How to Prepare Horse for Travel on a Horse Float
Preparing a horse for travelling in horse floats can be challenging. It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure the horse's safety and comfort.
Proper preparation is vital to ensuring a successful journey, whether it is a short journey to a local event or a long-distance trip. Here are some ways on how to prepare a horse for travel on a horse float.
Familiarise the Horse With the Float Before Travelling
Horse owners can start preparing their horses for travel by letting them become familiar with the horse float. Park the float in a quiet area and allow the horse to explore it at its own pace. Keep the windows and doors open to make the space more inviting for the horse. This also helps make it easier for the equestrian companions.
Use Positive Reinforcement to Encourage the Horse
Handlers can use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage their equine companion to approach and enter the float. They can reward the horse with treats, praise, and gentle petting whenever they make a move towards the horse float.
Loading Practice
It is also essential to practise loading and unloading the horse multiple times. Handlers can start with a short, calm session with the horse before driving and travelling on the road. This helps the horse become more familiar with the loading and unloading process, reducing a horse's stress on the actual travel day.
Prepare the Horse Float Before Travelling
Before travelling, it is vital to carry out a complete safety check on the horse float. This helps ensure a safe and comfortable journey for the horse.
One key area to focus on is whether the servicing is up to date and double-checking oil and water levels. Moreover, it is beneficial to carry out an electrical check to ensure that the lights, blinkers, and brakes are functional.
It is also crucial to check if the tyre has the correct pressure to ensure safe towing when travelling in a horse float. Because of the strain of bearing heavy loads, the float must be fitted with light truck tyres.
Carry Out General Health Check For the Horse Before Travelling
Handlers must ensure that the horse is in good health before travelling. Schedule a veterinary check-up for the horse if needed. Handlers must also ensure that vaccinations are updated and the horse does not have any illness or injuries that can be worsened by travelling from one place to another in a horse float.
Groom the Horse Before Travelling
Grooming the horse thoroughly before travelling can be beneficial. When grooming, it is helpful to pay special attention to cleaning their hooves to remove any debris that could be uncomfortable during the journey.
Consider Using Protective Gear for the Horse When Travelling
Handlers can consider using protective gear like travel boots, bandages, and a tail guard to protect the horse from injury when travelling in a horse float. Tail bandages can be a great investment for horses that need to travel frequently. They are useful if the horse tends to push up against the tailgates in the float, which leads to sores and loss of tail hair.
Using a head bumper can also protect the horse's head from bumps and jolts that may be encountered while on the road.
Feed the Horse a Light Meal Before Travelling
Handlers can feed their horse with a light meal 3 to 4 hours before travelling. Avoid heavy meals before travel time to prevent digestive issues while on the road. It is also crucial to ensure that the horse has access to water until it is time to load them in a straight load horse float or other types of floats.
Provide Hay During the Journey
Handlers must provide hay during the journey to keep the horse calm and occupied. Before travelling, handlers must ensure that the hay is free from dust and mould. Moreover, horses must not have grain during travel as this may lead to colic due to reduced movement.
Keep the Horse Hydrated
It is vital to keep the horse hydrated while travelling in a horse float. Horse owners and handlers can offer water at regular intervals during the journey, especially if the travel time is long. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues for the horses.
Lead the Horse Confidently in the Horse Float
Handlers must be able to lead the horse confidently into the float with a calm and reassuring voice. This helps the horse become more comfortable with the horse's travel.
Moreover, the handler must walk straight into the float without hesitation. This confidence can encourage the horse to follow and become familiar with the horse float.
Properly Secure the Horse With a Halter and Lead Rope
Once the horse is inside the float, it is important to secure them with a horse and lead rope. Ensure that the tie is not too tight for the horse and allows some movement to balance on the float floor while on the road. Moreover, handlers can opt to use quick-release knots or clips to ensure safety.
Avoid Any Sudden Stops or Sharp Turns During Travel
It is vital to drive smoothly and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns when transporting the horse in the float. Accelerate and decelerate gradually to ensure a smooth ride for the horse. Horses tend to balance themselves by spreading their weight. Any abrupt movements can lead them to lose their balance and become stressed while travelling.
Ensure Proper Ventilation in the Horse Float
It is crucial to ensure that the float is well-ventilated to keep the horse comfortable while on the road. Open windows and vents, which allow fresh air to circulate in the float. Avoid direct drafts that can cause discomfort for the horse.
Check The Horse For Any Signs of Stress or Injury Upon Arrival
Once they arrive at their destination, handlers must check their horses for signs of stress or injury. It is vital to ensure that the horse is not overheated and dehydrated. Offer water to the horse and allow it to rest and become familiar with its new surroundings.
Moreover, handlers must also gradually reintroduce the horse to their regular feeding schedule. Provide a light meal upon arrival and ensure that there is access to fresh water.
Ensure Safe Transit For Your Horse Today With the Help of EuroFloat
Preparing a horse for travelling on a horse float requires careful attention to detail to ensure the horse's well-being and comfort. The horse's overall well-being while travelling is paramount, so handlers need to take the time and ensure that every aspect of preparation is handled carefully.
If you are looking for the best horse float, EuroFloat is a reputable supplier of a wide range of horse floats in Australia. Learn more about our products, which are based on advanced European-influenced designs that fit the rugged Australian environment, through our official website. With over 20 years of experience with importation, distribution, and sales, we can proficiently deliver your float and accommodate after-sales queries and support.
References:
https://www.petcovergroup.com/au/safety-tips-for-floating-your-horse/
