How to Ship a Horse | CitizenShipper

CitizenShipper CitizenShipper · Updated January 16, 2024

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Horse in a shipping trailer

Horses are among the most difficult animals to transport and not only because of their sheer equine size. Horses not only require specialized trailers for transport and adequate hay for the duration of the trip, but frequent exercise is a must to keep them from being restless and harming themselves in the process.

Horses are similar to transporting domestic animals; each requires frequent pit stops and affection. The big difference is a horse can weigh upward of 2,000 lbs. (considerably more in its thoroughbred), and as such, excursions from the travel trailer so proceed with caution and employ handlers with considerable experience dealing with these large animals.

Anyone who’s seen The Horse Whisperer starring Robert Redford knows comporting themselves around equine animals involves more than avoiding walking behind the animal for fear of being kicked. Horses are among the most intuitive animals on the planet and can be very aware of their surroundings.

A horse’s awareness can make loading and unloading into trailers a chore, but they can be coaxed with treats like carrots, apples, and sugar cubes. At the same time, you’ll need at least two people to need to be on hand to “coax” the animal into the enclosure. Once inside, they are usually well-behaved, often having become accustomed to trailering.

Once on the road, it is best to travel slower than the posted speed limit, both for the animal and the hauling vehicle. Higher revel speeds can ‘spook’ an equine and cause unnecessary wear and year to your truck and trailer, especially if the trailer is equipped with brakes.

ProTip: Caring for a horse during overnight stays is a very tough situation because the animal needs to be monitored frequently. For this reason, it is best to drive in tandem, so one team member can sleep whilst the other drivers. Not only will this shorten the travel time, but the horse will also be under constant care.

Selecting the right person to transport your horse is the most critical factor when it comes to moving a horse, Some breeder studs and phillies command top dollar and must be treated with kid gloves. Offer affection, frequent exercise, and fresh air. Since horse transport is a very specialized field, be sure the drivers bidding on your equine delivery have considerable positive feedback in that area as well as equipment that is up to the job.

Transporting horses, whether a gelding, pony, or thoroughbred, is a specialized service offered by many CiyizenShipper drivers,

Click here to list a horse for online delivery.