How to Transport a Horse Long Distance

Transporting a horse long distance can be stressful for the horse and the owner. Any trip taken in a trailer, airplane or boat that lasts longer than five hours is considered long distance. In cool weather, horses can lose between two and five pounds for every hour traveled. Hot weather can increase weight loss during long distance transport. Horses can also suffer from immune system suppression, respiratory complications caused by impaired clearance of dust, dehydration, food refusal, pleuropneumonia and colic. Careful planning and preparation can help your horse travel comfortably and safely.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid making feed changes during the four weeks before long distance transport.

    • 2

      Feed a bran mash during the four weeks prior to departure and during the trip to increase the amount of fluids consumed.

    • 3

      Start feeding your horse soaked hay two weeks prior to the trip. Feed your horse soaked hay during travel to provide additional water and avoid dehydration and colic.

    • 4

      Flavor water with apple juice or electrolytes during the two weeks prior to departure. Continue to flavor the water you offer your horse on the trip. By doing this, you reduce the chances your horse will reject water that doesn't taste like water from home.

    • 5

      Have your veterinarian examine your horse thoroughly a week prior to travel. If your horse has any chronic ailments, ask your veterinarian for advice on managing the ailments. Chronic diseases may worsen when the horse is stressed by long distance travel.

    • 6

      Avoid long distance transport if your horse is diagnosed with an infectious respiratory disease.

    • 7

      Avoid impaction colic. Have your veterinarian administer one gallon of mineral oil plus water and electrolytes four to 12 hours before departure. Feed additional mineral oil in a bran mash during the long distance transport.

    • 8

      Plan to stop every two to four hours to offer food and water. If the weather is hot or humid, stop every two hours.

    • 9

      Stop traveling for the day after eight hours unless absolutely unavoidable, such as travel by boat or airplane.

    • 10

      Cover your horse with a light sheet if the weather is cool. Check under the sheet frequently to make sure your horse isn't overly hot and sweating. Protect your horse's legs with shipping boots.

    • 11

      Keep an eye out for signs of depression, not eating, coughing, increased respiratory rate, discharge from nostrils, temperature over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, colic, excessive sweating, decreased water intake and increased heart rate. Stop travel and contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are noticed.

    • 12

      Schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible after arriving at your destination. Have the veterinarian check for signs of dehydration, colic and respiratory issues. If you have additional concerns about your horse's health, have the veterinarian take a blood sample for a complete blood count and chemistry profile to rule out infection and organ dysfunction caused by dehydration.

    • 13

      Allow your horse to rest and regain weight for up to two weeks after arriving at your destination. Make sure your horse has access to a turn-out, paddock or pasture during his rest period. Avoid stall rest.

    • 14

      Check your horse's temperature once or twice daily during the week after arrival. If the temperature is gradually rising, contact your veterinarian; your horse may be developing a respiratory infection.