Traveling long distances with a horse can be difficult for the animal.There are a lot of things that can be done to make your horse comfortable and relaxed during the trip.The trailer and towing vehicle should be in good working order.Ensuring that the horse is provided with an adequate amount of recovery time is one of the things that should be done.
Step 1: Make sure the trailer is in working order.
Before you go on a long distance trip, make sure your trailer is in good shape.Make sure your trailer is large enough to hold the horse.A large horse will be uncomfortable with a small trailer.Before you head out, make sure to inspect the trailer's tire pressure.Make sure the tires are full and don't have punctures.Make sure the trailer has a spare tire that is easy to find.There are brakes and brake lights.There are taillights.Make sure they are in working order.There is a floor.Make sure the trailer is stable and sturdy and that there are no signs of wear on the inside floor.A ramp.It needs to be stable and able to support the horse.There is a trailer hitch.The connection between the truck and trailer needs to be solid so that the trailer doesn't come detached mid-trip.There is an internal partition.Make sure they are firmly attached and not likely to fall on the horse during transit.There are doorlocks and doorlatches.Horses can fall out onto the road or highway and cause a major accident if your doors are not locked.
Step 2: The bedding should be placed in the trailer.
If you want to reduce pressure on your horse's joints and feet during travel, you should place a rubber mat down.You should put bedding on the bottom of the trailer.A thin layer of straw or shavings can be placed on the floor of the trailer.This will give your horse some added comfort and will soak up any urine or fecal matter.If the trailer makes a sudden stop, metal flooring with straw on top can make the horse unstable.The bedding can get into your horse's respiratory tract if they are in an open air trailer.A minimal amount of bedding is used in these cases.Adding more bedding can be done in a closed trailer.
Step 3: There is a well-stocked first aid kit for your trailer.
You should always have a first aid kit with you.If there is an emergency, a first aid kit will help to treat your horse.There are things to include in a travel first aid kit for your horse.There is a Thermometer.Scissors.There is a Headlamp.The material is bandages.There is a scrub and saline.Antibiotics are used for wounds.It is possible to have 888-405-7720 888-405-7720Banamine is used to treat Colic.If you give your horse medication without first consulting a vet, it will be dangerous.If you give your horse pain medication, it may make it harder to diagnose the issue.
Step 4: There is a trailer camera.
If you want to watch the horse during transit, you should install a trailer camera.You will be able to monitor your horse's behavior and alert you to any problems that he experiences while traveling.If you watch your horse, you can see if they are in distress while the vehicle is moving.If you notice a change in your horse's behavior, you may want to take a break and make sure everything is okay.
Step 5: Get the paperwork for your horse.
If you are traveling with your horse across state or national borders, you may be required to provide certain paperwork.A health certificate, brand inspection, and a negative Coggins test are the most common paperwork required.You can find the exact papers and vaccines that are required by searching online.If you want your horse to have all of the proper paperwork for travel, you need to speak with your vet a few months before your trip.When planning your trip, take into account that most health certificates are only good for 30 days.
Step 6: You should put boots on your horse.
Shipping boots can help protect your horse's legs.They are able to support the horse's legs.You should remove the boots during long off-load stops.When applied correctly, shipping boots can cause irritations.The shipping boots should be introduced to your horse.Wrap the bottom of the horse's leg around the boot.The middle clasp should be raised first, followed by the bottom clasp and the top clasp.Make sure you put the boots on the correct leg.Shipping head and tail protectors are also available.
Step 7: You can practice trailer trips with your horse.
If your horse isn't used to riding in a trailer, it's a good idea to practice shorter trips.This will help your horse get used to the space and will make it easier to load and unload.anxiety and stress are some of the major concerns when transporting a horse.You can help alleviate stress by introducing your horse to the trailer.If possible, you should train your horse to load and unload on your own trailer as well as other types of trailers.It will make your trips more enjoyable.
Step 8: It is a good idea to flavor your horse's water.
Sometimes horses don't drink water with a different taste or smell.You might not be able to pack enough water from your home sources if you are travelling a long distance.You can use flavoured water to make sure that your horse stays hydrated.They want to get used to the new taste of the water before they travel.It's possible to use flavors like molasses, carrot shreds, or peppermint.You can make a tea by stirring a few sweet feed into the water and letting it soak for a while before straining it out.Try different flavors until you find one that your horse will love.Don't flavor with juices that are high in sugar.
Step 9: The necessary precautions need to be taken.
