How to Care For Horses When Traveling

The requirements for horses when traveling areFood and water are not required on short
similar to those of a horse in a loose box / stable.journeys although the availability of hay can calm
He should be warm in the winter and kept fromnervous horses. On long journeys water should be
being too hot in the warmer months. Have aoffered regularly and hay available.
plentiful supply of fresh air without a drought, aClothing for the horse should be chosen with
non slip surface / footing and the least amount ofconsideration, temperature on the day of
noise / disturbance as can be maintained. Manytraveling, traveling alone or with company, type of
horses adapt well to traveling and will travel well ifhorse, type of vehicle and length of journey will all
given the space and are driven with care andaffect the types of clothing chosen for the horse.
consideration along with the suspension of theEssential items for every horse when traveling
transporter being good. Many horses sweat wheninclude head collar and clip on lead rope, bandages
traveling so common sense will tell the handlerand leg pads or travel boots, tail bandage or tail
what rug would be the most suitable for theguard, sweat rugs / summer sheet / or other
journey that is to be undertaken.day rugs (dependent on the temperature). A
On long journeys regular checks should be donesweat rug is the most effective on longer
to ensure that the horse(s) stay comfortable andjourneys for regulating the horses temperature
content throughout their journey. It is importantshould he sweat. All rugs should be secured with a
to remember that the more horses traveling inroller if they do not have cross over surcingle
the horsebox, the higher the temperature will be.straps.
Temperature can be regulated in trailers with theThe most important thing to remember is
opening / closing of the back doors of the trailercommon sense, safety and the welfare of the
(they should not be left open when onhorse.
motorways, extreme cold or in heavy traffic).