Fieldstone Farm Show Information

Horse Transport Preparation Tips For Haulers

The importance of proper care of horses in transit cannot be overstated. It is a cornerstone of our entire operation.  Horse owners typically have a strong emotional bond with their horses. We believe experienced haulers can offer better quality care to horses in transit than most horse owners themselves could provide in this unique environment.  Many horse owners who currently transport themselves will switch to professional horse transport for the convenience as well as the benefit to their horses if they are assured of quality professional care of their horses.  

In addition, the ability to reliably transport horses while providing excellent care means horse owners will naturally be more inclined to ship their horses further and more frequently. So quality care translates into more opportunities for haulers by expanding the customer pool, by increasing the frequency of transport and by fostering repeat business by satisfied customers.

There are a number of things horse haulers can do to ensure quality care for their horses, but haulers are not horse trainers and there several steps that horse owners need to take to ensure a positive experience days before the horse hauler arrives.

Haulers can use their knowledge and experience to advise owners on taking the proper steps to prepare their horse for the smoothest most stress free transport possible.

When a hauler and horse owner work together the stress of travel should be minimal. Ideally a horse should not experience any weight loss or arrive at it’s destination, overly tired, stressed or dehydrated.  It really makes sense for the hauler to know and understand the best practices for preparing a horse in transport and to share this information with their clients.

Electrolyte Supplements

Travel, training and high temperatures are among the situations that can cause horses to lose large quantities of electrolytes through sweat. These electrolytes are needed for horses to maintain the balance and flow of vital body fluids, as well as nerve, muscle and circulatory system function.  For this reason horses should have an electrolyte supplement added to their water beginning about 72 hours before that start of a trip. Starting on the electrolyte regimen days before a journey helps the horse become acclimated to the taste. Electrolytes are made from minerals such as sodium and potassium with an electrical charge. The electrolyte supplements tend to make the horse a little thirsty, which cause them to drink more.   Horses that are nervous about traveling tend not to drink, though they really require about a gallon of water per hundred pounds of body weight per day. So supplementing not only helps replenish electrolytes but helps prevention dehydration through increased water consumption.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil should also be added to a horses feed starting 72 hours prior to transport. The mineral oil will aid in regular digestive function. About three ounces of mineral oil should be added at first, the gradually increased to about 16 ounces on the day of the trip.  

Horses should not be given any grain or rich feed prior to shipment.  Owner should be advised to only feed their horses grassy hay for four or five days before shipping.  Hay helps retain moisture in the gut and helps prevent dehydration.

Difficult Horses

It is important to find out if a horse you will be transporting is difficult or hard to control for your own safety as well as that of the horse.  As the hauler you would be well advised to raise this issue since owners of difficult horses may be reluctant to discuss this with a hauler themselves.  

There are several over the counter products available that can help soothe difficult, skittish horses and those stressed by travel. Most of these products contain tryptophan and or B vitamins. B-Kalm™ Paste, and Vita Calm from AniMed™  are some of the leading products. Horse owners should be encouraged to speak with their horses veterinarian about these or other possible calming remedies.

You might also advise owners to consider spending a little bit more money for a box stall, which will the provide a bit more room to move around compared with a tie stall.

Find out if the horse has any medical conditions or requires any medications during the trip.

Shoes should not be trimmed or added shortly before transport. Ideally this should be done two weeks or more ahead of time.

Ask the horse owner if the horse being transported has any good or bad habits or idiosyncrasies that you as the haulers should know about to keep the horse safe, happy and comfortable.

You should also advise the horse owner to administer a probiotic to the horse on the morning of the trip to help maintain a healthy digestive tract in transit.  The probiotics along with electrolytes and minerals are three key ingredients to an optimal transport that horse owners can administer themselves and help reduce stress on their horses.

Things Required For the Transit

* A Negative Coggins test for EIA
* A health certificate from your veterinarian
* A brand inspection from the state brand inspector coming from the following states: AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT WY and parts of NE, OR and WA.
* Adequate hay to cover the trip
* If booking a stall and your horse will be lying down, additional bedding material. Straw or Shavings.
Shipping boots (optional), blanket, halter and lead rope. Transporters do not usually supply blankets and boots for sanitary reasons.
* Special Care Instructions—written.