forums where you can ask questions, and event organisers are normally more than happy to provide information on the
F E AT U R E
On the road again
facilities available. Asking other people who know the area or have completed the journey previously will help you to be as prepared as possible. Even small details, such as knowing to pack your own hose instead or lugging buckets back and forth to a tap, can make all the difference.
When it comes to travelling with horses, preparation is key to ensuring the journey goes smoothly, writes REBECCA NADGE.
W
If you are completing a trip interstate, it also pays to check any biosecurity requirements beforehand so you’re not caught out. It’s also important to prepare your horse
hether you’re travelling
be carried out regularly; don’t assume
long distances to relocate
that everything is up to scratch just
or in order to compete, it’s
because the last trip was incident-free.
for the journey as early as possible. It helps if your horse is carrying a little extra condition in case they drop weight while travelling, and this is something you will
important to plan ahead to minimise any
Remember, any maintenance to your
risks and make the journey as safe and
vehicle or float may go on a workshop
comfortable as possible for both you
diet changes well in advance. The same
waiting list, so the earlier problems are
goes for vaccinations or shoeing – add
and your horse.
identified, the better. It helps to pick a
them to your preparation timeline to
Before you leave
departure date and work backwards on
ensure everything’s completed before
a timeline to ensure things aren’t left
your departure.
It sounds obvious, but the morning of departure is not the time to be checking
until the last minute.
need to bear in mind and consider any
So that the experience stays positive,
that the towing vehicle and float are
Researching your destination is
float training should be carried out when
in good order. Safety checks should
invaluable. There are plenty of online
you’re not under any time pressure.
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