Tips for long trailer journey

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chasingmytail

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Having only travelled short distances I wondered if anyone had some advice for long journeys, say between 1 and 4 hours. Only asking as we're having to look quite far afield to buy.
 
The longest I've done is 8 hours. I planned a route that was on motorways and dual carriageways as much as possible, bedded down the trailer with a thick layer of shavings (reduces noice and encourages weeing) and gave them both a big haynet that they could reach easily. Offered them water when I stopped for fuel, but I don't think either drank. They both came off at the end of the journey looking like they'd been in there for about 10 mins!
 
I agree with soloequestrian, deep bedding, full haynet and stick to duel carriageways and motorways as much as possible. When I bought my 2 year old he had to travel for about 3 hours I think and he was fine, hadn't even broken in to a sweat when we got back. Just don't rush it and take your time. Also try and keep loading as relaxing as possible and don't keep the horse stood in the trailer / lorry for long before you leave as it could make him very upset. If it's a long journey stop for a water break or two but keep them short as to not prolong the journey even more. Good luck with finding a new horse!

Alex
 
My pony regularly travel 3 - 4 Hrs to competitions. He just has bedding on the floor to absorb his wee and a haynet. Granted he is a good traveller but he never appears tired or stressed by the experience. If you drive with consideration for the fact that you are towing a trailer, ie gradual breaking and accelerating etc I wouldn't think you'll have any trouble. Anything over 4 hrs and I tend to stop to offer water but he rarely drinks.
 
Longest I've gone is 10 hours on 3 occassions, although only one of those was in a trailer. But I have often travelled by trailer up to about 4 hours to events. If its just 4-5 hours then I'd probably only stop the once mid-way to give water (or sugar beet water - mine love that, encourages them to drink) and have a pee (some hate peeing whilst moving). Otherwise, make sure he has a full haynet. Personally I dont put any bedding down (we have rubber mats) but it really just depends on the horse. Make sure its got a tail guard on as you dont want him sitting on his tail the whole way!
 
Can't really add to the above except that apples and carrots are a good source of hydration should they not be keen to drink in transit. worth buying a bag of each and feeding the odd few when you stop. small Sloppy feeds / wet hay would be a good idea too.

Don't over-rug. depending on the temp on the day a fleece will probably be sufficient but take a couple of extras in case...
 
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