A strong cough is a symptom of shipping fever, a term used to describe a respiratory disease.Long distance travel among horses that are stressed can cause shipping fever.Try to travel with multiple horses to reduce your horse's chance of developing shipping mania.If you only need to transport one horse, you should always bring another horse with you.It's important to make sure your horse has enough room.It will be possible to clear particulate matter from the respiratory tract.Before you travel, make sure your horse is well cared for.Long travel will make the illness worse if your horse is sick.Before you travel, take your horse's temperature.Your horse's rectal temperature should be between 98 and 38 degrees Celsius.Make sure that the trailer is wellventilated and that your horse is fed and hydrated.Before you travel to help your horse's immune system, make sure to give them a commercial booster.It's a good idea to consult with your vet before administering anything to your horse as they may be able to recommend a more effective vaccine or product.
Step 10: Take a break every 2 to 3 hours.
Long trailer rides can be hard on the horse.It is important that you take frequent breaks.Your horse is trying to balance while you are driving.Your horse can rest if you take a break from driving.It's a good idea to park the trailer in the shade and open the windows during the break.It is a good idea to cool down your horse during breaks because the trailer can be quite warm.Provide the horse with water and food.The horse should not be unloaded during a stop.It may be difficult to re-load the horse if you are not familiar with the area.At each stop, check your trailer hitch, brake lights, and other safety points.Rest stops can last up to 60 minutes.
Step 11: At each stop, check your horse's vital signs.
The health of your horse should be monitored throughout the journey.During a rest break, at least twice a day, check your horse's temperature and pulse.Respiratory rate is normal at 8-20 breaths/min.You should check their hydration by looking at their gums, completing a tent test, and squeezing their skin on their neck or shoulders.It should bounce back to normal.The horse is likely dehydrated if it stays raised.The horse may be showing signs of abdominal pain by pawing, looking at their sides, trying to lay down in the trailer, or not eating.If any of these signs are present, consult a vet.Your horse should be taking even breaths at a normal rate, they should not be fast and shallow or slow.If any of these signs are present, consult a vet.
Step 12: Feed your horse.
Hay is required for transportation of your horse.Each horse needs a hay bag.If your horse is a fast eater, you can use a slow feeder bag.Your horse is used to eating hay at home.It is important to pack enough hay to last the entire trip as well as one to two weeks once you reach the destination because travelling can be hard on your horse.Hay should be given to a horse during travel.This can help reduce the amount of dust in the air.To save time during rest stops, pre-load a number of hay bags.You can easily replace the bag by doing this.
Step 13: Provide water for your horse.
While the vehicle is moving, it may be difficult to provide water to your horse.You should always give your horse water at rest stops.You should always offer water at rest stops, even if they don't drink water immediately.Your horse needs to be hydrated during transportation.Some horses will refuse to drink water that is not their home water source.Bring a tank of water from home so that your horse can drink from it.If you don't have a large supply of water at home, you can feed your horse water.Before you leave, make sure your horse is used to drinking water that tastes different.
Step 14: Drive cautiously.
You need to be extra cautious when driving a horse trailer.The horse is trying to balance on it's back.You should gradually increase and decrease your speed, navigate corners slowly and carefully, and be aware that your vehicle is heavier than normal.The horse could be thrown off balance if quick movements were used.You can get used to the size of the vehicle by driving the trailer around empty.
Step 15: If traveling overnight, arrange boarding.
Your horse should not be trailered for more than 12 hours in a day.You will need to stable the horse overnight if your trip is going to take more than 12 hours.They should be out of the vehicle for at least 8 hours to rest.This time is important for rehydration and will allow them to clear out their respiratory system, which will help to reduce the chances of shipping fever.You can find a location where you can stable your horse by planning your route.You can rent a stable on many farms.
Step 16: Map out equine hospitals along the route.
It's a good idea to do this ahead of time in case of an emergency.It will be comforting to know where the referral hospitals are located and to have contact information for them.If something goes wrong, you will be able to consult with a vet.
Step 17: Allow your horse to recover.
It is important to set aside two to three days for recovery after a long trailer ride with your horse.Some horses, even healthy ones, may develop shipping fever after arriving at their destination.Your horse should have a few days of rest.If you are transporting your horse over a long distance to take part in a trail ride, you will want to arrive a few days before the ride to allow the horse a chance to recover from the travel.If your horse is expected to engage in a performance based activity, you should give them more time to recover.Arrive five to six days before the competition to give them enough time to recover.
Step 18: The horse must be monitored upon arrival.
When you arrive at your destination, you should check your horse's temperature, make sure it is drinking water, and passing normal urine and manure.If the horse is showing signs of illness, contact the vet.Upon arrival, walk the horse around a small area.The horse can stretch its legs with this.