old horses travelling long distance??

[dordy]

Hi
my mare is 29 and hasnt travelled for about 10 years! she always did travel well but is it suitable for old horses to travel long distance or do you not recommend it?? its just im looking to re home her as a companion and someone about 3 hours away is offering a loving home but i am so unsure about the ditance... thankyou

 

[05parkerr]

i wouldn't see a problem. just make sure that she has some brakes out of the lorry/trailer to stretch her old legs. had a 30 year old in lorry for a two hour drive, with a brake every 45mins she was fine. hope this has helped

 

[Cuffey]

Dordy
Please be very careful--do you know these people?
I would not rehome unless I could visit on a very regular basis
We constantly hear of horses rehomed only to be sold on or worse..........

At 29 and in the same home for a long time and if you can no longer keep your horse please think through all the options--your horses well being is your responsibility.

 

[Serenity087]

1) Ditto Cuffey, you may think you're doing her good, but you're actually being very irresponsible!

2) to your origional question - We travelled my old mare for 6 hours. She had a companion, a large haynet, constant water stops, but no break and no turning off the engine, as she was notoriously hard to load!!!

You must be careful for problems with their breathing whist travelling, and be wary of snot and coughing. If you are travelling her on her own, consider giving her the whole box with a good bed of straw. Carrie's last journey was like this, and although she had the option to lie down, she managed to stay upright.

However, at 29, I'm enclined to suggest you consider being responsible and letting her go at home.