Recommendations for Long-Distance Hauling
article reprinted with permission from the Kentucky Horse Council
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Hauling horses over long distances is quite stressful for them, but with an understanding of good trailering practices, it can be managed.
The vehicle and trailer you select for distance hauling should both be reliable. Well in advance of your trip, you should have your hauling vehicle and trailer serviced to ensure that both are equipped for a long haul. In addition to verifying the roadworthiness of both, you will also want to be sure that all lights are in working order, brakes are fully operational, doors will open fully and latch properly, vents will open and close fully, windows will open and close fully, the trailer floor has been thoroughly checked, emergency trailer brake box has been tested and is in working order, tire pressure has been checked and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s suggested levels, spare tire is accessible and properly inflated, and vehicle is stocked with an appropriate trailer and truck jack, as well as tire chocks.
It is especially important that the trailer used for long distance horse transport has adequate ventilation and ample space to accommodate the size of the horses hauled.
Your horse also needs to be prepared for the long transport, and you’ll want to make sure that he will safely and calmly load and unload from the trailer. You may need to spend time well in advance of the journey training your horse.
Additionally, you need to have proof that your horse has the proper testing and vaccinations, and meets the health requirements for the state into which you are traveling. At a minimum, all state-to-state travel requires a current negative Coggins test (usually within six to twelve months, depending on the state) and a certificate of veterinary inspection or health certificate (within thirty days of the date of travel). Depending on current disease outbreaks and threats, states may require additional documentation, testing, etc. Always contact the office of the state veterinarian (for the state of destination) and your veterinarian in advance to learn about equine travel requirements to which you are subject.
If the transport will be so lengthy that you are unable to bring enough of your home water for the duration of the trip, you may consider acclimating your horse to flavored water in advance. You can do this by adding a flavored drink like Kool-Aid or Gatorade to your horse’s water daily for a week prior to the trip. As you travel, simply continue to add the flavoring to your horse’s water at the same ratio. This reduces the potential for your horse’s water intake to be affected by changes in water smell and flavor.
Some experts also recommend feeding electrolytes prior to and during transport, as it can encourage the horse to drink. This should be done very cautiously, as a horse that consumes extra salt without increasing water intake may need veterinary attention.
In advance of a long trip, talk to your veterinarian about equine vital signs assessments, hydration during transport, preventing respiratory illnesses commonly caused by long-distance transportation, use of electrolytes, health documentation, stocking a first-aid kit, feeding regimen during transportation, and strategies for managing long-distance transport.
Pack your trailer with: a supply of water (at least 24-hours’ worth) from the farm where the horse has been staying, a supply of flavoring (if used), your horse’s normal hay (enough to feed him throughout the trip and for a few days after his arrival in the new location or throughout the duration of his stay), equine first-aid kit, blanket (for cold-weather hauling), spare halter(s), spare lead rope(s), spare trailer tie(s), bucket(s), bedding, and fire extinguisher.
On the day of travel, prior to loading, follow your horse’s normal routine with one exception: reduce or eliminate grain intake immediately prior to and during transport.
Make and maintain a good layer of bedding in the horse compartment throughout travel. This will help absorb moisture from urine and manure, as well as reduce the likelihood of slipping.
Allow your horse the opportunity to eat his normal hay as he travels. The act of chewing will help keep your horse occupied, and digesting will help maintain gut function. If you hang a hay net, hay bag, or feeder, make certain that it is at chest height or higher (preferably higher for hay nets).
Your horse should wear a well-fitted leather halter or a nylon halter with a breakaway feature during all transport. For long trips, you might consider placing fleece halter tubes over part or all of the halter; this may be especially helpful for sensitive-skinned horses, as the fleece will help prevent rubbing and sores.
The use of shipping boots/bandages can be of benefit, as they protect the horse’s lower legs during transport. However, during lengthy transport, the risks of use can outweigh those benefits. A horse wearing shipping boots/bandages for several hours at a time may suffer decreased blood flow, increased heat, and sores. Therefore, it is generally not advisable to use shipping boots/bandages for long-distance hauling.
Standing in a horse trailer takes a lot of effort. It is a constant balancing act for your horse, as the transport vehicle increases and decreases speed and maneuvers into and out of traffic. It is especially important for trailer drivers to gradually increase and decrease speeds and change lanes and turn corners much more slowly than with a non-towing vehicle. Even with good driving, your horse will get tired during transport and will need a break.
Be sure to take parking breaks, of twenty minutes or more, about every four hours. The stopped break gives your horse an opportunity to relax in the trailer and “unlock” his legs. Leave your horse on the trailer during parking breaks, but be sure to park in a well-shaded area. If it’s possible to do so safely, and depending on the weather, increase the airflow through the trailer by opening drop-down windows and upper doors during your parking breaks.
During parking breaks, 1) check your horse’s overall health and demeanor. Carefully check him for signs of colic, heat/cold stress, and dehydration. 2) Adjust your trailer’s ventilation as necessary. You may need to open additional vents/windows during summer travel and close some vents/windows and/or blanket your horse during winter travel. Horses tend to get hot in the trailer, so it is important to monitor their temperature closely and blanket only if necessary. 3) Offer your horse water. Do not be surprised if he doesn’t drink at first. During transport horses will often not drink for several hours. Regardless, you should offer your horse water at every parking break. 4) Refill the hay supply. 5) Keep your horse on the trailer. It is unsafe to remove your horse from the trailer at rest stops, along the highway, at gas stations, etc.
If traveling more than twenty-four hours, you may need to make accommodations for your horse to rest in a stable or paddock. Horse hotels are an option and, in some areas, fairgrounds can be rented for such stays.
During overnight off-loads, monitor your horse’s health carefully and allow him free-choice access to water. Continue to reduce or eliminate his grain intake, and allow him to eat ample amounts of the hay to which he is accustomed.
To learn more about long-distance horse transport, you can download this pamphlet by the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.
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