For the long transport of expensive sport horses the best option is a specialized horse trailers, which provide a high level of comfort and safety, both during loading and while driving.
Below you are welcome to read the tips from experts according to which you should correctly prepare your horse for a long journey and ensure safe conditions for the transportation of the horse:
- Have all the documents you might need for the journey ready. This is a very important part of any transportation, because when a trailer carriage is stopped by the police or veterinary inspection, it is the horses that suffer first and foremost.
- Train your horse in advance not to be afraid of transportation in a horse trailer. This significantly reduces the stress of the animal during loading/unloading and reduces the likelihood of injury to the people providing transportation for your pet. The horse must be in transportation leggings during transportation.
- The horse should be accustomed to the cart patiently and calmly, using the animal’s favourite treats rather than whipping, shouting and forcing. Be sure to encourage your pet after he performs the required actions and commands. If possible, personally accompany your horse on the trip. If there is a horse trailer owned by the horse owner, from time to time, try to transport the horse for short distances. Thereby accustoming the horse to being late in the horse carrier trailer.
- 5-7 days before the planned date of the trip gradually reduce the amount of concentrates and the intensity of the exercise, three days beforehand eliminate concentrates from the horse’s ration completely.
- When securing a horse in a primiparous horse harness the use of dead knots and loosely hanging loops is prohibited. Do not start loading or unloading when there are foreign objects, debris, or other animals in the area in front of the horse carrier. The horse should be led out with the doors fully open and securely fastened.
- The amount of hay for transporting horses over long distances should be 10-15 kg per day per horse and an additional 2 days’ allowance for unforeseen delays en route. The driver and accompanying persons should have with them the telephone numbers of experienced veterinarians, who are ready to give professional advice at any time.
- Be sure to take spare underharnesses, chombs, harnesses, harnesses, cords and a veterinary first aid kit with enough antiseptics, painkillers, antihistamines, heart medications and sedatives. Antibiotics, ointments for bruises, and bandages may also be needed.
WARNING: Before ordering horse transportation, study the information about the chosen driver. Try to find horse carriers with modern, reliable equipment with experience and reviews on well-known “horse” sites. Turning to professionals, you will get expert help with loading and unloading and will be safe for the health of your pet during the trip.
Better yet, purchase a horse trailer, to own, and be assured of transporting your pet.