Transport Equipment: Safe and Well Protected on the Road

Transport Equipment: well protected from yard to yard

Whether it is a show, a clinic, a long hack or a move to a new yard: when travelling, your horse has to keep its balance in the trailer, even when it brakes or takes a bend. It can easily knock its legs or tail against the partitions. With the right Transport Equipment, such as travel boots, a tail guard and a suitable rug, it arrives well protected and much more relaxed.

Protection for legs, tail and body

Travel boots reach well over the hock and knee and also pad the coronet and heels. A tail guard stops the dock from rubbing raw against the ramp or the breeching bar. A travel rug keeps draughts out without your horse overheating in the trailer. In warm weather a light cooler or mesh sheet does the job. A well-fitting headcollar with a panic snap belongs on the list too.

Practise loading calmly

Many problems start at the ramp. Practise loading without time pressure, ideally well before a journey is due. Let your horse wear the travel boots in the stable first so it gets used to the feel. A loading aid can encourage forward movement, but it never replaces calm training. Stay relaxed yourself, because your horse picks up on your mood. On longer journeys, plan breaks and offer hay and water.

Frequently asked questions

Does my horse need a rug when travelling?
That depends on the weather and its coat. A trailer warms up quickly from body heat, so a thin rug is usually better than a thick one. Check now and then at the neck and shoulder whether your horse is sweating.

Travel boots or bandages for the journey?
Travel boots are quick to put on and protect a larger area, right over the joints. Bandages with pads fit snugly but take practice to wrap. For most owners, travel boots are the simpler option.

My horse will not load. What can I do?
Practise in small steps and praise every bit of progress. Park the trailer somewhere light and stable, open the front ramp if possible and get help from an experienced person. Pulling and pushing usually makes the fear worse.