Traveling with your horse can be quite a challenge. Regardless of the meticulous planning you’ve put into preparing for a journey or competition, all can all be futile if your horse refuses to be transported.
The Difficulties Faced by a Traveling Horse
To a horse, entering a moving vehicle, like a lorry or a trailer, is without a doubt, an irregular and overwhelming task. Imagine being in a confined, elevated space, unexpectedly accelerating and decelerating, swaying with the movement of other vehicles, and jolting across rough terrains. From a human perspective, this may be an everyday occurrence. But we often overlook the fact that for a horse, this is far from natural.
We expect this gentle creature, who bears no objection to the disturbances of travel, to appear at the end of the journey ready to excel in a competition.
Overcoming Their Natural Instincts
Entering a moving vehicle is a significant leap of trust for a horse. It defies their innate instincts of survival. By their very nature, horses are timid creatures, preferring flight over fight. They instinctively thrive in large, open spaces to elude danger. Encountering unusual objects or scenarios, it isn’t unusual for them to act cautiously; observing, sniffing, and making careful contact to determine if there’s a potential threat.
Crucially, their instinct to preserve their life urges them to always have a plan of escape, a way to flee should a threat manifest. This instinct remains fierce in domesticated horses, and not acknowledging this can often lead to problems.
Comprehending from a Horse’s Perspective
In dealing with a horse, and particularly while attempting to load them onto a vehicle, empathising with the animal’s viewpoint is crucial. Forcing a horse into a trailer or lorry might temporarily solve your problem, but it’s far from being a long-term solution. With time, your horse’s resistance will likely grow stronger.
Should your horse be genuinely fearful of the vehicle—think of dark, cramped spaces inducing claustrophobia—rough handling will only intensify their fear.
Harnessing the Power of Patience
Evidently, your superior mental acuity should be put to use to create a condition in which the horse understands there’s no need to fear the trailer or lorry. Doing so would likely require considerable time and patience.
Looking for a fast solution would be futile. Therefore, if your horse struggles with loading, it would be wise to address the issue well in advance of your planned journey.
Teaching Your Horse to Load
Teaching your horse to load into a vehicle can often be a challenging yet rewarding task. Here are some important tips to consider and techniques to follow that will make this process easier and successful.
Setting up the Vehicle
Before the training begins, consider these few tips to ensure you’re setting up a comfortable environment for the horse:
- If possible, park the trailer or lorry adjacent to a wall or fence so that your horse has limited space to back out.
- Make the vehicle as inviting as possible. Consider removing the partition, opening the front unload, or the groom’s door.
- Ensure the ramp is on level ground, so it doesn’t move when the horse steps on it, which could potentially frighten them.
- To make the ramp more familiar, you might consider spreading straw or other material from your horse’s stable onto it.
Preparing for Training
It’s important to remember that teaching your horse to load might require quite a bit of time, possibly even the entire day. Patience and preparation are crucial. You should also:
- Have a patient helper on standby.
- Use a bridle or controller halter for additional control, especially if your horse is the stubborn type.
- Have some feed in a bucket to entice the horse as a harmless bribe.
Initiating the Training
Walk your horse up to the ramp. If the horse appears genuinely scared and refuses to approach the vehicle, park it in his field for several days or weeks. Encourage your horse to graze near it and gradually lead him around the vehicle until he gets accustomed to its presence.
Overcoming Initial Resistance
If your horse walks up to the ramp but then stops, play the patience game. Don’t let the horse graze or move away, but allow him to sniff and touch the ramp. Use the feed to draw him forward, while praising him for every step he takes towards the vehicle. It might take time and you may not get far on the first day, but persistence is key.
Consistency is Key
Keep trying this approach multiple times a day, as patience allows. Remember, your horse will likely tire of this routine before you do. Some horses might take a few days before they even set a foot on the ramp. If you rush and force them, it might reinforce their fears. The important thing is that they decide to mount the ramp themselves.
Over time, and with these strategies, loading your horse into the vehicle should become a routine activity.
