Horse Transporting

Traveling Equipment

It is most important that your horse adequate protection while traveling so he could not easily damage himself. Extra protection as over reach boots and a poll guard are also a good idea. A tail bandage with a tail guard over the top protects a horse’s dock and tail hair. A horse needs time to become accustomed to new equipment. Hock boots will protect the joints from friction or a blow but at first upset a sensitive horse causing him to kick out. This is bad. Traveling bandages protect the lower leg in coronary band. In the event of a horse falling during loading or traveling, it is likely the knees would be badly injured. It is therefore essential that they be adequately protected with well-designed knee boots.

Traveling Routes

Choose the smoothest route avoiding roads that twist and turn as well as places where there might be traffic hold ups. Horses do not like traffic. Always carry a cell phone in case of emergency breakdowns. Horses are naturally inclined to dislike unnatural transport, so try and keep all trips to a minimum.

Upon Arrival…

Upon arrival, park somewhere in the shade and out of the wind if it is cold. Check your horse to make sure he is in good condition, and give him some water. God knows he will be thirsty. Walk your horse around to stretch his legs. Once he has been walked, it is acceptable to tie him to the trailer. Just don’t leave him unattended, because someone might steal your horse. However, it is unacceptable to tie your horse to an unhitched trailer. He could easily pull it over and on top of himself. Don’t allow him to graze in strange fields. You never know what infectious disease he may contract.