08.09.08
Tips for Shipping your Horse
[NOTE: This info is provided by a third party, and unverified... there are good thoughts here. My own comments are added in italics.]
So, you’re moving across the country and you know you can handle it. Of course you can. Your family is ready for a new beginning, your belongings are in the trucks, and you’ve got your precious, loving horse with you. There’s only one problem, this is your first time taking him for such a long drive.
Before you just stick your horse in the trailer and drive on to your destination, there is a lot to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you transport your horse safely:
Preparing your horse for trailering
First, don’t just assume that your horse is healthy enough to endure the stress of long distance travel. You should verify your horse’s health with a veterinarian. Bring enough water, or know where to stop for water, so that your horse can drink about one gallon per one hundred pounds of body weight per day. Carry enough feed for him throughout the trip, but remember - DO NOT give him any grain or rich feed prior to the move since this may cause problems in the stabilization of the large intestine.
[I wouldn't give a horse any grain at all while transporting, only non-dusty hay...]
Don’t forget to practice loading and unloading your horse into a trailer as well, as this will help in case of an emergency. While teaching your horse, do not force your horse to get in and out of the trailer; instead, try to get your horse to do so on command. You might want to lower and lead them up the ramp, and then simply command them to “walk”. Also, check your horse’s shoes and make sure you have the correct bandaging for their hooves. Many horses use shipping boots, but if your horse has never used these, you might want to get your horse accustomed to them before trying them for the first time on a long trip.
[I will add, quick-release trailer ties are a good idea, and I think strong springy ties are nice that have a little give to them. Myself I use bicycle tire inner tubes to fasten my trailer ties to. Keep the ties short. Also, be really careful to secure your hay net(s) up high, with an extra fastener so that as the horse empties it, the net will not drop down to below his chest. He could get a foot caught up in it and might panic.]
Checking the horse trailer for safety
You should always ensure that the trailer is safe. All of the above preparation will be a waste of time if you have a defective horse trailer. Inspect the tires, brakes, floorboards, doors, locks, and hitch for proper functionality. Make sure the vents allow for sufficient airflow and that the temperature will be comfortable.
[Plenty of ventilation is extremely important. A light-colored interior with good head room is more inviting for the horse to load into. Dividers between horses should NOT go all the way to the floor, those often make it hard for the horse to keep his balance and he might scramble. They like to travel with their legs spread apart to the sides, it seems to help them balance. If you have a stock trailer with a box, a single horse can be trailered untied in it, or even multiple horses if they are used to that and are good friends. Use secure leg wraps.]
Choosing a carrier for horses
If you are not transporting the 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. Make sure the driver has a live animal transport license and insurance that will adequately cover the loss, injury, or death of your horse during transport.
Following these tips for transporting your horse will not only help ease your mind; it will make your trip with your horse safer and more enjoyable, as well. We love our horses and we want them to arrive safely at their destination. So, the next time you need to transport your horse, remember these guidelines and ensure a smooth trip.
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Written by Christine Nguyen of uShip.com, an auction-style marketplace for Horse Transport.
