Going to a horse show is hassle-free because we make it easier for you. We have lots of experience attending horse shows. It is more than just a ride to the show when you "show out of our trailer”, services can include:
We offer a place to tie your horse Water tank for watering the horses w/ buckets Dressing room / tack room available Need a few minutes to grab lunch; we will keep an eye on your horse Tacking up, wiping boots off and more...
Why do people haul horses…?
Direct Routes
The longer a horse is in transport the higher the risks of them getting ill. So do not let you horse spend unnecessary time in the trailer on the road picking up other horses, waiting at the mercy of every other owner with a horse on the trailer. I have heard stories of horses being up to 3 days late because of a last minute pickup of another horse.
Avoiding Travel Fatigue
When horses are transported for more than 14 hours, steps are taken to reduce travel fatigue. Every 4-6 hours, horses have a rest period during which it is walked and allowed to drink and eat. On longer trips, overnight stabling may be required or is certainly desirable for performance horses.
Factors Affecting Horses during Transport
Research has proved that horses experience significant stress associated with transport. Identifying and minimizing stressful situations allows for greater well being, health and reproductive efficiency of the horse as well as protecting its performance and economic potential."
Cold or heat stress will affect the health of younger animal’s more than mature, healthy horses. The thermal comfort range for horses is estimated to be between -1°C and 24°C (30-75°F). Horses can comfortably adjust to temperatures in this zone by altering hair coat, sweating, homoeothermic, constricting or dilating blood vessels, or changing postures or behavior.
Extremely warm temperatures of 24-32°C (75-90°F) are equally threatening, as horses cannot dissipate body heat quickly enough to maintain homoeothermic. The Upper Critical Temperature (UCT) is dependent on humidity, which causes respiration and sweating mechanisms to be less effective. Feed intake will decrease and water intake must be assured to combat dehydration.
Avoid travel in the warmest parts of the day and keep the trailer moving to help alleviate heat stress.
Consider these tips if your hauling your own horses
Train/teach your horse to load calmly well in advance of the event. A calm horse will likely be more comfortable on the journey. Even if you never plan to travel with your horse, it is advisable to teach it to load. Practice this several times a year; it may come in handy if an emergency trip to the veterinarian is in order. Keep the trailer in good repair and in a clean condition. A trailer that travels quietly and smoothly will provide a more comfortable and less stressful ride for the horses. Ensure the tow vehicle is well maintained to avoid breakdowns. It is essential that the exhaust system is in good repair and fumes are expelled to the side of the vehicle. Fumes emitted straight back under the trailer may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure the trailer has good ventilation. Avoid draughts.
Do Not Allow your horse to hang his head out the drop-windows while trailer is in motion. Do not leave drop-windows down or open unless there is a barrier like bars or screens to keep horses head inside the trailer while in motion. For longer trips, plan to arrive several days earlier to permit horses' immune systems to stabilize before any major athletic endeavor. ‘Long-tie' horses by the cheek ring of the halter. This allows maximum head movement and facilitates sinus clearing and airway drainage. Transport horses with others they get along with whenever possible. Read above "How Do We Drive" for driving suggestions. Plan ahead. Chart a route and time of day when traffic is minimal and the weather is conducive to horse comfort. Offer hay and water, but no grain. Water horses prior to departure and every 3-4 hours on long trips to help combat the threat of dehydration. Hay serves as a pacifier and helps retain water in the gut during transit. Refrain from feeding grain, as stress affects gut function, causing grain to sit and ferment with the possible result of colic.
Do not feed pellets, cubes, carrots or other hard treats while in transit. It is possible for a horse to choke on these if he suddenly reacts to a noise or bump in the road.