Travelling attire for horse in the heat.

[grhands]

Hi all.

Exciting times as I’m picking up my new boy on Tuesday.

I was curious as to how you travel your horses when it’s so warm out. I always used to put my previous boy in some travel boots and a sheet on the lorry, however since then I’ve read a lot of horror stories about travel boots slipping. Bandages and pads can come undone too though and I am concerned they could get too warm.

He’ll be in a 3.5t lorry alone and I’m not sure what attire to put him in for the best! My friend just sticks hers on the lorry with a tail bandage on! I suppose it eliminates the risk of tangles but I’d be mortified if he got a bump or scrape on the way home!

It’s a one hour journey. What do you do?

Thanks

 

[Red-1]

Mine is a good traveller and just wears his halter.

I used to wrap them up but have gone minimalist!

 

[grhands]

Mine is a good traveller and just wears his halter.

I used to wrap them up but have gone minimalist!

Well to be honest I was questioning whether it would be the safest and most comfortable option for him. I went to the saddlery earlier and the boots and bandages all look so heavy and hot. Horse is also a 15.3hh Connie so cob items tend to be a bit on the small side and full is always too big!

Then I half thought about just sticking his WW simple neoprene brushing boots on…

It’s a bit of a tricky one as there are risks and benefits to both! I just don’t want him to overheat.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

A headcollar and perhaps a velcro tail guard if he really sits on his bum.

Any professional transporter would prefer a horse to have as little as possible on to alleviate heat problems and subsequent issues arising from it.

Good luck with new horse, dont forget the mandatory photos!

 

[tda]

Definitely don't need a rug, boots are up to you, but I am also minimalist

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

If he's not shod, just leave him as minimalist as possible. If he is shod maybe take guidance fro. The seller

 

[meesha]

I'm another that just has a headcollar unless freezing in which case a travel rug. Boots can slip as can tail guards.

 

[Rowreach]

Headcollar.

 

[Needtoretire]

If shod, over reach boots all round and a properly fitted tail bandage or guard if the horse sits back or the lorry is tight for him.

 

[Roxylola]

Headcollar and a tail guard - I've known horses make a real mess of their tails so it's one thing I never miss off

 

[silv]

Just a headcollar.

 

[Ratface]

Headcollar and tailguard.

 

[ThreeFurs]

From South Australia. Where heat is an issue. I've done thousands of floatings of elder FEI small tour schoolmaster gelding, whose always been a good traveler. In the summer, just his Equilibrium flat work wraps all around [obvs stayed on his legs for whatever we were doing clinic or comp, or forest ride or whatever - coolest velcro wraps on the market].

So, no special floating boots. And no rug. Windows open on the trailer, and the whirly gigs going on top. No long trips if its especially hot. Stay home if its 32c or over.

Winter, same boots and maybe a fleece on him to keep him warm in the float.

 

[outinthefens88]

Always difficult if you don't know the horse. My horse travels a LOT as we ride Endurance and are out competing or training most weekends. Generally try not to travel over 3.5 hrs but not unknown. He travels with the top doors on the trailer open summer or winter, no travel boots (he hates them), only a fleece cooler or thin turn out in mid winter (he is always full or blanket clipped) or a 'wicking rug' if we have got totally drenched on a ride.

Every horse (like every owner) has their own likes and dislikes. I know of some fellow competitors that boot/bandage etc because they need to. Kind of something you have to learn along the way.

 

[Goldenstar]

I am another who would only use a head collar.
At this time of year I would always take a summer thermatex with me .

 

[Horseysheepy]

Leather head collar.

how exciting!

 

[SilverLinings]

Leather headcollar (for safety), travel boots if it's cool/cold weather, brushing and over reach boots (horses are shod) if it's hot weather, tail guard whatever the temperature. Rug only if needed (i.e. cold weather or the horse is loaded wet). The greys also have their tails wrapped for cosmetic reasons!

As you don't know the horse well it would be worth asking the old/current owner what they use to travel, and how the horse copes with travelling (I've had one who always got hot, one current one tends to get a little cold). Congratulations on the new horse, I hope you have many years of fun together

 

[nutjob]

I put over reach boots on mine and ventilated xc boots. He's not shod but he does stamp if we're stationary for too long.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Faran wears a fleece in winter as he’s full clipped and nothing in summer as he’s a hot traveller. No boots etc unless keeping his legs clean for showing so he wore fleece wraps as not bulky and easy on and off.

Since we don’t show he’s naked in the trailer now except for his leather halter.

 

[Squeak]

I'd ask his current owner what they do and copy that this time.

Personally I use ventilated brushing boots and a tail guard and then the rug depends on the weather.

 

[starbucker]

Just a headcollar, and got a few scratches on bum in transport (it was a 2hr journey) but they grew out/healed within a few weeks

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Mine traveled from Germany to the USA with nothing but a headcollar and not a single mark on him, so I'm good with just a headcollar

I know there can always be that one time, but it gets very hot here. Many travel the horse with a fly mask on to protect from debris on the trailer, but I often forget

My trailer has a lot of ventilation and the roof is fiberglass and that helps. We are going to install fans this year too.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I use a head collar and front boots, simply because I have a square wheel arch in the horse area and always think they may bash front legs. I’d probably not bother otherwise