Travelling a horse for first time

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anniedoherty

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I have found a new yard thanks to the poster who replied to my original enquiry advising me to look on HorseQuest. I can't remember who it was but a big "thank you" to you! It's a long way from where I live (20 miles) and is only for the summer months because I have somewhere closeby sorted out for the winter onwards but it is a lovely yard where I am sure my horse will be very happy living out in the well managed, flat paddocks.

My question is - he is being picked up in a trailer tomorrow but I have never travelled him so what equipment do I need to buy e.g. travel boots, tail guard? I am off to the tack shop later today to get anything which I haven't already got so any quick replies would be gratefully received. It might sound like a silly question (most of mine are!) but he's my first horse and I've never done this before so I want to get it right. I am hoping he will load ok. He's been in a lorry but I don't know if he's ever travelled in a trailer. The people who are transporting him for me are very experienced though and I am relying on their knowledge and help.
 
Either travel boots or bandages - which ever your budget will stretch to. And a tail bandage.

That's all you really need.
 
Hey - we've all got to start somewhere!

Mark Todd travel boots are excellent. Long lasting etc. But if you don't think your horse has ever worn them before you may be better off just getting bandages (not forgetting the gamgee that goes underneath).

Good luck with the move.
 
If he has never had travelling boots on before I would not travel him with them - perhaps brushing boots if he is used to them? Alternatively, pop a set of travel boots on in the stable so he gets used to the feel of them - you do not want them to slip and him to panic in the trailer. A tail bandage/tail guard is a good idea too.
All the best with your move.
 
Agree with Mogsy, tail bandage and brushing boots all round would be less stressful. I often travel mine without any boots at all with no ill effects, and have seen horses panic when their travel boots start falling off so not a bit fan
 
Thanks Mogsy and the_watcher. I wouldn't have thought of the travel boots slipping to be honest. I will stick with the bandages and brushing boots then because I am already worried about him not travelling well in a trailer.
 
Yeh, totally agree, we never travel young/inexperienced horse with travel boots if they are not used to them. Brushing boots and over reach boots if they have shoes on and are worried they might tread on themselves.
 
I personally would always travel with some sort of decent protection even if they're babies. Like others have said, bandages and gamgee (the long ones which cover the knee etc.) would probably be best if he's not used to travel boots. Some horses can kick in them which isnt fun listening to when moving. I usually put front travel boots on with bandages & gamee behind until they're used to it. And instead of a tail bandage, a tail guard would give better protection - some horses can really lean on their tails. I usually use both.

Agree with kirstyfk about the haynet. I never travel without one, it definately keeps them amused although if its his first time he may not eat it!
 
Ask the people who are selling him as to what they use to travel your new horse with.

Also ask the transporter you are using for their advice.

Don't go to the expense of something that you may not need!

Agree with haynet, tail pad and I use sports medicine boots for travelling.

Good luck and enjoy your new horse!
 
everyone else seems to have covered the equipment , the transporters should also be equipped with a lunge line, which is what we always load unknown horses in.
Make sure you have some feed in a bucket, gloves on yourself and your hat might be a good idea too.
A dually or control halter is very good for loading, but you do have to know how to use it, so perhaps think about one for the future if you have any problems.
It sounds like the people are professionals but some tips we find work are the following, a hesitating horse is best helped by staying very quiet and calm. Lifting their legs one at a time and a handful of feed as a reward works far better that anyone whacking them.
Don't look at them in the face as you attempt to load them.
Once in, the helper must dive under the breast bar but keep the horses head up, I have seen so many horses learn how to load badly after trying to go under the breast bar with their head and panicking after finding they won't fit!
Don't tie up until the bar is behind the horse, then tie short enough so they can rest their head at a normal height but not reach under that bar.
Until we had the box we always used a trailer, and became so good at loading we aquired several mares to the stallion that others couldn't box; our most difficult was a black polish mare who when we arrived to collect her had an audience including the last chap who tried complete with his broken arm in plaster..
grin.gif

She loaded (with a few tricks you don't need to know) and from then on was ok.
The secret is don't ever panic or get worried, just go slowly even if it takes a long time, then whoever drives must be smooth and steady.
I would follow the advice given re boots etc, try them in the stable and round the yard, any wories don't use them.
 
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