Taking Horses On The Road

If you own horses and run field-trials with your dogs, you will have to take them on the road at times. It is important that the journey go well, for both you and your animals. If you want to be successful on your next road trip, take these tips into account.

1. Protection

Put protective bandages or boots on your horses. During your travels, the horse can try to kick or may even get their leg

caught. These items help ensure that your animal is not injured. However, since this can be a new experience for many horses, make sure that they are okay with wearing the bandages or boots.

2. Breaks

Take breaks when on the road. If you are going to be driving for over three hours, make a pit stop. Loosen the horse’s restraints and allow him to put his head down to the ground. Doing so reduces the chances that the horse will get either shipping fever or pneumonia. Make sure to give your horse water every time you stop so he doesn’t get dehydrated.

3. Schedule

Try to keep your horse on the same schedule that he is normally on. Feed him the same food, at the same time. Make sure he has water.

4. Overheating

Less is more when it comes to clothing. Horses do not react to cold the same way that humans do. Always err on the side of

allowing them to be cold rather than hot. Therefore, don’t add a lot of clothing to your horse. Here are some good tips.

5. Insurance

Ensure you have horsebox insurance and also make sure you have emergency rescue coverage and that it makes note of your horses, too. Always have the membership card with you.

6. Paperwork

Make sure you have the passport for your horse. You can’t carry him from place to place without it.

7. Safety

When your horse is on the road for a long time, the journey will wear him out. Think about getting started early and finding a place to spend the night. Make sure you keep to the speed limit and try to have a smooth ride. Your horse has to work extra hard to remain steady if your driving is erratic.

8. Food

Have plenty of water and hay for your horse. Don’t forget to bring some food for yourself. You never know what could

happen on the road.

9. Emergencies

If your horse gets sick or is injured along the way, you will need a veterinarian. Prior to leaving, find a few practices that are on your route. Write down the phone numbers so you have them handy.

10. Loading

Horses generally don’t like the loading process. Don’t try and go too fast. Be patient with your animal. Go slow.

Hunter Dunbar

Author Bio: Hunter is an avid Outdoorsman and Outdoor Enthusiast that has hunted both nationally and internationally as well as trained several Gun Dogs for upland and waterfowl hunting.  Hunter has the knowledge and experience on a wide variety of topics and offers up some of the best information and reviews available on the web.

 

 

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