Gradual Progression: Building Your Horse’s Confidence
Once your horse is successfully loading into the vehicle, it’s crucial to be patient and continue building their confidence through gradual steps. Rushing to take the horse on a longer trip may result in unexpected challenges.
Identifying Claustrophobia
Keep in mind that some horses may enter the vehicle but back out immediately. Determining whether a horse is genuinely afraid of being confined or just acting stubborn is not always straightforward. To gain a better understanding of the situation, consider the horse’s overall behavior to identify signs of claustrophobia or other issues.
Building Confidence Through Incremental Steps
Gradually increase your horse’s exposure to the vehicle and being confined:
- Load the horse into the vehicle, close the ramp, and reward him.
- Allow the horse to stand for a while, offering comfort and reassurance by talking to him if necessary.
- Unload the horse after a period of time.
Continue practicing these steps until your horse is consistently comfortable with loading, confinement, and unloading.
Introducing Short Journeys
When the horse is comfortable with the steps above, you can begin to take them on short journeys. These trips help your horse further acclimate to the experience of being in a moving vehicle.
Gradual Expansion of Trips
Once the short journeys go smoothly, you can begin to embark on longer trips. Consider unloading and reloading your horse at different, yet safe locations such as a friend’s yard. This allows the horse to become familiar with the entire process at various venues.
Preparing for Shows and Events
Before attending a show or event, ensure that your horse is confident with loading, traveling, and unloading. At shows, give yourself plenty of time, as the excitement and distractions may cause the loading process to take longer than usual. Being patient and understanding your horse’s needs will lead to a more smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your equine companion.
Exploring Other Loading Methods
Introducing your horse to proper loading and traveling habits at a young age can set the foundation for a successful and stress-free future. A horse that easily loads and behaves well in a lorry or trailer is a valuable asset. However, some horses may not have had this opportunity or become difficult to load over time. In such cases, exploring other loading methods can help.
Lunge Lines Technique
Lunge lines are a useful tool for horses that are just being stubborn about loading. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Have two helpers attach lunge lines to the sides of the vehicle and cross them behind the horse’s rear.
- If you’re alone, secure a line to one side of the trailer, then create a loop around the ramp.
- Walk the horse towards the ramp while holding the headcollar.
- Pick up the end of the lunge line and carefully bring it up behind the horse’s quarters.
- Apply gentle pressure with the lunge line, guiding the horse to load.
This technique typically works well with horses that are reasonably well-behaved but may require some practice in handling the lunge line and the horse simultaneously.
Rope Device Method
Another alternative is using a rope device specially designed for loading:
- The device consists of a piece of rope that goes over the horse’s back, just behind the withers.
- The main rope passes on both sides of the horse, looping around its quarters, flanks, and shoulders, ultimately resulting in two loops.
- The handler holds the horse’s headcollar with one hand and the two loops with the other.
- Using the loops and headcollar, the handler can guide the horse straight and apply gentle pressure to its quarters, encouraging forward movement into the vehicle.
Experimenting with these alternative loading methods can help you determine the best approach for your horse, ultimately making the loading process more manageable and stress-free for both of you.
Making the Right Choice: Hiring or Owning Horse Transport
You may come across the decision between hiring transport or owning your own if you don’t plan to travel frequently or far. To help you determine the best option, explore local resources like saddlery shops and newspapers or national magazines that feature horse transport services.
Choosing Between a Lorry or a Trailer
Both financial considerations and the individual merits and drawbacks of each type of transport can impact your decision. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each:
Lorry
Advantages:
- A lorry provides a more stable and comfortable ride for the horse.
- For the driver, it’s much easier to manoeuvre.
- The proximity of the driver to the horses allows the possibility to hear or see if anything is amiss.
- Many lorries come with living areas, offering comfort at shows and lodging for overnights.
- You can wear and remove your horse’s tack while still on board, thanks to the ample space.
- Storage inside the lorry helps keep your car clean and free of horse gear.
