Whether you want it or not, there comes a point in life as a horse owner you’re going to have to transport your horse.  This could range from a quick, short journey to one that sprawls across the country.  No matter the length the journey, you want to ensure the comfort and safety of your precious equine.  Here are some tips to help create a stress-free voyage for both you and your horse and will have him exclaiming ‘yay!’ instead of ‘neigh.’

Preparing Your Horse

Have your horse checked with a veterinarian within 30 days of the trip to make sure he is healthy and will be able to endure the journey. This is especially important if the expedition is long.  Also, practice loading in and out of trailers with your horse, that way he can familiarize himself with the procedure.  Shipping boots are also recommended to be worn on your horse as they serve as protection for the legs, however if your horse is not yet accustomed to wearing these, take time to let your horse get used to them before the journey.

Preparing Your Trailer

Since this is the compartment your horse will be traveling in, it is key that the trailer be in superb condition.  There should be no rust, broken windows, holes in the roof, missing parts, and the frame should not be damaged.  Check the trailer lights to make sure they are working, and the tires on the trailer should be in fair condition, not dry-rotted and worn down.  The floor boards should be in good condition as well and make sure there are enough vents to provide for comfortable ventilation since horses are susceptible to over heating.

Comfort in the trailer

Dehydration is a common problem when horses are shipped, therefore providing enough water is essential.  Offer water from a familiar bucket every four hours or at every stop to prevent dehydration from occurring.  Hay also aids in preventing dehydration because it helps retain water in the body.  Do not feed the horse grain or rich feed prior or during shipping as this may cause problems in the large intestine. As stated earlier, horses are more prone to over-heating than getting cold when being shipped which also why hydration is vital.

Transporters

If you unable to transport your horse yourself, you will need to find a carrier. Make sure the horse carrier has a USDOT and MC number, which can be verified on www.safersys.org. Check that the driver is licensed and has good knowledge of the transportation laws in each state it will pass through. Also check to see if the driver has a live animal transport license and insurance that will adequately cover the loss, injury, or death of your horse during transport.  Leave your contact information with the service provider in case a problem arises during transit.  Checking for references isn’t a bad idea either.

Things to remember

Transporting your horse requires planning and should not be attempted the night before departure.  Start thinking about it at least week ahead of time.  Also, keep in mind that each horse is different and that one technique will not always work best for all horses.

Transporting your horse can be an easy and hassle-free process when you’ve taken the appropriate measures in preparing for the journey. Keep these tips in mind for your first or next trip to assure a comfortable and safe ride for your equine and have peace of mind for yourself.

Written by Leslie Hsu of uShip.com, an auction-style marketplace for Horse Transport

Please feel free to comment with any additional tips you have for safely trailering your horse, whether it’s a short distance to a local show or across the country to a new home.