Feature: On the road again

FEATURE

On the road again

When it comes to travelling with horses, preparation is key to ensuring the journey goes smoothly, writes REBECCA NADGE.

Whether you’re travelling long distances to relocate or in order to compete, it’s important to plan ahead to minimise any risks and make the journey as safe and comfortable as possible for both you and your horse.

Before you leave

It sounds obvious, but the morning of departure is not the time to be checking that the towing vehicle and float are in good order. Safety checks should be carried out regularly; don’t assume that everything is up to scratch just because the last trip was incident-free. Remember, any maintenance to your vehicle or float may go on a workshop waiting list, so the earlier problems are identified, the better. It helps to pick a departure date and work backwards on a timeline to ensure things aren’t left until the last minute. forums where you can ask questions, and event organisers are normally more than happy to provide information on the 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.

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 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 need to bear in mind and consider any diet changes well in advance. The same goes for vaccinations or shoeing – add them to your preparation timeline to ensure everything’s completed before your departure.

So that the experience stays positive, float training should be carried out when you’re not under any time pressure.

Start with small trips and drive carefully – you want your horse to be relaxed and confident while travelling. And be aware that separation anxiety could be an issue, either with the horse or horses who are travelling, or with those left behind. Identifying potential issues ahead of time allows you to work on them at home in a far more controlled environment.

On the road

Trips under five hours will not require any major adjustments for your horse. If possible, offer your horse hay throughout the journey and depending on your setup, hang it as low as possible. Consider the weather and rug appropriately. While it may be tempting to base your horse’s wardrobe on how cold you feel, remember that they can handle much lower temperatures and will overheat faster. Well-fitted protective boots or bandages are an option, although be sure to try them on at home first.

For longer journeys, plan your stops in advance and aim to unload the horse every three hours and offer them a drink and feed. Encouraging the horse to graze with their head down will help prevent travel sickness (pleuropneumonia), which can develop when a horse cannot lower their head to excrete nasal discharge over prolonged periods.

Knowing what is normal for your horse will allow you to recognise any early signs of sickness. Taking temperatures twice a day in the lead-up to travelling and monitoring feed and water consumption will provide a baseline to work with when you do hit the road. Symptoms of travel sickness may not be immediately obvious, but the earlier any illness can be identified, the better chance there is of recovery.

The old adage ‘you can take a horse to water but you can’t make them drink’ is never so appropriate as when you are travelling. Many dehydrated horses will refuse to drink if water has a different taste or smell to what they’re used to. Bring your own water and buckets from home, or pack molasses or another flavouring to add to the water to make it more appealing. If it’s the latter, try it at home for a few days in the lead-up to travelling. Electrolytes can also be given before travelling to promote thirst,

FACING PAGE: Ensure your vehicle and float meet all safety requirements before you set off. TOP: Encouraging your horse to graze or eat at ground level will help prevent travel sickness. BOTTOM: Feed additional forage before and during travel. All images courtesy Rebecca Nadge.

Aim to have your horse confident in the float before starting out on a longer trip.

although it’s critical to then ensure the horse has access to water for the next couple of hours. Fill buckets to the brim to make it easier to gauge how much your horse has been drinking.

Changes to diet while travelling will depend on your destination. Long haul trips to competitions or clinics will require more of a juggling act when it comes to your horse’s diet, as you will still need to feed a portion of the horse’s normal ration to ensure they have the energy to perform. To reduce weight loss while travelling, feed extra forage for a couple of days before a trip, which has the added benefit of retaining water in the gut to assist in keeping your horse hydrated. Lowering the amount of protein fed will go a long way to managing ammonia in the air, which can be potent when the horse is urinating in a confined space. Reducing the amount of grain and feeding a high energy fibre instead will help your horse maintain condition without getting hot, and also reduce the risk of tying-up.

Good ventilation is also important while travelling. Hay should be soaked to reduce the amount of dust and the float should be cleaned regularly. A clean, airy float will not only appear more inviting, it will also minimise the risk of any respiratory illness that could develop from being in a confined space.

At your destination

If you’ve completed a long journey, allow your horse to have at least 12 hours rest on arrival and feed at ground level as much as possible. Some horses will travel comfortably and won’t be phased by a new location, while others may become extremely anxious. Knowing your horse will help you anticipate any problems, and it always pays to be prepared. Keep monitoring your horse’s feed and water intake and their temperature to pick any changes early on, and if in doubt, seek advice. Horses thrive on routines so aim to stick to one as much as possible for both feeding and exercising. Your horse will most likely be confined to a yard or stable which may be smaller than the paddock they are used to, so taking them for regular walks in-hand will help stretch their legs and also give them a chance to familiarise themselves with their surroundings. Letting your horse graze in-hand may help them to relax and will also allow you to assess how they are settling in.

Although travelling longer distances with horses can be daunting, preparation and forward planning will go a long way in ensuring the trip goes smoothly. Ensure you pack additional feed in case the trip takes longer than planned, and make the most of wisdom offered by more experienced travellers.