- A lorry, due to its size and strength, can be used for other purposes, like transporting hay, bedding, or even for moving house!
Disadvantages:
- Initially, a lorry’s cost is typically higher than a trailer’s, even though smaller lorries can often be found at reasonable prices.
- You will still need your car.
- Lorries need a yearly plating.
- Additional road tax and insurance will apply to a lorry.
- Storing a lorry may present a challenge if you don’t have space at home. Not all livery yards have facilities, so finding an alternative could involve extra costs.
- Regular servicing for the lorry will be necessary.
Trailer
Advantages:
- Trailers are less expensive than lorries.
- Finding parking for a trailer is often easier and cheaper.
- No road tax or insurance is required.
- Maintenance costs are generally lower for a trailer.
Disadvantages:
- Due to reduced stability, a trailer provides a less comfortable ride for the horse.
- The horse is detached from the driver, making it difficult to observe any trouble.
- If you have two horses in a trailer, you will need to carry your equipment in the car.
- Preparing a horse for competition in the confined space of a trailer can be challenging.
- Most horses load more easily into a lorry than a trailer.
- Mastering the skill of reversing a trailer is needed!
As you determine the best type of transport for your horse, also check the ramp and floor condition of the vehicle. Replacing a rotten part could result in substantial expenses.
Selecting the Right Towing Vehicle
If you’ve decided on a trailer for your horse transport needs, the very first step involves confirming whether or not your car is up to the task of towing. Ensuring this is important for the safety of its passengers, your horse, and other drivers on the road.
Evaluating Your Car’s Towing Capacity
To ascertain if your car can handle towing the trailer, you need to take the following steps:
Check the Weight of Your Trailer
You can find out the trailer’s weight by checking the handbook and the chassis plate. Don’t forget to add the weight of your horse – the combined weight must not exceed the trailer’s maximum gross (laden) weight.
Determine the Trailer’s Laden Noseweight
The Laden Noseweight refers to the amount of downward pressure the trailer exerts on the tow hitch. You can find this information in your trailer’s handbook or consult directly with the manufacturer.
Refer to Your Car’s Handbook
Now, armed with all this information, you need to consult your car’s manual. Here, determine the car’s maximum towing weight, its kerb (unladen) weight, and the maximum trailer laden noseweight that it can manage.
To maintain good safety standards, it’s advised that the car’s maximum towing weight is no more than 85% of its unladen weight. Exceeding this limit increases the likelihood of an accident, as the trailer might begin to control the movements of the car itself!
It’s important to dispel the misbelief that any four-wheel drive vehicle is automatically fit for towing a trailer. As a case in point, my own vehicle wouldn’t stand a chance towing a pony, let alone a horse, in a trailer. This is due to an insufficiently powerful engine, a lightweight build, and an unsafe towing imbalance where the trailer could end up directing the car’s fate.
Buying a Specific Towing Vehicle
If you’re considering buying a new car specifically for towing a horse trailer, careful research and preparation are key. While the salesman’s smooth talk may be convincing, it’s vital to prioritize safety considerations above all else.
Driving a Lorry or Trailer
Even if you are not the one driving the horse transport vehicle, it’s important to keep the following points in mind and inform your driver about them. Using these guidelines ensures a safe and comfortable journey for all.
Practice Before Towing Your Horse
For first-time towing, it’s essential to practice with an empty trailer before venturing out with your horse inside.
Look and Think Ahead
When towing a trailer or driving a lorry, always look and think ahead in order to slow down and brake earlier for roundabouts, turnings, bends, and other changes. Not only does this allow time for emergency maneuvers, but it also ensures a smoother ride for the horse, who doesn’t know when a bend or junction is coming up.
Take Corners Smoothly
Navigate corners slowly and carefully, allowing the horse to maintain its balance. Always provide extra space for your trailer to avoid hitting the kerb.
Adjust for Extra Width
When passing through gateways, accommodate the added width of your trailer in order to move through safely.
