Horse trailering and travel can be quite the experience. Here are some horse trailering tips to consider when traveling to make the trip easier on both you and your four-legged equine cargo.
Horse Trailering Tips to Try
One of the best tips I have learned is to use hay nets! I used to hang hay bags in the trailer. The horses spin them around so the opening faces away from them, or they can’t reach the opening due to the smaller, confined space of the trailer. Hay nets allow a horse to access the hay much more readily because of the open concept of a net rather than with a hay bag with only one opening. Just be sure to tie it so they have no chance of getting their foot caught in it.
Do not feed grain while trailering. Stress can affect the gut in horses, and trailering is stressful for many equines. The gut may not work as efficiently during high-stress situations which can cause colic. It is best to only offer hay and water during the travel period.
Allow for a longer tie. Horses need to be able to put their head down slightly, especially if it is a long haul. Using extra short ties or tying your horse too tight limits movement and they might not be able to reach their hay. This can cause neck and back strain and will take the horse longer recover from the trip. Horse trailers are already uncomfortable and can be scary, so let’s make the trip a bit easier by letting them have a little mobility with their head.
Allowing for a little bit longer of a tie does not mean your horse should hang its head out of the window. I have seen a seasoned show horse that has been on many trips panic and try to crawl out of the tiny window his head was sticking out of. Most trailers have windows AND screens. Leave the window down but the screen closed. This was some airflow gets into the trailer, but your horse can keep its head safely inside.
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A horse that hangs its head out the window can also get hit by bugs, rocks, objects on the road or near the road, and be fed strange food or items by passersby at rest stops. It is best to keep your horse’s head inside during the trip.
Try adding some bedding for a softer ride in the trailer. Placing bedding in the trailer (or not!) is an age-old argument. Some people do not want bedding because of the dust. Others prefer to add some bedding to add traction and some cushioning during the haul. Bedding, such as shavings, also helps with the absorption of urine – the horses won’t be urinating directly onto the trailer floor which can damage the trailer AND cause a slippery surface.
You can spritz with a hose to keep dust down or use low-dust shavings in your trailer. Make sure to have at least a few of the vents and windows open to get some good airflow in the trailer.
Check the temperature in the trailer. You can do this with an outdoor thermometer or by simply checking the inside during a rest stop. Trailers can get quite warm during summertime hauls. Don’t risk the chance of your horses overheating. Check to see if they are drenched in sweat or feel overly warm.
The same goes for winter and fall months in colder climates. Check to see if your horses need their blanket on or removed during a rest stop.
Stop for at least 15 minutes and offer water at rest stops. This allows the horses to stand quietly without being jostled about or having to balance themselves against the sway of the trailer or the roughness of a road or turns, etc. Many horses will eat, drink, and urinate during rest stops so allow time for them to have a break too.
On long hauls you may want to unload and walk. This depends on where you are stopping and how the horse loads and unloads. Find a stop with a good-sized area and take the necessary precautions to prevent your horse from getting loose.
For long hauls consider stopping for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or more) every 8 hours and pick up poop, refill hay, walk, offer water, check shipping boots/bandages, etc. You may or may not want to unload the horses but letting them walk and allowing them to stretch their head and neck can really help. Don’t unload if you are not comfortable or do not have the appropriate help to do so safely.
The best thing you can do for trailering a horse is to practice beforehand. Many horses have issues with trailers and will refuse to get in or panic once they do because they are frightened and because they are not accustomed to being in such a loud, tight space.
Load and unload your horse several times – at LEAST once a month. Simply practice getting in and out. You can also hook up once a month and take a spin around the block or run to the nearest gas station to get fuel, or even to park for a few minutes to allow both you and your horse to acclimate to trailer and the drive.
The more you practice trailering with your horse, the less stressful it will become. Click To Tweet
Do you have an emergency kit? You can create your own or try one of the popular EquiMedic kits. They do have a trailer kit or I use the Basic kit and bring it with me whenever I haul. Having a few leg wraps and larger bandages is a good addition in case your horse injures its leg or a larger area that needs more coverage.
Consider using shipping boots or a horse helmet they can wear in the trailer. These items protect the horse’s legs and its head from the trailer or from other horses during the trip. Have an extra halter and lead rope available to grab in case of an emergency.
USRider coverage is also an option for anyone that hauls horses. This a great option for anyone, but I particularly like it for those who travel or haul their horses solo. USRider offers 24/7 nationwide (U.S.!) assistance for you and your horse. Member benefits depend on the package you choose, but can include:
Towing – for vehicles AND horse trailers
Battery assistance
Flat tire help
Repairs
Emergency stabling
Veterinarian and farrier referral services
Emergency Vet trip services
Are you ready to travel? Acclimating your horse to the trailer but loading and unloading and taking mini trips is one of the best things you can do to travel safely. Consider some of these horse trailering tips the next time you prepare for a haul and safe travels!