The equine world is one of a uniqueness that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. Whether it’s a quick, gentle trot or you’re making jumps like a professional, horses can be a great way to get to know a powerful animal that’s big enough to ride.
They can even sense your own vibrations when you mount a horse and can sense where your head is at. It’s fascinating. But a lot of pros also have to transport their horses from one location to the other, which leads us to the question of whether they will be okay in the trailer overnight.
The answer is yes, horses can stay in a trailer overnight. A horse can stay in a trailer up to 9 hours, so long as they have enough food and water to get through the night.
This is an important question, too, because of the time it takes to load or unload a horse. It may not seem like a considerable amount of time would be added during an unload, but rest assured that if you have to take those horses of the trailer at night, then you will add a significant amount of time to the venture.
As long as you handle your trailers like a pro, i.e. enough food, plenty of water, enough overnight stops, and you clean your trailers well after every trip, then you are going to have a great experience all around.
Taking your Horse on Long-Distance Journeys
It is always going to be best to have a game plan, whether you’re hauling your equestrian pals or trying to just stay organized in general. There is going to be so few headaches with a solid plan that the experience will be one of enjoyment, compared to burden.
So, map out your journey before you go, plan the rest stops, and determine where your overnight stops will take place. It should become a part of your schedule. Life is easier when you can simply look at your plan, as opposed to trying to figure it out in your head when you need to make a decision.
Some horse owners will plan their trip as far as a month or more in advance, which is never a bad idea. It’s also important to choose where you are going to make your stops, not only for you but for the horses as well. Finding nice fairgrounds or locations that can provide stables are always a win.
The horses need rest from the ride, too, because their nerves are going to be ramped up when you’re out on the road. If you give them a nice opportunity to rest, it will keep them on an even keel. Especially if you’re headed to a location where you’ll be riding. Keep your horses happy too!
Position your horses to allow them to get a drink or something to eat, but also keep them tied up properly while you’re driving.
Nothing is worse than a horse getting itself tangled or having its legs become twisted up from too much moving ability. It can injure the horse, too, so give them just enough slack. Cover the stall floor with woodchips to absorb urine, plus you can also find feedbags or water reservoirs suited for transportation.
Finally, be sure the air circulation is set up by using the windows to accommodate the exterior temperatures. Having the right airflow is going to help the horses stay stress-free and comfortable on the ride. Get to where you’re going, and then you can both have a nice, 9-hour period of rest.
Tips to Live by During the Drive with your Horse Trailer
Always be certain to use necessary precautions before you head out on the drive with your horse, but also during the drive itself. It is not like a normal drive in your sedan, not only are you operating a larger vehicle than normal, but you’re also hauling a trailer. This creates an added element into the equation whether there is anything in the trailer or not, but always bear in mind that you are hauling live animals. They are living, breathing, feeling creatures just like us, and we want them to be happy on their drive.
Pre-Drive Safety Tips and Checklist
Be sure to check out these items before you head out on the drive. They will provide added safety, so the venture goes smoothly:
- Check the tow vehicle. This means checking all fluids, brakes, wipers, tire pressure, tire treads, lug nuts, and anything else that affects the vehicle’s operating ability.
- Verify your vehicle tow ball matches the trailer’s
- Take a look inside the trailer for pests, including wasps’ nests
- Ensure all parts of the trailer are operating properly, including taillights
- Once the animals are loaded, be certain the gate is latched properly by double checking
- Drive down your driveway before hitting the road, be certain everything is operating properly
- Check the horses after the initial drive check before heading out
- If you must leave your rig unattended on a stop, double-check everything again.
It never hurts to check things more than once. It’s like beating a dead horse (no pun intended), but it is better to be safe than sorry. Checking for safety multiple times will never be something that you regret.
Safety Tips While Driving
Once you’re on the road, that is when you will have to drive defensively and with a heightened sense of potential danger around you. Having special tips that aid in driving while you’re hauling animals that weigh over 1,000 pounds can be helpful while out on the road:
- During lane changes, do so gradually and always signal
- Lower gears for traveling up or down steep slopes. For long, uphill drives, you will want to be in the lowest gear.
- Always consider the horses at every turn, brake, and acceleration. Take it slow, especially after a turn, while getting back up to speed.
- If something doesn’t feel right, you have to get out and check. Period.
- Keep an emergency kit handy, for both you and the horses. This includes first-aid.
There is also a special organization that was created for people hauling horses. It’s called US Rider, and being a member can help to increase your comfort on the road. They serve to help anyone hauling horses that ends up in a tricky or emergency situation. That is precisely what they exist for, so becoming a member can be a great idea if you’re planning on hauling equine for any extended period.
The reason a company like US Rider can be so effective is that if an accident were to happen, the police and emergency personnel will have zero idea of how to handle your horses. US Rider are the people who have your back in case of an emergency, and they are reliable.
Conclusion
With your finger on the pulse of equine transportation, you will have a lot of knowledge and ability to provide a great trip for your horses. Planning and execution are always going to be key. So, have those bases covered and go into the situation with confidence.
Heightened confidence is elevated through proper preparation because of the knowledge you will have gained and learned like the back of your hand. You may even have the chance to impress some seasoned pros by showing them that you know exactly what you’re doing. Happy riding out there, and get excited for your next trip!