Utilize Mirrors
Frequent mirror use will prevent surprises, such as trucks or buses passing at high speed. If caught in the slipstream of a larger vehicle, avoid overcorrecting.
Stay Vigilant for Inexperienced Motorists
Be mindful that many motorists could have limited experience towing trailers or driving lorries, potentially leading to challenging situations. Think and look ahead to avert potential disasters.
Take Regular Breaks
Do not drive for more than two hours without stopping. Check on your horse’s well-being and offer water. Always stop and investigate any strange noises coming from the lorry or trailer.
Drive Slowly Across Fields
Reduce speed when driving across a field, as the ground surface may not be as smooth and stable as a road.
Know Your Vehicle’s Dimensions
Be aware of the height and width of your lorry or trailer to avoid accidents, such as hitting low bridges.
Keep Your Vehicle Secure
Secure your trailer when not in use with a wheel clamp and/or other security measures. Mark the roof with your postcode in large, irremovable letters as a theft deterrent.
Carry a Spare Wheel
Maintain a legal spare wheel in your vehicle at all times.
Abide by Legal Speed Limits
Always stick to legal speed limits designated for vehicles towing trailers.
Ensure Correct Tyre Pressure
Before setting off, verify that the tyre pressures for both the car and trailer are at the appropriate levels.
Trailer Techniques
Just like driving a car, operating a trailer has its own set of practices. Mastering these ensures hitching, driving, and unhitching your trailer is manageable and hassle-free.
Hitching Up a Trailer
Ensure the trailer hitch aligns with the car’s towball before you start. Remove any covers and unclamp the trailer if it is in securely latched.
The next step may involve some maneuvering. In case you have a helper, ask them to stand alongside the trailer and direct you where the hitch is by lifting their arm. This gives you an idea of where to aim. Adjust your reversing line as required, moving slowly as a safety measure.
Your assistant can guide you on how far you need to go before the car towball meets the trailer hitch. Aim to reduce the gap as much as possible to save your strength.
Once the hitch is in position above the car towball, engage the jockey wheel to lower the trailer hitch, applying a bit of strength to align the two. Some trailers have a locking lever you need to manually lift, while others automatically click into place to lock onto the towball. You can usually hear when this happens, but you can also confirm this by raising the jockey wheel again to see if the back of the car also lifts.
Remember to release the trailer handbrake before fixing the breakaway cable to the car. If you are using a secondhand trailer, confirm that it includes this cable as it is a legal requirement. The cable is designed to engage the handbrake in case the trailer becomes disconnected. Attach the cable to a solid part of the car, not the bumper.
Ensure the wound-up jockey wheel is secure before connecting the electrics.
Inspect to make sure none of the cables will scrape the ground.
Double-check the trailer and car indicators and lights to ensure they’re working as expected.
If all checks out fine, you’re ready to load your horse.
Reversing a Trailer
Handling a trailer can be a daunting task for some, but don’t worry! It’s a skill that’s easily attained with some practice and the right guidelines. It’s recommended to practice maneuvering your towing vehicle and trailer on a spacious ground (like a field) without the horse aboard initially. Time and patience are key to mastering the reversing technique.
Setting Up your Practice Area
In your chosen practice field, use a couple of non-damaging and easily replaceable items – like cones – to mark out a space into which you’ll reverse the trailer. Remember, you’re aiming to improve, knocking a few cones over is part of learning.
Steering: A Counterintuitive Approach
One peculiar aspect about reversing trailers is that you need to steer in the opposite direction to where you want your trailer to go making it seem counterintuitive to most people. It can be helpful to enlist a friend to guide you during your initial practice sessions and also in public places as trailers do have a blind spot which may pose a risk to people or other horses.
Starting the Practice
Begin by aligning your trailer and towing vehicle as straight as possible. It’s easier to start by reversing towards the driver’s side, as you can observe better from the driver’s window. If you opt to reverse towards the other direction, primarily, you’ll need to rely on the passenger-side door mirror.
