Top Horse Travel Tips and Advice for Travelling With Your Horse
Here in Australia, taking your horse most places requires some travel so some handy horse travel tips will come in – well – handy!
Travelling with your horse can be a challenging experience. Regardless of where you’re travelling to, or the reasons – heading to a show, a trail ride, or relocating – ensuring the safety and comfort of your horse is paramount.
We hope this article will provide you with some guidelines, dos and don’ts, and frequently asked questions to help you navigate what can be a stressful time both for you, and your horse.
Important ‘Do’ Horse Travel Tips for Travelling with Your Horse
Travelling safely with your horse requires preparation and planning ahead, especially if you’re going on a long trip. Here are some of the most important horse travel tips we’ve thought of –
Important Horse Travel Tips – Plan Ahead
Before you hit the road, research your destination and ensure that it can accommodate your horse’s needs. Consider factors like available facilities, quality of stable conditions, and proximity to veterinary services. Booking in advance will guarantee you a spot and avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Prepare your horse’s documentation and vaccinations in advance
Some states now have very strict regulations around moving horses in and out of particular areas. So – make sure you’re fully acquainted with any that may apply in your situation.
Also note that if you’re travelling interstate with your horse, there are restrictions on moving livestock, including horses, in and out of some states. Western Australia for example has very strict requirements for interstate livestock entry into that state.
Ensure Proper Identification
Accidents happen, and horses can get loose during travel. Make sure your horse is properly identified with a microchip, visible identification tags, and legible contact information. This will help ensure a swift reunion should your horse go astray.
Another Important Horse Travel Tips – Invest in a well-fitted, sturdy horse float with good ventilation
Obviously having a reliable horse float is a given but you’d be surprised by the condition of some horse floats getting around on our roads! It’s also surprising just how hot it can get inside a horse float, especially a fully enclosed one.
Therefore, a good horse float with plenty of ventilation will not only provide a secure and stable space for your horse to travel in, but also provide your horse with an adequate flow of fresh air. This minimises discomfort or respiratory issues during travel.
Practice loading and unloading your horse BEFORE the trip
Before hitting the road, it is highly recommended you practice loading and unloading your horse into the float unless he or she is already a seasoned traveller. The last thing you want is your horse refusing to load should you have to unload mid journey.
Familiarising your equine friend with this process will help alleviate any anxiety or stress they may experience during the actual journey. Patience, gentle encouragement, and positive reinforcement can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and successful loading and unloading experience.
VIP Horse Travel Tips – provide plenty of hay and water during the journey
During the journey, provide your horse with plenty of hay and water, particularly on a long trip. This ensures that they stay hydrated and have access to food throughout the trip.
Be sure to secure the hay in a manner that it is easily accessible to your horse without risking their safety or causing any hindrance during the journey.
Make frequent stops for rest and exercise on long float trips
Make frequent stops on long float trips to allow your horse to rest and exercise. Just like humans, horses need to stretch their legs and relieve any stiffness that may occur during a long journey.
By planning for short breaks in your trip schedule, you give your horse the opportunity to relax and move around, preventing any discomfort or muscle fatigue. This is also why your horse should be trained to load and unload easily!
Take breaks to monitor your horse’s condition and wellbeing
While on these breaks, take the time to monitor your horse’s condition and wellbeing. Make sure they are not exhibiting any signs of stress or illness. Observe their behaviour, and ensure that they are adequately hydrated. Closely monitor their temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and bowel movements. These can be indicators of potential health issues requiring immediate attention.
Your horse should also be able to get its head down during a long trip to allow for correct nasal drainage and help avoid pleuropneumonia (travel sickness). This is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Remember, horses are designed to have their heads down eating for around 20 hours out of every 24, which facilitates this drainage process naturally.
Plan for potential emergencies, such as flat tires or horse illnesses
Flat tyres, engine problems, or unforeseen horse illnesses can all throw a wrench in your travel plans so planning for potential emergencies is a must. You could blow a tyre at any time, so make sure the spare is in good condition and pumped up. Also check before you leave that your car jack and various other tools all fit the horse float. If they don’t, you’ll need to invest in ones that do.
Know the signs of stress and serious health problems associated with travel in horses, such as colitis and pleuropneumonia.
Another Important Horse Travel Tips – pack a first aid kit specifically designed for horses
Having a well-stocked horse first aid kit is essential for any travel situation. Pack emergency supplies, such as bandages, vet wrap, wound disinfectant, pain relievers, insect repellent, and necessary medications. Ensure you have contact information for local veterinarians along your route.
Important ‘Don’t’ Horse Travel Tips For Travelling With Your Horse
Avoiding some of the following mistakes when travelling with your horse will help ensure a safe trip for both you and your horse.
Horse Travel Tips – Don’t neglect comfort and safety
Make sure your horse is comfortable during transport by providing adequate ventilation, and appropriate temperature control in the horse float. Avoid having, or remove, loose objects that may cause injury and ensure your horse can maintain a proper balance while travelling.
