It is important to remember the “dos and don’ts of horse trailering” to ensure that your and your horse are happy after a haul.
* Do remember that your horse will need food and water while transporting * The best food for your animal in transit is hay. Hay in the gut can help retain a healthy amount of water. Grain can cause a horse to have problems with its digestion after the stress of being transported. * Don’t plan on traveling more than four hours without stopping * Your horse will need a chance to walk around and get a bit of exercise during the trip. * Horses will not urinate while being transported in a moving trailer. They will wait until they are no longer in motion. Failure to stop can cause kidney trouble. * It is easy to remember when to stop, just stop longer when you get fuel and spend that extra time on your horse. * Do make sure you have any emergency items you might need * A first aid kit that will meet the needs of both you and your horse * Items to include: digital thermometer, zinc oxide cream, bandages (self-stick as well as gauze in strips and pads), salts, antiseptic cream, scissors and wire cutters, an equine first-aid book, extra ties) * Don’t assume that since you trailer your horse regularly that you won’t need a first-aid kit, you never know what might happen. * Do check on the physical condition of the horse before, during and after transit * Don’t plan on strenuously exercising a horse after a long haul. He will need a chance to recover from the stress. * Do use gear that will aid in the comfort of your animal * Use trailering boots, head bumpers, tail wraps, travel halters * Don’t leave a trailer standing still for long periods in hot weather, heat will build up and cause heat related illness to a horse. * Do take any post-travel illnesses and fevers seriously; they may indicate severe problems with your horse’s health.Remembering the basics of the horse trailering dos and don'ts will make your trip a comfortalbe one.
