Traveling/Trailering Tips

We all love to show our horses off! Either you show, whether it’s breed or possibly WSCA or maybe you enjoy speed events like Barrels. There’s even mounted shooting events and rodeo! But to do those things you have to travel. Whether it’s 5 miles or 500 miles comfort is key, not only for you but for your horse as well! Here are a few travel tips to make your trailer rides safe and comfortable!

1. Always travel with copies and the original of your negative coggins test!

We all hate being pulled over, but if you have a trailer you will need to provide that proof to any police officer (not that I’ve experienced this!) Also many show grounds require this proof before they will even let you set foot in an arena! Another thing to remember is that each state has different requirements for what date should appear on a coggins test. Wisconsin for example requires the first of the year and Minnesota is a negative test within 12 months. Call your vet early in the year to make sure your coggins test will be good for your hauling season.

2. If you are traveling through several states bring a Health Certificate.

States like Montana and Illinois require a health certificate if you are showing, trail riding or staying in their state. Check out the internet for each states policy before you leave! Your vet can provide the exam and health certificate for traveling. Be sure to call and set an appointment.

3. PLAN AHEAD!

If you are traveling any distance make sure that you have a small medical kit to take care of any cuts or other injuries that could occur in the trailer. Have plenty of halters and lead ropes on hand. Enough tack for each horse along with any blankets, leg wraps or standing wraps. Also make sure that you have a supply of water on hand in case you get stuck. Last but not least bring enough food to keep your horse fed and happy on your trip! My vet says that if you are traveling over 8 hours that feeding and water breaks should happen between the 6 and 8 hour mark on your journey!

4. Know/Plan your route.

We live in the age of technology. I personally have a GPS that has gotten me out of many jams, but planning your route ahead is key! Having an idea of where you’re going not only gets you there faster but can give you a plan on where you would stop if there was an emergency or even if you needed a break.

5. Overnight accommodations.

Whether you’re hitting up more then one rodeo like Tammy Whyte, or you’re heading out west for a trail ride it’s important to have a place where you horse can get out stretch their legs and rest before the rest of your journey. In an earlier article on eHorseHotline.com Tammy Whyte wrote that having a place for your horse to rest was key in her rodeo success.

6. The overall health of your horse.

I’ve heard it said that a “sick horse leads to a sicker horse” when you reach your destination. Dr. Ed Millhouse suggests having your horse tubed with mineral oil and an immune stimulant 12-24 hours prior to loading your horse in the trailer. This can help your horse fight off anything that might be going around at the show you are attending. Also dust and particles from your shavings can lead to “shipping fever” from your trailer ride. Dr. Millhouse also suggests wetting down your bedding prior to shipping to help cut down on dust.

7. Shipping boots/Standing wraps

To boot up or not to boot up that is the question! I personally do not use shipping boots or standing wraps for short distances (up to 30 minutes travel). The trailer I use has dividers which separates my horses and cuts down on the chance of them hurting each other. If you have a stock trailer or an accident prone horse shipping boots can prevent any cuts or scrapes from happening on your horses legs. For long distances standing wraps can help with leg weariness. Bell boots can also protect your horse’s feet and coronary band from injury as well.

8. Tying your horse up during travel.

This is a comfort issue for you and your horse. A seasoned horse might have an easier time with travel if they are untied. This allows them to move their head and balance easier on the road. For longer trips if your horse is alone or with a few others taking down the dividers and allowing them to move or lie down can be helpful too. Check with your vet for suggestions.

9. Ventilation

Now your ready to load up and go! Horses tend to travel better when it’s cooler with some air flow. Make sure your windows are working along with your vents in the trailer. A sheet or cooler can help keep the chill down in the trailer. A hot horse is an unhappy horse, but a cold horse is too! If you stop try to check on your horse’s temperature. Are they sweating? Take off the sheet!

10. Trailer visibility

Making your trailer visible is especially important! 3M makes a reflective tape that is inexpensive. Grab a roll and put a small amount on the back and the side of your trailer (especially if it’s a dark color). This will make you easier to see at night.

Now that we’re ready to go, get out there and have fun! Remember going places is great, but only if you and your horse arrive safe and sound.

Got any good trailering/traveling tips? Email them to Martha@qdrawsolutions.com. You could have them posted on eHorseHotline.com.

