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.
