Travelling horses: how to have a safe, stress
Travelling goes hand in hand with owning horses, but a bad journey can have dire consequences. Here are 14 ways to make transporting your horse as stress-free as possible for both of you…
It’s important that your horse is used to all the kit he might be wearing while travelling. If you dress him up for the first time moments before you take him to his first show, he may object to the new sensation of long travel boots or an unfamiliar tail guard. This will add to stress levels, so try bits on gradually in the days leading to his first outing:
Just as when you are driving just your car, you need to make sure your lorry or trailer is kitted out with all the essentials.
Are you on the search for a new travel rug for your horse? Check out this selection of the best
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Take the time to pack everything you needOn long journeys of more than three hours, pull over and untie the horseUse appropriate protective travel boots or bandagesAvoid over-clothing your horseKeep your horse’s management as normal as possibleTake out emergency rescue coverMake sure your horse’s passport is on boardEnsure that you carry extra hay and waterWork out where veterinary practices are along your routeConsider leaving earlier and stabling overnightAllow plenty of time to load and don’t rushPlan frequent rest breaks to offer water and hay from the groundAllow adequate ventilationAlways use a well-fitting headcollarTravel rugsHeadcollar and lead-ropeTravel bootsTail protectionWater carrier and bucketHaynet, plus spare hay or haylage if requiredHorse’s passportEquine first-aid kit