible jerks.
3. Take care of appropriate leg protection. Even during a short journey it is recommended to use travel boots, which protect the horse’s legs from injury. The boots should also protect the coronet band and the upper part of the hoof. Many horses need time to get used to this type of boots, so try to familiarise the horse with walking in them a few days before the planned journey.
4. Protect the tailbone. This part of the horse’s body is particularly exposed to damage during transport. Many horses, in order to catch a better balance, try to lean their hindquarters against the door or wall of the vehicle. This can result in a serious abrasion of the tailbone and damage to the hair. If you do not have a professional tail guard, you can replace it with a piece of thin sponge wrapped in an elastic bandage
5. Do not give the horse concentrate feed for at least an hour before the journey. The horse will have strongly restricted movement, so its digestive processes will not be very efficient.
6. Remember to always have the horse’s passport (with up-to-date vaccinations) with you during the journey. At any moment you may be asked to show it, and most equestrian centres will not allow a horse onto their premises before checking its passport.

How to take care of the horse during the journey and after it ends?

We already know what to pay attention to when preparing our horse for transport and the vehicle in which it will be transported. However, our responsibility does not end there.

Appropriate care during the journey and directly after it ends (or the lack of it) can significantly affect the condition in which the horse arrives at its destination and the time it will need for full recovery.

1. Remember that a horse does not feel cold to the same degree as we do, and if the temperatures are not low and the horse is not clipped, then it will not need a rug (overheating is more dangerous for the horse). If, however, we are transporting the horse in winter, then we should put on it a rug of a weight matched to the weather conditions.
2. Take care of the horse’s hydration. During transport the horse does not have constant access to water, so always have a bucket with you (you can fill it during a stop, e.g. at any petrol station) and if the journey is longer than a few hours, try to give it a drink.
3. After arriving at the destination, take the horse for at least a 10-15-minute walk in hand before you lead it to the box. This will stimulate its circulation and metabolism and allow the muscles to relax.
4. Hold off on giving concentrate feed until at least an hour after transport has ended. During this time, however, the horse should have access to hay. Remember to take your own feed and oats with you (and if you have enough space, also hay) that the horse eats every day at home. The stress caused by the journey and the stay in a new place can lower its appetite and it will rather reluctantly try new things.
5. If the journey lasts longer than 8-10 hours, try to provide the horse with several hours’ rest and, ideally, the possibility of brief grazing, even in hand. Thanks to this the horse will be able to eat in a natural position (with the head down), which allows the sinuses to drain. To a large extent this can prevent respiratory infections and so-called shipping fever.