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It’s a rare horse that hasn’t been transported at some time in its life. Changing owners, competing in a show, going to a trail ride, working with a trainer, and moving to and from the racetrack are all situations that require the horse to be moved, usually by float or truck but sometimes by airplane. Most horses learn that being transported is not a big deal, but just because they accept travel with outward calm does not mean they don’t feel stress as a consequence of the experience.

Researchers have identified at least 25 different physical, psychological, and environmental components of travel that can create stress in horses.

Aside from humans, horses are the second most common creatures to be transported by air. During a long flight or extended road trip, a horse can easily lose 5% or more of its body weight. Most gain the weight back quickly if they are allowed to rest, eat, and drink after the trip.

Travel sickness, a respiratory infection, was once quite common in horses that had been transported for more than a few hours. It is less frequently diagnosed now that owners have learned that horses should be allowed to lower their heads as they travel. This posture allows natural drainage of fluids, dust, and bacteria from the respiratory passages, minimizing the risk of infection. Even if horses travel with their heads unrestricted, they should be watched for signs of respiratory disease for a day or two after arriving at their destination.

Some amount of dehydration is hard to prevent, even if water is offered at intervals. Horses often just won’t drink during transport or at rest stops. If a horse refuses to drink at the beginning of a rest stop, water should continue to be offered at intervals throughout the break. Bringing water from home and offering it with a flavoring agent such as Drink-Up™ in a familiar bucket may get better results. When horses refuse to drink, it can be very frustrating for owners and can lead to dehydration.

KER Drink-Up is a scientifically formulated, highly palatable blend of ingredients that encourages horses to drink. Field studies have shown that 90% of horses offered Drink Up increased their water intake. Drink-Up includes electrolytes to help further stimulate the thirst response.

Encouraging your horse to drink enough water when traveling, competing, or during an illness is crucial in preventing dehydration and associated effects on the horse. Drink-Up is an essential tool for encouraging your horse to drink to the bottom of the bucket.

At the end of the trip, horses should be unloaded, examined for signs of illness or injury, and then allowed to rest in a stable or paddock for several hours. A half-hour of hand-walking and grazing will help horses stretch and relax before they are put in stables or yards. Owners should provide plenty of hay and water and should watch for normal intake and also manure production. Grain can be offered after a few hours, with several smaller meals being preferable to large grain feeds. If a horse refuses to eat or drink, doesn’t pass manure within two or three hours, or shows signs of illness or discomfort, a veterinarian should be consulted. It may take horses several days to regain lost weight and fluids after an extended trip. Signs of illness also might not be seen immediately, so horses should be checked for normal temperature, pulse, and respiration for a day or two following travel.

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