Taking your horse on a long drive requires alertness and preparation. Being sure to stock up on some of the essentials that your horse will need if an unexpected delay should arise ensures that you’ll be ready for just about anything. Caring for yourself on the road is equally as important for a safe and pleasant journey to your destination.
Carry Extra Feed and Water
It’s essential to bring anything extra your horse may require when on a long-distance trip to ensure they stay properly nourished and hydrated. However, oftentimes, a horse may not drink water that tastes different when traveling. You can stimulate your horse to drink by flavoring their water before your departure to get them used to the new taste. Properly preparing your horse to eat and drink safeguards the health of your horse on the road, so he can relax and enjoy the journey. It also prevents extra stress on your end when you arrive at your destination so you don’t have to worry about finding the right fodder or brand of feed locally.
Bring a Buddy
Traveling is just more fun when someone is there to share in the adventure, and as highly social animals, bringing a buddy for your horse is a great way to ease their stress and reduce the chances of illness. Make preparations in advance to accommodate the new addition to your long-distance travel plan — fortunately, most horse trailers have room for two at minimum. Just make sure to plan extra space for your travel gear and supplies rather than relying on that extra stall, and of course, make sure your horse and the travel buddy already get along well.
Map Your Course
Knowing the route you’re going to take before hitting the road gives you a time frame for how long it’ll take you to get from point A to point B. Plan stops and prepare for any potential situations that could happen along the way. Giving yourself sufficient time to get to where you’re going allows you to relax and helps relieve the stress your horse may feel if you’re trying to hurry. Take your time, and make a solid travel plan to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Drive Carefully
Getting distracted on the road is easy to do, especially when you’re on long stretches of land without a safe place to pull into. Staying alert by taking frequent breaks helps relieve the pressure and anxiety that can be caused by trying to rush. Listen to your body when you feel tired, and pull over until you feel ready to continue. Take your horse into consideration as well and drive at a speed and pace that allows your horse to remain balanced throughout the trip. Remember that speeding causes nearly 55 percent of motor vehicle accidents in the United States and becomes even more dangerous when you have a trailer in tow.
Trailering your horse on a long-distance trip can be a fun and exciting adventure as long as you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Resting, preparing your route ahead of time and staying alert ensures that your trip will be an enjoyable experience for you and your horse.
Need a place to board your horse near Spring Hill, KS? Reserve your spot today!
Recent Comments