Should I travel him in Tack??

3Beasties

3Beasties

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 September 2008
Messages
15,574
Visit site
In the past I have had problems Loading Charlie (TB, 12YO, 16.2HH Ex-racer) but I have recently got my own trailer and have been able to do lots of loading practice.

I have traveled him twice now in the trailer (once without Partition and once with), both times he seemed fine, not 100% happy but never worked up or sweaty when unloaded. Both times he traveled was to move fields so he literally got unloaded and turned out.

I am taking him on his first fun ride on Saturday, I have never taken him to any shows or fun rides before so have no idea how he will react. Because of this I don't no if he will be calm enough to tack up when I unload him or weather I should travel him in tack. The fun ride is only about 15 minute drive away but as he isn't completely happy traveling I'm not sure weather having tack on will worry him more.

What are your opinions on this? Have your horse ever acted badly because you traveled them in tack?
 
If you have to then I'd go for travelling in a bridle only - definitely not the saddle - if he gets upset he could damage saddle & himself - not worth the risk really
crazy.gif
 
if i'm going hunting/jumping/schooling away from home all mine travel with full tack there and back.

showing then they just travel with a headcollar...

go with what gives both you and your horse less stress.
 
I have an ex racer who was not happy being travelled in a trailer when I got him, I managed to get him over that but never travel him in travel boots as I think that could be asking for trouble. I do travel him in over reach on all four feet and good quality exercise boots. I never travel him in tack. I always put his bridle on when I get to where I am going - before I drop the back ramp and unload him. I have someone with me just in case - but to be honest he is fine to tack up. My one problem was getting on him, he was used to having a jockey legged up on to him and just leaping off. At home he would stand like a rock by the mounting block, first time out he bucked me off as he set off. So I spent time with my OH just holding him by the ramp for me to get on and now he is fine, I can get on and off him wherever I am.
 
My lad is a bit of a tit when i get to shows etc,lol...very excited and cant tie him to trailer,last time i travelled with headcollar and hell of a game trying to do up his bridle straps
mad.gif

i will however travel him nxt time in bridle...definately dont travel in a saddle!!Boots..if i am not going too far i will put travel boots over brushing boots(unless we go with company and he isnt too bad then)!!
 
hiya

I have to travel my boy in tack to get him to load on his own. There is no problem (that I can see) with it, or why it should disrupt your horse. It might make him more excited that he knows he is going to be ridden, but in my experience my horses have been fine.

Good luck, I hope the hard work pays off!
 
If its a fun ride hopefully there will be people there that can help you get ready and hold him for you. Certanly I'd have his brushing boots on under his travel boots and as scotsmare says, the bridle may be useful to have on (as long as there isn't anything he could catch the bit rings on) that is the most dodgy to put on if he's excited and it will give you more control stright away.

He may take you by surprise and be really good. Have fun and try not to worry too much.
 
i personally believe travel boots cause more problems than they are meant to prevent.

none of my ponies travel in boots....
 
I have always travelled in tack for hunting for some reason -( I think because I sometimes can't find anywere to park and/or have to unload & get on in a hurry)

Never had any problems - saves stress at the other end!
smile.gif
 
Do what you feel comfortable with. If you are planning to arrive with plenty of time and are comfortable with tying him up next to your trailer then I would say don't travel with saddle on. However headcollar over bridle shouldn't cause any worry. If you are worried about him standing still tied up to the traier to be saddled, then there is no harm in saddling him prior to travel, if not too warm you could always place a fleece or light sheet over both. Or if you have a trailer which allows you to open the partitions whilst he is still inside, then you could saddle him before you unload. Enjoy & have a good time.
 
I was thinking I should travel him in a bridle but will obviously have to be very careful that there is nothing he can get caught on as he has been know to panic at the slightest bit of pressure on his poll.

I don't think I will use travel boots yet (will use full set of brushing and over reach boots though) as when I tried some on him a few years ago he freaked out a bit, once he is happier traveling I will use them as I think they offer a lot more protection.

I am looking forward to it (Had charlie for nearly 5 years and never taken him any where) but am already nervous, once I'm on him I know I'll be fine though.

Hopefully it will be the start of many outings together!

Thanks for all your help.
 
I always travel in bridle with headcollar over the top. Don't put on saddle any more but have done in the past. Put a saddle cover on the saddle though in case it gets scuffed on the partition. I don't use travel boots as my mare isn't a good loader and as soon as the travel boots go on she gets tense and nervous. I now just use overreach and brushing boots.
 
I have to laugh at my boy...even now his mates that are all being booted up with travel boots around him are pooing all over and getting excited...mine falls asleep,lol!!!only when he gets in the trailer does he realise he is going out for the day,lmao
grin.gif
love im!!!
 
Have, fun!
I'm also doing my first "thing" on Saturday, and I've had my pone 4 years. Glad you posted this because I'm wondering the same thing!!
Think I will put bridle on but not saddle, he travels well, so I don't use any boots at all ( has lots of feather for protection)
 
I travel mine tacked up if hunting as don't want the stress when we arrive, but for showing/jumping etc I just travel them in a headcollar.

If he is not 100% travelling then I wouldn't travel him tacked up, as it's not far away give yourself plenty of time and perhaps put his bridle on before you off load him. I'm sure somebody would come and help you....

Good luck and enjoy it..
grin.gif
 
I personally wouldn't travel any horse in tack purely for my own piece of mind, nothing against people that do, many people turn up to competitions/hunts with them already tacked up, saves time and yes its sometimes safer if you have a horse that likes to get on with the job onces he's off the ramp but unless your a 100% sure your horse is a good quite traveller then I don't think it would be a good idea.


It doesn't matter if your 15 minutes away or an hour away, accidents can still happen, a horse can panic if they get caught up, and the last thing you want is any complications on freeing him up if it comes to that.

I've seen a few nasties in my time with trailers....and ex racers! so I'm always thinking safety when handling them...even when there used to traveling in boxes...it can be a different story in trailers and I'd much rather travel them in just headcoller and lead rope on bailing twine (and brush boots in case they come of the ramp and scuff the tendons) the less they have on the less chance they have of frightening themselves or getting caught up on something.

It may take you a few more minutes to tack him up, he may be a pain in the butt but your horse needs to get used been handled at events when he arrives, so he might as well learn now, there is always people willing to help...I certainly never mind being asked.
smile.gif
 
I would agree with Kenzo I'm afraid and would certainly never travel with a bridle on- think of the damage that could be done if a bit ring got caught up on something.
crazy.gif


I would possibly put saddle on (with cover over to prevent scratching the leather) if I was going somewhere on my own with no horsey folk around- like a hack in a forest, rather than a show, but that would be it.

I travel my mare in the Premier Equine "Boot Wraps";

http://www.premierequine.co.uk/acatalog/horse-boots.html

With over reach boots on fronts. I think these are a good combination of extra protection without restricting their movement and are dead quick and easy to take off/put on. Would really recommend them! (especially as liners detach and can be chucked in washing machine after use!
laugh.gif
)

I think it would be best if you were to bribe a confident helper along who can hold him for you while you tack up when you get there and help you mount etc rather than travel tacked up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top