Start off by slowly reversing, gently turning your steering wheel in the opposite direction to where you want to turn the trailer. The key to mastering this is slow and steady practice. The aim is to understand how little steering can cause the trailer to turn. It’s easier adjusting by adding a bit more steer, than trying to correct an already misaligned car and trailer due to overzealous steering.
When the trailer begins to turn, make a point to slightly turn the steering wheel back. It’s most effective to do this when the trailer starts to turn, not when it’s already at the angle you want. Lastly, you will need to make another turn of the steering wheel so that your car’s nose points in the appropriate direction.
Perfecting your Practice
By now, you should be able to line up the trailer and car with the space outlined by the cones. Vary your practices by reversing through the cones until it becomes an effortless action. Once you’ve confidently mastered reversing towards your side, practice reversing to the passenger side.
When travelling with your horse, prefer to reverse without the horse in the trailer. However, if that is unavoidable, be aware that additional weight will cause the trailer to respond more sluggishly.
Travelling Kit
Travelling with your horse requires good preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your equine friend. Familiarizing your horse with travel gear before hitting the road is essential as some horses can get agitated when introduced to boots or bandages suddenly. Knowing your horse’s reaction to these accessories beforehand especially prior to show days or during transit is crucial.
Essential Travel Gear
Here’s a rundown of the vital gear your horse will need:
- Leather Headcollar: Leather is preferable over nylon as it can break if the horse gets stuck, preventing any serious damage.
- Poll Guard: Commercial ones can be found at saddlers, or you could DIY with some creativity.
- Travelling Boots or Bandages: These should be applied over padding all around the horse. While a variety of boots are readily available on the market that are easy to put on and take off, bandages can be ideal for providing extra support for longer journeys.
- Hock and Knee Boots: Needed if they aren’t already embedded into the traveling boots.
- Tail Bandage or Tail Guard
- Roller: Serves as an anchor point for fastening the tail guard.
- Rugs: Choose according to the climate and season.
For safety, if you have a fidgeting horse, consider fitting overreach boots all around to provide extra protection to the coronary bands.
Ensure that your lorry or trailer floor has enough bedding. If the floor design doesn’t allow for bedding, that’s fine if your horse is comfortable with staling in the vehicle without getting its legs splashed.
Additional Items to Pack
As well as the basic travel gear, there are various other essentials you also need to ensure a smooth journey:
- Haynets and adequate hay for both outbound and return trips, and for the duration of the show.
- Feed as required.
- A bucket and lots of water.
- First aid kit—both for humans and horses.
- Spare rugs.
- Loading equipment, if required.
- Skip and rubber gloves to clean out the lorry or trailer (Never leave your horse’s droppings and bedding lying around a showground)
- Membership card and number for a vehicle recovery organization, if applicable.
- A mobile phone or money and a phone card for emergencies.
- A fire extinguisher—it’s essential to know how and when to use it.
Coping in an Emergency
When travelling with your horse using a lorry or trailer, being prepared to manage unexpected situations is crucial. At some point, you may face challenges or potentially severe emergencies.
Handling Individual Circumstances
The appropriate response will depend on the specifics of the situation. If, for instance, a trailer overturns with a horse trapped inside, it may be perilous to try and free a scared and uncontrollable animal. Moreover, if the horse sustains minimal injuries after being freed, controlling it might prove challenging. This could result in further complications, especially if the horse escapes and runs into traffic, jeopardizing the safety of other road users.
General Steps in an Emergency
Despite the varying nature of emergencies, here are some universal steps to take when such situations arise:
- Contact Emergency Services: As soon as an incident occurs, use your mobile phone to call the relevant emergency services.
- Always Carry a Knife: It’s crucial to have a knife on hand to cut a lead rope and release a trapped horse if required.
- Keep a Rope Handy: Having a length of rope on board might prove useful for assisting in the extraction of a trapped horse.
- Fire Extinguishers: Use them if needed. However, be cautious with vehicles fitted with electric ramps. For example, one unfortunate owner lost his horses when the electric wiring in his lorry ramp triggered a fire. The ramp could not be lowered to release the horses, and the fire rapidly spread, leading to tragic outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transporting Horses
How Should I Prepare My Horse for a Long Journey?
