Protect the legs, keep the trailer well ventilated, stop regularly to offer water, avoid the hottest hours, secure a haynet for forage, and let the horse rest and rehydrate at the other end.
Protect the legs
Horses brace and shift constantly to balance while travelling, which stresses the lower legs. Well-fitted travel or shipping boots guard against knocks and scrapes, and a poll guard protects the head in a low trailer. Load and unload calmly to avoid slips.
Ventilation and temperature
Trailers heat up fast and still, warm air is exhausting. Keep vents open for airflow, travel in the cool of early morning or evening in hot weather, and never leave a horse standing in a parked box in the sun. Good airflow reduces stress and respiratory strain.
Keep them hydrated
Horses often drink poorly when travelling, raising the risk of dehydration and colic. Stop every few hours to offer water, and consider electrolytes before and after a long trip to encourage drinking and replace salts. Flavouring water at home first can help a fussy traveller drink away from home.
Forage and rest
A haynet gives the horse something to do and keeps the gut working, which settles many travellers, though soaking dusty hay protects the airways in a confined space. On very long journeys, plan stops where the horse can rest, and break multi-day trips into stages.
Recover at the other end
On arrival, let the horse settle, offer water and forage, and check the legs for heat or filling. Give an easy day rather than hard work straight after a long haul, so the horse recovers fully from the effort of travelling.