Don’t rush the introductions
If you are travelling with other horses, make sure they are well acquainted before embarking on the journey. Arrange a few introductory sessions to help them establish a comfortable rapport and avoid unnecessary conflicts while on the road.
Important Towing Horse Travel Tip – Don’t overload the horse float or towing vehicle with excessive weight, compromising safety
Floats, towing vehicles, and tow hitches have load safety ratings for a reason… Ignoring these, and overloading either the float, or the towing vehicle, puts undue strain on the vehicle and the float, and compromises their ability to safely transport your horse. It also potentially endangers other road users. Be mindful of the weight limit recommended for your specific horse float and towing vehicle, and adhere to these.
Don’t use restrictive or ill-fitting headgear that may cause discomfort
Another aspect that is often overlooked when travelling with horses is the use of restrictive or ill-fitting headgear. Always make sure the headgear being used is properly fitted and comfortable for your horse. If it’s not, it can cause discomfort, irritate sensitive areas, and even lead to potential injuries during transportation.
Don’t rush the loading or unloading process, increasing the risk of accidents
Rushing the loading or unloading process is yet another practice that increases the risk of accidents. When we’re in a hurry, it’s easy to overlook important safety protocols and neglect proper handling techniques. Allow yourself plenty of time to take the time to calmly and patiently load and unload your horse. This reduces the chances of accidents or injuries occurring. Being in a rush can create a stressful environment for your horse, leading to unnecessary anxiety or panic.
Don’t leave your horse unattended for long periods during rest stops
Another mistake some horse owners make is leaving their horses unattended for long periods during rest stops. Horses are herd animals and thrive on social interaction. Leaving them unattended for extended periods can lead to increased stress levels and even potential accidents.
Don’t allow your horse’s hooves to become overly long, leading to discomfort
Overly long toes, and other hoof problems, will make floating uncomfortable, if not very painful, for your horse. Quite apart from the fact that regular hoof trimming and maintenance should be part of your horse’s normal healthcare routine…
Consider this horse travel tip – don’t make sudden or sharp driving manoeuvres that may upset your horse
Making sudden or sharp driving manoeuvres can unbalance your horse, causing it to fall in the float, a potentially disastrous situation. It also creates a stressful environment. Perhaps take a short ride in a horse float yourself one day and experience just how much being a good towing driver matters! Maintain a smooth and steady driving style to ensure the comfort and safety of your horse during the journey.
Horse Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling with Your Horse
How can I keep my horse calm while travelling?
Ensure a calm and quiet environment in and around the horse float. If necessary, obtain calming supplements or talk to your vet about possible solutions for a fussy traveller.
Is it safe to travel with a pregnant mare?
When travelling with a pregnant mare, safety should be your utmost priority. Consult with your veterinarian to assess the mare’s health and determine if they are fit for travel. It is generally recommended to avoid long-distance journeys during late pregnancy, especially within the last few weeks before foaling. However, if the mare is in good health and the trip is necessary, make sure to provide her with a spacious and well-bedded area in the trailer, minimizing any potential stress or discomfort.
What should I pack for a long-distance horse journey?
Packing for a long-distance horse journey requires careful consideration. Start with the essentials such as water and food, ensuring you have enough for the duration of the trip plus extra for unexpected delays. Don’t forget to pack hay* and a water bucket, as well as any supplements your horse may require. It is also important to have a first-aid kit, including items like bandages, antiseptic ointment, and wound dressings. Additionally, bring along necessary paperwork such as health certificates and identification documents.
* Acquaint yourself with the various laws around importing livestock feed and fodder before you start as you may need to arrange for a local supply once over a state border. Some states do prohibit the import of products like hay/chaff across their state border (i.e. Western Australia) and if you have some with you, you’ll be required to leave it at the quarantine station on the border.
How often should I stop during a long trip with my horse?
During a long trip with your horse, it is crucial to take regular breaks, and plan for overnight stops. Horses need periodic rest and opportunities to stretch their legs. As a general guideline, plan to stop every four to six hours, allowing your horse to graze, drink water, and relax. If it’s not safe to unload, even just parking up for an hour or so will let your horse relax and rest in the float.
Certainly, try to avoid travelling more than 12 hours straight with stopping.
Frequent breaks will help reduce stress and prevent muscle fatigue. Keep in mind that factors like weather conditions, the horse’s age, and overall fitness will also influence the frequency of breaks needed.
Should I feed my horse during travel?
It’s best to avoid feeding grain or large meals while travelling. Instead, provide them with a hay net so they have something to continually munch on keep their gastrointestinal tract functioning.
Key Takeaways And Horse Travel Tips About Travelling With Your Horse
Travelling, particularly long distances, with your horse requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. Planning ahead, ensuring proper identification, prioritising comfort and safety, using a good quality float, and being equipped with a first aid kit, are key.
