Horse Lorry Rubber Skirts - why ?

lyndagriffiths

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We have just about finished our Lorry updating, very nice, however we have not yet put rubber skirts on the bottom of the partitions. Is it safe to travel a horse without them and why are they there anyway?
 
Must admit I am curious to see the answers to this too!

I undertand that some horses dont like partititions that go all the way to the floor (as they like to spread their legs) but i dont get the purpose of the rubber flap - its not like it would stop them standing on the horse next door? Would it?

idx
 
Be interesting to hear the correct reason behind these.

Ive seen loads without but presumed they were there instead of full length partitions because of the spread leg issue but to give the illusion to the horse that it is a full partiton, so they dont try to go under???

Ive heard some horror stories off a horse transporter of horses trying to get out though any gap regardless of size :eek:
 
If you have a partition that goes all the way to the floor,the horse cannot plant his feet out wider than his body and still use the partition for support. This makes it much harder for the horse to ballance and can cause him to panic. To avoid one horse treading on the next horse along,s foot we use rubber matting hanging down which doesnt hinder the horse from spreading his feet out.
 
I don't have anything at all for the last 18" to the floor from the partitions. But my lorry is forward facing and there are 2 partitions in there so there's always a good foot between the partitions so very small chance of the horses stepping on each other
 
If you have a partition that goes all the way to the floor,the horse cannot plant his feet out wider than his body and still use the partition for support. This makes it much harder for the horse to ballance and can cause him to panic. To avoid one horse treading on the next horse along,s foot we use rubber matting hanging down which doesnt hinder the horse from spreading his feet out.

OK i think i get it - i was thinking that the rubber would not stop the horse treading on the horses feet next door but guess it does stop it doing serious damage to the horses legs next door ie the rubber would stop the horse scraping down the legs of the horse next door before it planted its feet on the floor (ie it could only stand one its hooves in worst case).

I know what i mean if no one else does!!
 
Thanks everyone, it all makes sense now. Having used the Lorry with some inventive skirts (hubby used clear soft plastic used to protect carpets!) it also minimises the amount of pooh splash to the one compartment. God bless excited horses !!
 
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