How to Safely Haul Horses During Bad Weather or Terrains
Transporting horses is often referred to as hauling and can be challenging under the best conditions, but it becomes significantly more complex and riskier, especially when faced with bad weather or challenging terrains. Horses are large, sensitive animals, and their safety during transport is paramount to prevent injury and stress.
Hauling horses is a critical aspect of equine management. It requires meticulous planning and consideration. This guide will walk you through the essential horse tips on how to safely haul horses during adverse weather conditions.
How to Ensure Safely Haul Horses During Bad Weather
Prepare Your Horse Float
When hauling horses during bad weather, choosing the right horse float is crucial for their safety and well-being. There are many variations of horse floats to choose from, such as straight load, angle load, gooseneck, and living quarters. Gooseneck Horse Float provides superior stability during bad weather conditions and has a higher weight-carrying capacity. Gooseneck floats also often include additional features, such as living quarters, for extended trips.
Moreover, make sure to thoroughly inspect your trailer before embarking on any journey. Check the tire for proper inflation and wear, inspect the brakes and lights, and ensure that all doors and latches are secure. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Safety Gear
Equip the horse floats with non-slip flooring and appropriate mats to provide a secure footing for the horses. Also, horses generate a lot of body heat, and a poorly ventilated horse float can quickly become uncomfortable, especially in cold weather.
Ensure the horse float's interior is well-ventilated and adequately shielded from rain and wind. During winter, consider adding blankets or coolers to keep horses warm.
Emergency Kit
Always carry an emergency kit that includes basic first-aid supplies for horses and owners, a flashlight, and tools for minor repairs. Also, include a fire extinguisher and a spare tire for the horse float.
How to Load and Secure Your Horses Properly
Loading Techniques
Before loading a horse, ensure it is wearing a well-fitting halter that won't slip off or break. Guide the horse toward the trailering and encourage it to enter calmly. Use calm and confident handling techniques to reduce stress. Never wrap the lead line around your hand, as this could cause injury if the horse spooks.
Once the horse is inside the floats and standing securely, fasten it with a quick-release horse float tie or a slip knot using the lead line. Ensure that the horse has enough room to balance and move slightly but not so much that it can turn around or become tangled. Quick release is essential in emergency situations.
Provide Comfort
Provide adequate bedding, such as straw or shavings, to help absorb moisture and provide cushioning. Make sure your horses have access to water and hay during the trip to keep them hydrated and calm. Keep in mind that some horses may refuse to drink water with an unfamiliar taste or smell. It can be helpful to bring or send a supply of your own water with your horse. Alternatively, using flavoured water can encourage your horse to stay hydrated.
How to Handle Terrain in Your Way
Assess Terrain Beforehand
Assess the route before travelling horses through rough or uneven terrain. Look for potential hazards such as deep ruts, steep inclines, or loose gravel. If possible, choose a route with more stable and less treacherous ground.
Drive Cautiously on Hills
Drive with caution when travelling inclines or declines. On steep inclines, use a lower gear to maintain control and prevent the horse float from rolling back. On declines, use engine braking to help slow down gradually.
Avoid Muddy Areas
Mud can significantly reduce traction and increase the risk of getting stuck. If you encounter mud, look for a safer route or wait until conditions improve. If you need to drive through muddy areas, do so slowly and steadily.
How to Unload Your Horses
Before unloading your horse, ensure the area is safe and away from roadways and traffic. Park the horse float on a level surface where the horse can be unloaded onto secure footing, such as grass or gravel. It is not recommended to unload horses on pavement, as horses are prone to slipping on asphalt.
Even well-trained horses may spook when arriving at a new location. Open the horse float doors slowly to let the horse adjust to the outside conditions. As with loading, practice helps with unloading. Ensure your horse can back out of the horse float calmly, and keep a firm hold on the lead line. Avoid wrapping the lead rope around your hand, as this can lead to injury if the horse suddenly pulls back or turns.
Upon arriving at your destination, allow your horses sufficient time to recover from the trip. A 24-hour rest period is essential for your horse to get back into performing shape.
Prepare Your Horse for a Long Haul with the Help of Eurofloat
The well-being of your horses is the top priority, and taking the extra time to prepare and respond to changing conditions can make all the difference to a safe and successful journey.
If you are looking for the best horse trailer to ensure your horse's safety during the haul, EuroFloat offers high-quality and affordable horse floats designed for your horse's protection and comfort. With over 20 years of experience, EuroFloat is a reputable supplier of a wide range of horse floats in Australia. Visit our website to learn more about how to safely travel your horses during adverse weather conditions.
Read more:
Sources:
https://esc.rutgers.edu/fact_sheet/horse-trailer-maintenance-and-trailering-safety-2/
https://eurofloat.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-horse-for-travel-on-a-horse-float
https://extension.psu.edu/safe-horse-handling
