Travelling

[Flowerofthefen]

Hi all. I read ages ago that travelling horse for x amount of hours is equivalent to x amount of riding time. Does any one know the figures?

 

[Hollychops]

I heard each mile is equivalent to a minute of exercise but i could be wrong. Not quite sure of the truth or whether its just a 'thing'

 

[Jambarissa]

Interesting. It probably depends on where and how you are driving. Hills, roundabouts and changes of speed will make the horse work to balance.

So if the weather is pants stick 3 horses in the box, bomb round some hills and that's them exercised in record time.

 

[Fieldlife]

I think it depends on lots of factors

terrain driving on, suspension and comfort of vehicle

temperature

How fit and well balanced horse is

How relaxed a traveler horse is (an anxious horse could be exhausted and a sweaty mess after a fairly short journey)

Assuming it isnt very hot, I dont significantly factor in the travel time to a competition for my horse - good suspension, relaxed traveller, regular traveller, good roads, fit and balanced, experienced horse.

But I would factor length of time travelling into how much rest time I allocate after competing, and when I next travel.

But different roads / vehicle / less relaxed horse could be very different.

 

[silv]

I read somewhere that it is equivalent to walking. ie on hour on the trailer = one hour walking.

 

[sunnyone]

One of our horses got colic and kept lying down. It was exhausting for her and the two of us. The vet suggested loading her and then driving around as at least we'd get a bit of rest and she would be on her feet and moving continuously. Having been in trailers with horses before (yep I broke the law) I agreed: continuous exercise for the horse.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

One of our horses got colic and kept lying down. It was exhausting for her and the two of us. The vet suggested loading her and then driving around as at least we'd get a bit of rest and she would be on her feet and moving continuously. Having been in trailers with horses before (yep I broke the law) I agreed: continuous exercise for the horse.

O think we've all broken the law riding in a trailer at some point!! I found it really scary!!

 

[Polos Mum]

We have certainly debated taking over weight horses that can't be ridden for injury reasons for trips out to burn the calories - not tried it yet as we thought if they were sore to ride then likely sore to travel too.

it might work if you had fat for no reason and could take out a few at a time !!