Long Journeys

[vikkiandmonica]

I'm taking my two horses down to Salisbry from Newcastle next weekend, or the weekend afterwards, and I was just wondering whether anyone had any tips to keep them cool etc. and basically how to make sure they're alright for such a long journey. Both trailer well, but have never gone this far before.

Thanks!

 

[rara007]

How many hours will that be? Don't use boots/rugs and make sure all the vents are open obviously. Try to use a haybag to reduce dust.

 

[vikkiandmonica]

I don't know, 6 hours maybe? And would I not use any boots at all, I was going to put tendon boots on my gelding with over reach boots and then XC type boots on my mare. And I don't have a hay bag, would it be worth soaking the hay first?

 

[soloequestrian]

I trailered mine from Yorkshire to the north of Scotland. Took around 8 hours. They had a deep layer of shavings on the trailer floor just in case they got desperate for a wee, and had a normal haynet each. I put overreach boots on all their legs to protect coronet bands just in case they stepped sideways onto each other, but no other boots apart from that, no rugs and vents open. We stopped briefly twice to refuel, and they were offered water. They stepped off the trailer looking very fresh and relaxed, unlike me who had just driven for 8 hours!

 

[vikkiandmonica]

Ok thanks, I am not planning on taking them out of the trailer as they may not reload, but will offer them water every couple of hours and longer when we stop for fuel. I heard if they were hot people sometimes either wet them slightly, or soak they're rugs, is this necessary?