A: The first step is acclimating your horse to the travel gear. Once your horse is comfortable with the gear, undertake short trips and gradually increase travel duration. Ensure your horse is in good health before the journey. Hydration is key, so make sure your horse drinks plenty of water before and during travel.
What Kind of Trailer Should I Use?
A: When selecting a trailer, consider your horse’s size and comfort. The trailer should have sufficient space for the horse to stand comfortably and move its head. Ventilation is crucial, so choose a trailer with good airflow. Also, consider the trailer’s floor condition and whether it has adequate bedding.
How Often Should I Stop During a Journey?
A: For long-distance travel, it’s important to stop every three to four hours to allow your horse to rest and rehydrate. These rest breaks are essential to prevent fatigue and other health complications like colic.
How Can I Keep My Horse Calm During Transport?
A: Familiar scents can help soothe your horse. You might consider padding the trailer with hay or bedding from your horse’s stable to bring in familiar scents. A calming supplement could also be considered, but remember to consult with a vet for any medication.
Why Does My Horse Refuse to get into the Trailer?
A: Horses might resist boarding a trailer due to previous bad experiences, fear, or discomfort related to the trailer. Overcoming these issues involves patience, positive reinforcement and progressive training.
Should I Feed My Horse Before Travel?
A: Ideally, you should feed your horse a small meal 3-4 hours before travel to avoid travel sickness. Providing hay during the journey is beneficial for maintaining your horse’s digestive health.
What If My Horse is Prone to Travel Sickness?
A: If your horse is prone to travel sickness, consult with a vet who might recommend appropriate medication. Following management strategies like taking frequent breaks, keeping the journey calm and smooth, and feeding your horse a suitable meal before travel can also be helpful.
Is It Okay to Tie My Horse in the Trailer?
A: Yes, you can tie your horse in the trailer, but ensure the rope is long enough for your horse to move its head freely. Allowing the head to move helps horses maintain balance and ensures clear airways, which is crucial for their comfort during travel.
Is Insurance Necessary for Transporting Horses?
A: Yes, insuring your horse, the trailer, and the vehicle provides protection against unexpected incidents. It covers risks of injuries sustained during travel, damage to equipment, and can provide roadside assistance.
What Kind of Licensing Do I Need?
A: Depending on your location and the size of your trailer or lorry, you may need a special driver’s license to legally transport horses. Always check local laws and regulations.
How Can I Monitor My Horse During Travel?
A: Installing a horse monitor camera in your trailer can help you keep an eye on your horse during the journey. These cameras provide real-time visuals of your horse, helping you react promptly to any signs of distress.
What Are the Signs My Horse is Not Traveling Well?
A: Signs that your horse isn’t traveling well could include excessive sweating, restlessness, kicking, rearing, or not eating. If you notice these signs, stop at the earliest safe point, assess the situation, and if necessary, contact a vet.
Can I Travel With More Than One Horse?
A: Yes, you can travel with multiple horses, as long as your vehicle and trailer are designed to accommodate them safely and comfortably. Always ensure each horse has enough room to move around and that they don’t interfere with each other’s space.
Do I Need a First Aid Kit?
A: Yes, keeping a well-stocked horse-specific first aid kit in your vehicle is highly recommended. It can prove invaluable for handling minor injuries or stabilizing a horse until professional help arrives.
What Should I Do If My Horse Has Never Been in a Trailer?
A: If your horse is a novice traveler, begin with familiarizing the horse with the trailer while it’s stationary. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage the horse to enter the trailer. Gradually progress to short trips, increasing duration as the horse becomes more comfortable.
Is It Safe to Travel at Night?
A: Yes, it’s safe to travel at night with necessary precautions. Ensure your vehicle’s lights are working properly and that your trailer is well-lit so your horse can see. Also, be especially aware of potential hazards on the road since visibility is limited.
