PET ARTICLES BLOG

You must plan ahead before transporting your horse. Especially in warm weather horses can easily become stressed when being transported. The most important thing to remember is that the health and safety of your horse comes first.

There are some horses which won't display their stress at being transported. So make sure you keep an eye on the horse's behaviour and heart rate. Since horses are intelligent they are capable of remembering things. If your horse seems unwilling to enter the trailer, remember that this could be the cause.

If you bully your horse, it will not forget and so will associate horseboxes with unpleasant memories. A horse that's not used to travelling needs to be introduced to it gradually. You will have to be patient, supportive, and consistent.

You must realize that towing a horsebox is a special skill. A special test for towing a trailer or driving a horsebox is required if your driving licence was obtained after 1997. Unless you have some experience, you should consider professional training.

You should always get used to the box or trailer when it is empty. Never practise the difficult art of reversing with a trailer when you have a horse in it.

You have to make sure that there is proper ventilation in the horsebox. Make sure that the maximum air flow is maintained. Sometimes swerving or emergency stops are unavoidable, so make sure you are prepared for this. Always carry first aid equipment for yourself and your horse. In case of an emergency you should always have your vet's number readily available. Should you be unlucky enough to need immediate veterinary treatment for your horse as a result of an accident, it's sensible to have ready access to your horse insurance documents.

When travelling make sure that your horse isn't short of drink. Such encouragement will reduce the risk of impaction colic as well, of course, of dehydration. Frequent stops for water will ensure that your horse remains healthy.

Horses tend to travel better when it is cool so try to plan your trip accordingly. Your horse needs lots of fresh air, so make sure this is provided. Also, avoid travelling in the heat of the day and allowing any build-up of muck in the horsebox. In hot and humid weather your horse will need plenty of water to make up for its increased sweating. Respiratory problems can result from an ammonia build-up, so ensure that the trailer is kept scrupulously clean. The cost of an unexpected visit to your vet can be surprisingly high - especially if your horse insurance provider denies liability on account of your alleged negligence.

Water to which horses are unaccustomed can sometimes be off-putting. Encourage your horse to drink whilst travelling by adding a bit of Gatorade to their water. So you put a dash of Gatorade in their water when you are travelling. This makes the water more inviting to your horse.

Don't forget to ensure that all the details required by your equine insurance company have been kept up to date just in case the worst should happen and you were unlucky enough to have a collision. Your journey can be a pleasure if you make proper plans and take everything that your horse might need.