Boredom busters for travelling

[FFAQ]

Every now and then I take my horse to a 3 day clinic about 2 hours away from me and we stay overnight. I was thinking that 2 hours in what must feel like being in a tumble dryer, is quite a long time. Even though my mare travels well, i'd like to make it nicer for her so i was wondering if anyone uses boredom busters in the lorry, and if so, what? She has a net of hay which she mostly just pulls out and throws over my tack, etc. Sometimes I put those herbal brick things in, but it would be nice to have a few ideas.

 

[milliepops]

I wouldn't be too concerned, personally - mine all travel well but even so don't tend to eat much until we arrive and are stationary. i think just balancing and listening to the noises around them gives horses plenty to be getting on when travelling, even the ones who are very experienced.

 

[Muddywellies]

'Boredom busting' is a recent invention to sell stuff. Horses don't think like us and as per above, your horse will be kept quite busy concentrating on balancing and taking in the noises and scents along the way. Horses travel globally and don't need boredom busters.

 

[doodle]

Echo what has been said. They don’t need entertainment while travelling. They have enough to concentrate on by keeping balance etc.

 

[oldie48]

Totally agree with what's already been said. Mine have all travelled well and I think doze off so I have to be very careful when I come off motorways or go round islands to stop them losing their balance.

 

[MissTyc]

I'd go so far as to say that being able to be "bored" is really important or there's a risk that the horse learns to require constant entertainment.
Good hay and smooth journey is the best you can hope for! MAYBE mine get special haylage for a longer journey, to sweeten the deal

 

[stormox]

Every now and then I take my horse to a 3 day clinic about 2 hours away from me and we stay overnight. I was thinking that 2 hours in what must feel like being in a tumble dryer, is quite a long time. Even though my mare travels well, i'd like to make it nicer for her so i was wondering if anyone uses boredom busters in the lorry, and if so, what? She has a net of hay which she mostly just pulls out and throws over my tack, etc. Sometimes I put those herbal brick things in, but it would be nice to have a few ideas.

2 hours isnt long, I do 2 -3 hrs (and back) twice a week for a lesson and to a show. (or did before covid regs). I hope my driving doesnt feel like a tumble dryer!! And she almost runs into the trailer when loading so dont think she dislikes it that much!!

 

[bouncing_ball]

I'd go so far as to say that being able to be "bored" is really important or there's a risk that the horse learns to require constant entertainment.
Good hay and smooth journey is the best you can hope for! MAYBE mine get special haylage for a longer journey, to sweeten the deal

I used to only allow Haylage in lorry and he would arrive home and be in no hurry to get off.

I used a mirror and a small sound system playing horse’s preferred choice of music (Greensleeves or similar) for an anxious horse that used to rock the lorry if I stopped at traffic lights.

 

[FFAQ]

Thanks everyone! Makes me feel a bit better ?