Whether you’re competing, trail riding or simply moving to a new yard or stable, you’re likely to travel with your horse at some point! This can be a lot of fun, and the start of a brand new adventure for you and your equine friend. It can also be quite stressful for both parties, especially if your horse isn’t an experienced traveller. At The Insurance Emporium, we want you and your pony to enjoy all your adventures together. That’s why we’ve put together our 5 tips for travelling with your horse trailer!
Choose Your Vehicle
A great first step in transporting your horse is to make sure you’ve got the right vehicle for the job! You’ll want to ensure your horse trailer’s maximum allowed mass does not exceed your car’s nose weight limit. It could be a good idea to check with your vehicle’s manufacturer if you’re unsure of your car’s nose weight. If you’re hiring a horse trailer and you’re unsure whether your car is suitable, ask the rental company beforehand! Using an appropriate vehicle could also help you to drive more smoothly, making the journey more comfortable for your horse.
Preparation
Preparing your trailer before you load your horse can also lead to a more pleasant trip for your equine friend. Make sure your trailer is well ventilated, as your horse could get quite warm in the confined space, especially in warmer weather. A haynet could help to keep your horse occupied while travelling, and should make the trailer ride a little easier. Make sure you have some water available too, in case you and your pony need to take a break.
Take Your Time
The most stressful part of travelling for horses is usually loading into and unloading from the trailer. It’s important not to rush this step, so leave plenty of time to load your horse before you’re due to set off. When you’re loading them, stay calm, be patient and don’t rush. Losing your temper at this stage could prove even more stressful for your pony, and lead to a very unpleasant experience. If your horse is young or an inexperienced traveller, try practising loading and unloading before the event. This should make your equine friend more comfortable when entering the trailer on the day!
Keep the Routine
It’s usually best practice to try and keep your horse’s routine as similar as you can while traveling. You shouldn’t change their hay or their diet leading up to the journey, as this could be stressful for your equine friend. Changes in hay and grain, as well as dehydration, can all increase the risk of colic, so staying close to their routine could help to prevent illness. Plan for rest stops on longer journeys to provide them with water, helping to keep your horse hydrated when travelling for long periods of time.
Protective Clothing
Your horse could be prone to injury in the trailer, especially if they’re not used to travelling. There’s a wide range of protective gear available to help you prevent this. Bandages or boots can be used to protect your horse’s legs, helping to prevent damage from kicks or from them becoming trapped. Don’t over-clothe them, as it’s better for your horse to be too warm than too cold!
Whether you’re transporting your horse in a trailer for the first time or you’re regularly taking your equine friend out on adventures, we hope these tips have helped! If you are planning on transporting your horse, you might want to think about insuring your horse trailer. At The Insurance Emporium, our Pick ‘n’ Mix Horse Trailer Insurance includes Fire & Theft cover as a Standard Benefit, with a range of Optional Benefits allowing you to tailor your insurance to suit you.
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