How to Travel With a Horse

"Have horse, will travel" used to simply mean saddling up and hitting the trail. Nowadays, traveling with a horse isn't quite so simple. There is some planning and preparation involved. So before you giddyup--here are some tips for making the trip safe and pleasant for both you and your horse.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have current health papers for your horse. Just about all horse hotels and some state border livestock inspection stations require current health papers for horses and proof of a negative Coggins test within the last 30 days. This test checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in a horse's blood.

    • 2

      Check the horse trailer to make sure it's functioning properly--for instance, tire pressure, brakes and exterior lights. Do any necessary maintenance and repairs. It's also a good idea to practice loading and unloading your horse in the trailer if he's never made a trip before. (See Resources below for how to choose a horse trailer).

    • 3

      Plan ahead. Research horse-friendly lodging and accommodations and make sure you make reservations (see Resources below).

    • 4

      Map out the trip and places to stop along the way. Horses need about a 30-minute break every 2 to 3 hours. They don't have to be taken out of the trailer each time; just standing still is good enough rest.

    • 5

      Bring the necessary supplies such as a horse restraint, first-aid kit, water for your horse to drink and a manure fork to clean up after your horse. It is a good idea to bring along enough of your horse's familiar hay to last throughout the trip.

    • 6

      Add beet pulp and/or wheat bran to your horse's feed to prevent colic while traveling. Start mixing it in at least a week before the trip and increase the amount to about a 50-50 mixture by the time you set out. Continue feeding the mixture throughout the trip and for the first week after you get home, decreasing the amount over the course of the week until you're back to a normal feeding. Other options are to have your veterinarian give a gallon of mineral oil plus water and electrolytes 4 to 12 hours before the trip, or you can add mineral oil to bran mash.