Transport advice from Redwings
By Justine Thompson
General news
26 November 2008 15:44
Redwings Horse Sanctuary has launched a new leaflet for owners on how to transport horses safely.
The 10-page leaflet draws on the charity’s expert knowledge gained through its specialist equine transport team, which operates throughout the UK. The free leaflet is aimed at promoting relaxed and comfortable travel for horses, and can be requested via the charity’s website or welfare helpline.
Called Equine Transport and Travel, the leaflet is full of practical advice, help and tips on tackling loading and travelling problems and also on training young horses to enjoy journeys. Other leaflets from the charity include Hoof Care & Farriery, Retiring Gracefully, Laminitis, Strangles and Cushings.
“Being a happy or at least tolerant traveller is key to a horse’s health and well being,” explains Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ Welfare Education Officer. “This leaflet offers practical advice that every equine owner will need at some point.
“Even if trips to competitions are not planned, a horse still needs to be able to travel to veterinary treatment or be relocated.”
Top tips include:
1. Many horses don’t display obvious signs of stress, but recordings of heart rates, hydration levels, hormone levels and body temperature show that travelling is a genuinely stressful experience. Your horse may seem fine but don’t assume he is.
2. Horses learn quickly and have excellent memories, so bullying uncooperative horses to try to get them to load is fruitless. All you will be doing is affirming to the horse why horseboxes are to be feared and avoided.
3. A horse who is new to travelling should be exposed to the idea gradually. Start by leading him around the vehicle and let him see and sniff it at leisure. Raise and lower the ramp without loading. Putting some food on the bottom of the ramp will also contribute to the positive experience! Progress one step at a time for no more than 20 minutes.
4. If your horse is scared of being loaded, start from the beginning. Have patience, consistency and encouragement.
5. If there are handling concerns in basic groundwork, try to avoid attempting loading until these have been ironed out.
6. Driving or towing horses safely and comfortably is a special skill that does not always receive the attention it deserves. Get used to the box or trailer before driving with horses on board.
7. Reversing a trailer is a difficult skill; master it with an empty vehicle. Trailer towing courses are highly recommended for anyone starting to use these vehicles.
8. Always allow plenty of time for any journey when travelling horses. Be considerate and pull over to let people pass if they have been stuck behind you for some time.
9. Recent research has shown that stress in travelling horses is significantly reduced when they are provided with company. A stable mirror, carefully positioned in relation to the travelling horse, can also help alleviate stress.
10. Taking a companion for show-bound horses is well worth considering.
11. Air circulation in horse boxes is often poor so windows should be opened fully to allow for maximum air movement.
12. Emergency stops or swerving is sometimes unavoidable and an accident may not be your fault. Think through your first aid equipment, vet numbers and procedures beforehand so you can calmly cope with problems.
13. Recovery schemes exist to assist vehicles and horses – consider a policy for peace of mind.
14. Anyone who passed their driving test after 1997 must take additional tests to legally drive a horse box or tow a trailer. Even if you passed your test before then, consider professional training.
15. The implementation of new European legislation now means that anyone transporting livestock, including horses, for commercial purposes must hold a Certificate of Competence. Any horse owner paying someone to transport their horse should always ask to see their certificate.
To request a leaflet or discuss your individual concerns, please call the Redwings Welfare Team on 01508 481008. www.redwings.co.uk
