Safe and Stress-Free Tips for Preparing Your Horse for a Long Haul
Horses, like humans, require special attention during long-distance travel to maintain their comfort and well-being. Whether you're travelling to a competition, relocating, or simply taking your horse to a new pasture, proper preparation is important to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.
Here are some guides on how to prepare your horses for a long haul.
10 Tips for Preparing Your Horse for a Long Haul
1. Pre-Travel Health Check
Before setting out on a long haul, it's important to ensure your horse is in good health. Schedule a veterinary check-up to confirm that your horse is fit to travel. The vet will assess your horse's overall health, check for any underlying issues, and ensure vaccinations are up to date. This is also the time to discuss any specific concerns you might have regarding your horse's ability to handle the trip.
2. Familiarize Your Horse to the Float
Horses can be naturally apprehensive about entering a float. Gradually acclimating your horse to the float can reduce anxiety and stress during travel. Start by feeding your horse near the float, then move to feed them inside it. Allow them to explore the float at their own pace and practice loading and unloading several times before the actual trip. Positive reinforcement, like treats and gentle encouragement, can help build a positive association with the float.
Also, make sure the horse is used to wearing shipping tools or leg wraps before you start horse hauling, as some horses may stomp or kick when first fitted with them. Shipping boots and leg wraps provide extra protection for a horse's legs during transportation. When using shipping boots, ensure they are securely fastened and snugly wrapped to prevent slipping. Loose boots can increase the risk of the horse slipping and falling inside the trailer.
3. Comfortable and Safe Environment
The most important decision in choosing a float is the animal's comfort and safety. A horse that feels at ease is less likely to develop bad trailering habits. For a long journey, a gooseneck float and straight-load horse float are ideal due to their stability and comfort.
Moreover, make sure the floor of the horse float is sturdy and covered with non-slip mats to prevent injuries. Proper ventilation is crucial to keep the air fresh and cool, particularly on a long travel.
Ensure that windows or vents are open enough for adequate airflow but not so open that dust can enter. While bedding is not necessary, it can be a great help in absorbing urine and manure and keeping the float clean and comfortable during the trip.
4. Emergency Preparedness
Prepare for emergencies by carrying a first-aid kit tailored for horses. Include items like bandages, antiseptic ointments, Banamine paste, duct tape, extra halters, and lead ropes. Have your vet's contact information handy along your route.
Familiarize yourself with emergency protocols and have a plan for unexpected situations, such as vehicle breakdowns or health issues with your horse.
5. Plan Your Route
Always check the weather conditions for your entire route before departing. Weather conditions can significantly impact your horse's comfort and safety during transport. If severe weather is expected, consider delaying your trip until conditions improve.
Additionally, alternative routes should be identified in case of road closures or hazardous conditions. Avoid roads that are prone to flooding or strong winds. Inform someone of your planned route and expected arrival time.
6. Proper Hydration and Nutrition
Keeping your horse hydrated is vital during long hauls. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues. Offer water at regular intervals and consider providing electrolytes to maintain hydration levels.
If your horse is not used to drinking water away from home, bringing water from home can encourage them to drink. As for nutrition, feed your horse hay during stops to keep their digestive system functioning normally. Avoid grain during travel as it can cause digestive upset.
7. Rest and Breaks
Plan for regular rest stops during the journey so that both you and your horse may have a rest period. Just as horse owners need to stretch and take care of basic needs on a long-haul flight, horses also require rest, movement, and stretching to prevent stiffness and circulation issues.
A general rule of thumb is to stop every three to four hours for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Use these breaks to check your horse's condition, offer water, and allow them to relax.
Although some horses may not drink while travelling, it's still important to offer water, as even a few sips can help prevent colic or impaction during the trip.
8. Know Your Horse's Travel Behaviour
Understanding your horse's behaviour during travel is essential. Some horses may become anxious or exhibit unusual behaviour while on the road.
Monitor your horse closely for signs of distress, such as excessive sweating, restlessness, or refusal to eat or drink. Promptly address any concerns to ensure your horse stays comfortable throughout the trip.
9. Documentation and Legal Requirements
Make sure you have all the required travel documents, such as health certificates, Coggins test results, and any permits needed for interstate travel.
Store these documents securely and in an easily accessible place. Being prepared with the correct paperwork can prevent delays and legal issues during your haul.
10. Post-Travel Care
Upon arrival, give your horse time to adapt to their new environment. Offer water and light feed and allow them to rest. Monitor them closely for signs of stress or illness in the days following the journey. This includes checking for changes in eating habits, behaviour, or any physical signs of distress.
Make Your Horse Hauling Stress-Free Today With EuroFloat
Proper preparation and practice for trailering your horse can prevent many issues during travel. A well-prepared journey not only reduces stress but also helps maintain your horse's health and well-being during and after the trip.
If you are looking for the best horse float to ensure your horse's health, comfort, and safety during a long haul, EuroFloat offers high-quality and affordable horse floats.
With over 20 years of experience with importation, distribution, and sales, EuroFloat is a reputable supplier of a wide range of horse floats in Australia. Visit our website to learn more about safe and stress-free horse float travels during a long haul.
Read more:
Benefits of Using Straight-Load Horse Float
Sources:
https://eurofloat.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-horse-for-travel-on-a-horse-float
