Tips to Prepare Your Horse for Long Distance Travel
by Racing Factors analystTransporting a horse, whether dragging it around town or
on a long-distance trip with a commercial carrier, requires careful planning
and consideration to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of your equine
companion. From selecting the right transportation company to preparing your
horse for travel, there are numerous factors to consider. In this article, we
will explore some crucial points to keep in mind when shipping your horse,
whether it's a local excursion or a cross-country adventure.
Make sure your horse is healthy:
Before a long trip, have a veterinarian evaluate your
horse's health to ensure it is prepared for the trip and to provide all
documentation necessary to cross state lines. According to the Kentucky Horse
Council, you will need proof that your horse has received the proper testing
and vaccinations and meets the health requirements of the state you are
traveling to. At the very least, each state necessitates a recent negative
Coggins test and a veterinary inspection certificate or health certificate
obtained within 30 days prior to the travel date.
Box Stalls Are the Safest Option:
If you only have a simple stall in which you transport
your horse, you should consider switching to a box stall to limit the stress on
your horses when traveling. A single standing position is barely wider than the
width of the horse and, in short, is very similar to a bumpy ride in the middle
seat when traveling in economy class. It's not fun. A stable allows your horse
to travel safely without being tied. In a box, your horse will be able to move
his head freely and even lie down if he has been standing for too long.
Weigh your horse:
It is normal for horses to experience some weight loss
during travel, especially over long distances. Research has shown that horses
can lose up to 5% of their body weight when traveling more than 12 hours, even
in cold conditions. Most healthy horses will regain that weight within three to
seven days after shipping. Weighing your horse before travel and upon arrival
can help you determine how many days he will need to recover after a long ride.
Plan Ahead:
Calculate your transportation needs in advance. Be
realistic about your driving skills if you are traveling a long distance and
plan layovers accordingly. This allows you to secure dates and ensures that the
transport company has enough time to prepare your horse's trip.
Communication is key"
Stay in contact with the commercial carrier during your
horses' trips so that someone can be available to assist with loading for the
trip and unloading at the destination if you are not available to do so. If you
are shipping your own animals, establish contact with the stable at your destination
and a relationship with the local veterinarian. Discuss any drastic changes to
the horses' diet that may occur once they have arrived.
Check Legal Requirements:
Get acquainted with any legal obligations or rules
concerning the transportation of horses in your locality or when crossing state
borders. Make sure your horse has all the necessary health certificates,
permits and documentation to facilitate a smooth journey, without delays or
complications. Most states require the carrier to have a current Negative
Coggins test accompanying the horse within their state of residence. When
crossing state borders, it is often necessary to have a current health
certificate drawn up by your veterinarian, in addition to the negative Coggins
test. Be sure to check your route for agricultural checkpoints. Fines for
incomplete documentation can be high, find out before you travel!
Make regular rest stops:
Rest stops are an important part of any road trip. The
Kentucky Horse Council recommends that parking brakes occur every four hours
and last at least 20 minutes, preferably in a shaded location with the windows
open to increase airflow in the trailer. It is not recommended to unload horses
from the trailer, as many will be frightened by road noises in an unfamiliar
environment.
During extended journeys, it's advisable to unload horses
after 12 hours of travel and provide them with a minimum of eight hours in a
stable to rehydrate and clear their respiratory tract.
Keep your horse hydrated:
To stay hydrated during their journey, horses should be
offered water every three to six hours. The Kentucky Horse Council suggests
bringing your horse's own water when traveling, as some horses may not drink
unfamiliar water. If you can't bring enough, try getting your horse used to
flavored water before the trip by adding Kool-Aid or Gatorade.
Be Aware of Shipping Fever:
Shipping fever is another reason why it is recommended to
switch from a fixed position to a cashier position. Shipping fever is a term
for any viral or bacterial respiratory infection that your horse may contract
while traveling that causes a bad cough. Sometimes this cough can last up to
four weeks after travel. The best way to avoid this is to make sure your horse
can drop his head in the stall. A box stall is large enough that your horse can
move his head without any problem. Another way to prevent shipping fever is to
ship your horse with a second horse. Shipping fever is brought on by stress and
allowing your horse to have a friend can make him feel more relaxed.
As you get more comfortable traveling with your horse,
these tips and tricks will become like second nature to you. For more
information, please visit Racing Factors we will be happy to help you.
We provide you the best racecards
and horse racing news
and tips…
Source: https://justpaste.it/cmf6a
Sponsor Ads
Created on May 17th 2024 01:14. Viewed 39 times.