The Long Haul: How to Prep for Shipping your Horse
When I found out that I was moving from the Midwest to the Southwest I OF COURSE had to plan on getting my horse there as well. The plan was to pack my car up and drive to Phoenix after the big day, so with all the stress from the wedding and logistics involved with moving myself, I decided to leave the task of hauling Jack out to Arizona with the pros. Trust me when I say pros — I wouldn’t let just anyone haul my horse!
Transporting a horse can be just as stressful on you as it is on the horse, but from someone who’s shipped her horse across the country and back, check out these tips!
+ Find a reputable hauler
Two that are tested and true by yours truly are Equine Express and Run Amok. I couldn’t say enough good things about both of these. If you have specific questions feel free to message me or the companies themselves.
+ Coordinate with barn going to and current barn
Although we were living in Phoenix, when I arranged transport I didn’t have a barn picked out for Jack in the area. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be able to have Jack received in Tucson at Matt’s aunt and uncle’s ranch. I scheduled Jack’s transport for after the move, so I coordinated with *Missouri barn’s manager and my mom (Kim and Mom, you both are rockstars), to ensure they got the right horse loaded.
If anyone is looking for a fantastic boarding barn in the Kansas City area, let me know!
+ Look into state policies and get a health certificate
Of course when Jack came to Colorado from Arizona there happened to be a massive outbreak of VS (Vesicular Stomatitis) so he ended up needing two health certificates, one saying that he had a negative Coggins and the other confirming that he was healthy and was clear of VS. Every state is different. Usually there is a website, if you have a question, contact a vet in the area you’re bringing the horse to!
+ Pack feed Hay
Like with people, long travel days are hard, especially on horses. Packing hay from your horse’s origin (they hay they are used to) increases the probability that the horse will continue to eat, which keeps his or her strength up and minimizes the risk of colic or ulcers. A good hauler will provide plenty of water and will keep you updated on their drinking, so be sure to ask!
+ Double-Check + establish communication
Make sure all parties are connected and they have a good phone number to reach you at. Make sure all parties are aware of expected times of departure and arrival.
Like I mentioned, these tips can be helpful but having an all-star team is key. Having a reputable hauling company, vet and barn manager that knows your horse will make the process easier on you, and most importantly the horse!
Happy hauling!
Xx Caroline
