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USRider® Equestrian Traveler's Companion-Summer 2023
By Nancy Butler
Plan in Advance
Start preparing for your trip at least a week or two before you’re scheduled to leave. Colic is a very real threat on long trailer trips, so do everything you can to ward off this debilitating bellyache in advance. Deworm your horse ahead of time—at least a week before you leave. Get all vaccinations and boosters done at least two weeks before your trip to allow them to take effect.
Check Your Rig Don’t forget a “health check” for your rig. Get the oil changed and have the fluids, belts, and tire pressure checked in your tow vehicle. Take your trailer to the dealer for a pre-flight check, or do it yourself if you’re competent in such things. Be sure the tires are good. Before your trip, check tire air pressure when the tires are cool.
Pack Up
Some horses won’t drink just any water; dehydration can become a real danger when you’re traveling, especially in the summer. Take along water from home or start adding a little molasses or drink flavoring to your horse’s water at home a week or so before you leave, and then continue to add flavoring on the road.
To Tie or Not to Tie
Whether or not to tie a horse in the trailer is controversial—everyone has their opinion. The type of trailer may have something to do with the decision but, in general, it’s probably best to tie. You don’t want a horse in a narrow stall to get his head turned around and not be able to get it back, or to be able to reach over a partition to aggravate a buddy. In a stock trailer, it doesn’t matter as much, and leaving a horse loose enables him to lower his head to cough and clear his lungs of dust from the road, the hay, and the shavings.
To Unload or Not Unload
In general, it’s better not to unload your horse when you stop for short rest breaks. And you certainly don’t want to unload your horse on the side of the road. If he’s been traveling long enough that he needs to be taken out of the trailer, plan the route to include a horse-safe stopover away from major roadways and somewhere fences and gates can be closed to keep your horse contained. A horse farm, trailhead, or fairgrounds may afford this opportunity.
Don’t Push It
Try to limit your travel day to 500 to 600 miles. Consider an overnight layover if the trip is longer than a good day’s drive, or if the terrain is rough, causing your horse to have to work hard to keep his balance, consider stopping overnight. Be sure the stall is safe and secure before committing to an overnight stay. If you are attending a show or clinic, try to arrive a day or two ahead of time, so your horse can rest and recuperate and adjust to the new surroundings. USR
