Travelling in boots for long distances?

[Mariposa]

I am moving one of our polo ponies to her lovely retirement home , and the lorry journey will be at least six hours, if not more.

We usually travel in Amigo Travel Boots and tail guards, but given that its a long journey do you think I should travel her naked? She is a very quiet traveller but is it safer to travel in protection?

Thanks in advance! I know I am being clucky!

 

[Jojoeena]

I think it's a presonal preference, I always travelled my old horse in boots, cause that what everyone used to do, now with my new boy, he was unhandled so made a 4 hr journey naked and was fine.

If you are worried about the legs heating up and her getting agitated why not compromise and use brushing boots / over reach - she will still be protected but they will be lighter .. good luck !

 

[Mariposa]

Brushing boots are definitely food for thought - thank you!

 

[rara007]

I'd vote naked

 

[JillA]

I reckon boots can cause more problems than they solve - getting trodden on, over heating legs - and the only reaon I would protect legs is if the horse was likely to stumble off the side of the ramp. For a good traveller, especially with no shoes on, and travelling front to back I would always go naked. Slightly but not much more risk for sideways or herringbone for sudden braking or accelerating. For possible ramp problems I would bandage - I have got rid of a couple of sets of travel boots in the last few years

 

[Mariposa]

Yes, I was worried about overheating, and her getting bothered by them. We do travel our other ponies in boots but they're only in the lorry for 45 mins at a time. I think I might look at brushing boots but otherwise I think she'll be naked. Eek! Thanks for the advise all, always good to get other's opinions!