In the trailer, be expected to perform and then spend 3 hours travelling back again? I'm a bit anxious about it as I tend to only travel up to an hour maximum! x
She will be fine! The most important thing is to allow enough time so she can relax before you ask her to work.
Vets suggest that they are encouraged to get there head down after journey- i find carrots on the ground or a small fibre feed works well- good if you make it wet then they are getting water too.
I would imagine that the girl is a seasoned traveller!!
I would also plan a rest break after 1 1/2 hours- perhaps a petrol station and I would offer a drink don't worry if she doesn't want it!!
I have travelled horses on much longer journeys here and abroad and if the ride is smooth and everyone is chilled she will be fine.
i soaked her hay with water because lots wont drink when traveling mildred never drinks so id sudgest you do that and when i stopped i gave her an apple as theyre juicy.
she was fine
mind you i wasnt compeating she just went in the field when we got theyre and had a weeks holiday but 3hrs should be ok!
I recently had this dilemma - I ended up travelling my horse 5.5 hours to a vet practice, resting him for an hour, having him sedated and scanned, half an hour to recover and a 5 hour journey home. He was absolutely fine except that he had a minor fit about me touching his travel boots when we got home! He does travel very well and the roads were mainly duel carriage way and we travelled at a steady 50 mph with stops every 1.5 to 2 hours. I suppose it depends if your horse is generally calm in the trailer.
3 hours is nothing really. Just make sure you allow yourself plenty of time and get there early so that your horse can rest before competing. As carmenlucy said - if your horse travels with hay they try it soaked to get as many fluids in as you can.
Just make sure your horse is fit, as travelling does take a bit out of them and if he's only used to about an hour (your very lucky there!!!) the extra time may just tire him a little.