Transporting a horse might sound like an easy enough idea, however there’s more planning involved than one might think. One of the trickier areas is how to properly prepare your horse for trailer rides in regards to his legs, such as bandaging and shipping in Protective Horse Boots like the Easyboot Glove, Bare Boot, or Rx Therapy Boot offered by EasyCare. Here are some tips to help create a hassle-free voyage for both you and your equine and will have him exclaiming ‘yay!’ instead of ‘neigh.’
Preparing Your Horse – Have your horse checked with a veterinarian within four weeks of the trip to make sure he is healthy enough to endure the journey. This is especially important if the journey is long. Also, practice loading in and out of the trailer with your horse. That way he or she can familiarize himself with the procedure.
Bandaging/Shipping Boots – Many people wonder if they need to bandage their horse’s legs, use shipping boots, or do nothing at all while they transport their horse. Here are some tidbits to help you make your own decision. If your horse has no shoes on, there is no reason to bandage him. However, if your horse does have shoes, proper bandaging is advisable to help protect the coronet band. In regards to shipping boots, if your horse tends to kick, he could injure himself wearing boots. Boots may also add extra heat during transit, but overall they are a safe choice. With both bandages and shipping boots, allow a sufficient amount of time for your horse to become accustomed to wearing either of these hoof care products before the journey.
Preparing the Trailer – In general, all of your trailer components should be in good condition. Make sure there is no rust or missing parts. Bringing two spare tires for the trailer is also a good idea. Make sure there are enough vents to provide comfortable ventilation.
Trailer Ride – Dehydration is a common problem when horses are shipped, so providing enough water is essential. Offer water from a familiar bucket every four hours to prevent dehydration from occurring. Horse grain and rich feed may cause problems in the large intestine, so hay is a suitable choice for feed as it helps in retaining water in the gut. It is also a good idea to wash away manure and urine at every stop to help prevent respiratory infections.
Transporting your horse requires planning. Start thinking about it at least week ahead of time. Also, keep in mind that each horse is different and that one technique will not always work best for all horses. Keep these tips in mind for your next trip to assure a comfortable and safe ride for your equine and have peace of mind for yourself.
Happy Trails,
Marcie Mendoza
