As a horse owner, it’s likely that it will be necessary to trailer your horse.
Whether it’s a short distance to nearby trails or several hours’ drive to a competition, with a bit of care and attention, you can safely get your horse to where you’re going and minimize the possibility of any mishaps or stress.
Ensure that your horse has been trained to load and unload safely and calmly in advance. Planning ahead for any trip ensures the transportation process goes smoothly and is safe for both horse and handler.
Try to plan out the route ahead of time to avoid peak times in busy areas, sitting in traffic or inclement weather. Also, horses should only be trailered if they are healthy. Check and record your horse’s vital signs, such as temperature, respiration and pulse, as well as how much it drinks ahead of time. This provides important personal information as to what is normal for your horse and will assist in spotting any problems on the day of travel and upon arrival.
Trailer Basics
Make sure the trailer offers sufficient head room for the height of your horse. Too small a space will hinder your horse’s ability to move and balance itself.
Horses are also subject to the same laws and regulations as other animals during transport. The regulations cover areas such as allowable time without feed, water and rest, and using equipment that won’t cause injury.
Travel Emergencies
Even with the best intentions, sometimes mechanical breakdowns or even accidents can occur.
Horse owners should inspect the trailer before every trip to make sure it is safe to operate and safely hitched to the truck. “Always check your trailer before starting out and recheck it after each stop, and always carry first aid kits for your horse, yourself, your vehicle and your trailer,” advises Michelle Staples, a Horse Safety Specialist located in the Niagara Region of Ontario.
In an accident when emergency responders are called in for assistance, chances are their knowledge of horses will be limited, and they will be looking to the horse owner for guidance. Staying calm and quiet allows you to think clearly in emergency situations.
In the case of a trailer rollover, Staples advises to check out all people and pets travelling with you so you know what to report to the 9-1-1 dispatcher. “Take note of where you are and advise them that emergency assistance is required and you may possibly require transport for your horse, and that you need a large animal veterinarian dispatched immediately,” she says.
“While waiting, your first inclination is to open up the trailer and go in to help your horse, but that’s an action that can get both you and your horse killed. An open door is an invitation for it to try and escape. Instead, find the smallest opening possible to peek in. Stay calm. Most horses survive rollovers if they’re in a well-maintained, sturdy trailer.”
When it comes to trailering, make every trip a positive experience by planning it out ahead of time to ensure that your horse arrives safe. Have a contingency plan available to address unexpected difficulties. Learning to be proactive rather than reactive goes a long way toward minimizing stressful situations for both you and your horse.
For more information, visit www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/equine or www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/info_trailering.htm.