Traveling/Trailering Tips Written By: Martha Northwick

We all love to show our horses off! Either you show, whether it’s breed or possibly WSCA or maybe you enjoy speed events like Barrels. There’s even mounted shooting events and rodeo! But to do those things you have to travel. Whether it’s 5 miles or 500 miles comfort is key, not only for you but for your horse as well! Here are a few travel tips to make your trailer rides safe and comfortable! 1. Always travel with copies and the original of your negative coggins test! We all hate being pulled over, but if you have a trailer you will need to provide that proof to any police officer (not that I’ve experienced this!) Also many show grounds require this proof before they will even let you set foot in an arena! Another thing to remember is that each state has different requirements for what date should appear on a coggins test. Wisconsin for example requires the first of the year and Minnesota is a negative test within 12 months. Call your vet early in the year to make sure your coggins test will be good for your hauling season. 2. If you are traveling through several states bring a Health Certificate. States like Montana and Illinois require a health certificate if you are showing, trail riding or staying in their state. Check out the internet for each states policy before you leave! Your vet can provide the exam and health certificate for traveling. Be sure to call and set an appointment. 3. PLAN AHEAD! If you are traveling any distance make sure that you have a small medical kit to take care of any cuts or other injuries that could occur in the trailer. Have plenty of halters and lead ropes on hand. Enough tack for each horse along with any blankets, leg wraps or standing wraps. Also make sure that you have a supply of water on hand in case you get stuck. Last but not least bring enough food to keep your horse fed and happy on your trip! My vet says that if you are traveling over 8 hours that feeding and water breaks should happen between the 6 and 8 hour mark on your journey! 4. Know/Plan your route. We live in the age of technology. I personally have a GPS that has gotten me out of many jams, but planning your route ahead is key! Having an idea of where you’re going not only gets you there faster but can give you a plan on where you would stop if there was an emergency or even if you needed a break. 5. Overnight accommodations. Whether you’re hitting up more then one rodeo like Tammy Whyte, or you’re heading out west for a trail ride it’s important to have a place where you horse can get out stretch their legs and rest before the rest of your journey. In an earlier article on eHorseHotline.com Tammy Whyte wrote that having a place for your horse to rest was key in her rodeo success. 6. The overall health of your horse. I’ve heard it said that a “sick horse leads to a sicker horse” when you reach your destination. Dr. Ed Millhouse suggests having your horse tubed with mineral oil and an immune stimulant 12-24 hours prior to loading your horse in the trailer. This can help your horse fight off anything that might be going around at the show you are attending. Also dust and particles from your shavings can lead to “shipping fever” from your trailer ride. Dr. Millhouse also suggests wetting down your bedding prior to shipping to help cut down on dust. 7. Shipping boots/Standing wraps To boot up or not to boot up that is the question! I personally do not use shipping boots or standing wraps for short distances (up to 30 minutes travel). The trailer I use has dividers which separates my horses and cuts down on the chance of them hurting each other. If you have a stock trailer or an accident prone horse shipping boots can prevent any cuts or scrapes from happening on your horses legs. For long distances standing wraps can help with leg weariness. Bell boots can also protect your horse’s feet and coronary band from injury as well. 8. Tying your horse up during travel. This is a comfort issue for you and your horse. A seasoned horse might have an easier time with travel if they are untied. This allows them to move their head and balance easier on the road. For longer trips if your horse is alone or with a few others taking down the dividers and allowing them to move or lie down can be helpful too. Check with your vet for suggestions. 9. Ventilation Now your ready to load up and go! Horses tend to travel better when it’s cooler with some air flow. Make sure your windows are working along with your vents in the trailer. A sheet or cooler can help keep the chill down in the trailer. A hot horse is an unhappy horse, but a cold horse is too! If you stop try to check on your horse’s temperature. Are they sweating? Take off the sheet! 10. Trailer visibility Making your trailer visible is especially important! 3M makes a reflective tape that is inexpensive. Grab a roll and put a small amount on the back and the side of your trailer (especially if it’s a dark color). This will make you easier to see at night. Now that we’re ready to go, get out there and have fun! Remember going places is great, but only if you and your horse arrive safe and sound. Got any good trailering/traveling tips? Email them to Martha@qdrawsolutions.com. You could have them posted on eHorseHotline.com.