Stress and Transport Part 2: Air Quality and Thermal Stress by Kevan Garecki
There are several environmental factors to consider for the horse’s sake while in transit. Attention to temperature and air quality, the physical environment (flooring and bedding, lighting, suitability of the unit for the horses on board, cleanliness), the loading plan (arranging compatible horses together, keeping incompatible horses apart, stall size) and even the trip plan can minimize stress from unfamiliar surroundings.
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ir quality is always a major concern, yet frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Ventilation is important during transit, and seasonal conditions will dictate how we maintain an acceptable quality of airflow through the trailer. Roof vents should most commonly be open towards the rear of the unit; in this direction they act as exhaust points, allowing the air inside the trailer to escape. With side windows open, this creates a steady flow of air through the trailer while in motion. On extremely warm days, opening the roof vents to the front will reverse the flow of air to a degree and force more fresh air into the trailer, but doing so also causes turbulence inside, which can result in more debris and dust for the horses to inhale or become embedded in their eyes. Simply wetting down the bedding and misting the hay slightly will usually control the majority of airborne debris.
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I would like to address an all too common and potentially dangerous practice - leaving drop-down windows open while moving. Drop-down windows were designed to allow additional ventilation while the vehicle is parked and allow head access to the horses. These windows should never be left in the fully open position when travelling. With the drop-down window open, a horse cannot avoid the blast of incoming wind, at the very least being uncomfortable, but also increasing the risk of injury from airborne debris. I have seen some rigs underway with both the drop down windows and the window bars open, allowing the horses to poke their heads outside. This should never be done! Even a moderately-sized insect can strike the eye, blinding the horse permanently! There have been many cases where passing trucks have struck horses with their mirrors, horses have spooked and tried to climb out the window, and some have been decapitated when the trailer passed an oncoming vehicle. Transport regulations share a constant throughout North America in that all livestock in transit must be held completely within the vehicle, so that no part of the animal may protrude from it. Allowing a horse’s head outside while moving is not only completely inconsiderate of his safety, but also illegal. Thermal stress is simply that which the body experiences when temperatures rise or fall out of the norm. Older and very young horses are most susceptible to thermal stress, as they frequently lack the ability to regulate their own body heat beyond minor changes. Temperature control is another topic that seems to hold some mystery for many folks; this is primarily due to a simple misunderstanding of a horse’s
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