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Traveling long distances can be stressful on horses. To minimize the negative effects of transport, consider some of the following suggestions.

  • Be sure your horse is healthy prior to transport. Do not ship any horse with a fever, even if low grade. For interstate travel, a health certificate is often required, but this may be completed days prior to actual travel, so it is essential to monitor your horse’s health just prior to being loaded.
  • Take frequent breaks during the drive to allow horses to eat and drink. Even if water and hay are available in the trailer, they may not consume enough while moving to ward off weight loss and dehydration.
  • Allow horses to move their heads. Being able to lower their heads will facilitate drainage from respiratory structures and help avoid infections.
  • Ensuring adequate ventilation in the trailer will also maximize respiratory health while on the road.
  • Offer EO-3 before, during, and after travel. This supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids with natural anti-inflammatory properties, which supports the health of the respiratory and immune systems.
  • Use appropriate leg wraps and light blankets to protect horses from trauma in the trailer. If shipping commercially, contact the shipper to determine if there is a wrapping preference, as some shippers prefer horses not be wrapped, especially when layovers are scheduled.
  • Be cognizant that horses moved from the north to the south in winter months are likely not acclimated to the warmer temperatures. Watch for signs of heat stress as temperatures rise during the trip..

“It is also advisable to offer a gastrointestinal supplement to help minimize the development of gastric ulcers and hindgut acidosis. Choose RiteTrac to support digestive tract health from stem to stern,” advises Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research.

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