⬇ SCROLL FOR TOP TIPS FROM ANDREWS PERFROMANCE HORSES ⬇
Travelling, whether for competition, a vet visit, or a horsey holiday requires more than just loading up and getting on the road. Travelling can be physically and mentally stressful if not managed properly.
To help you keep your horse healthy, safe, and stress-free when travelling, we wanted to share our essential tips around feeding, hydration, and travel prep that every horse owner should know.
1. 🥕 Feed a small meal before travelling
A small fibre based meal (a couple of handfuls of suitable chaff) with your horse's balancer 30 minutes to 1 hour before loading helps maintain gut health and reduces the risk of gastric ulcers. Horses prone to digestive sensitivities and ulcers may benefit from a small amount of suitable chaff before travel to buffer stomach acid.
2. 🌿 Provide quality forage throughout the journey
Forage isn't just a snack, it’s vital for keeping the digestive system moving and reducing stress. Offer high-quality hay/haylage during the journey, ideally in a smaller holed net or bag to reduce waste and encourage slow feeding.
Soaking, steaming or rinsing hay helps to increase moisture intake and reduces the risk of respiratory issues from airborne dust particles.
3. 💧 Ensure adequate hydration
Dehydration is a major risk during travelling, especially in hot weather or on long journeys. Offer water frequently, especially on journeys over 2 to 3 hours.
Some horses are reluctant to drink away from home. Encourage drinking by bringing familiar water from home, using apple juice or electrolytes in water (but test this in advance).
4. 🧳 Plan rest stops and travel time wisely
Schedule regular rest stops every 3 to 4 hours so your horse can get their head down, relax, breathe fresh air, and have a drink. Avoid travelling in very hot or cold weather, as extreme temperatures can increase stress. Try to travel during cooler parts of the day in summer and keep the area well-ventilated, but without direct draughts directed onto you horse.
5. 🩺 Prepare for health and safety
Ensure vaccinations (e.g., flu, tetanus) are up to date. Carry a first-aid kit, for you and your horse.
Use a leather headcollar and well fitted travel boots to protect legs, a tail guard or tail bandage (not too tight) can prevent tail rubbing injuries. Rug appropriately and keep checking your horse isn't too hot or cold.
6. 😟 Manage stress and behaviour
Some horses travel like pros. Others… not so much. Practice loading and short journeys before longer trips. Avoid travelling horses alone if they are used to company, some relax better with a companion.
Feeding a balancer (especially Ulsa-Cool and Calming Balancer) can help decrease anxious responses to stressful situations such as travelling.
7. 📋 Aftercare: Post-travel checks
Upon arrival at your destination, check for signs of fatigue, colic, dehydration, or stress. Offer water immediately and allow time for a leg stretch and rest before work. Monitor droppings and appetite.
Travelling doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience, for you or your horse. With the right preparation around nutrition, hydration, safety, and stress management, you can help ensure every journey is a smooth one.
Safe travels! VIDEO BELOW!
@bluechipfeed Brand ambassador Becky, @andrewsperformancehorses shares her useful travel tips and why she feeds Ulsa-Cool to her horse, Sam! 🐴 Want to know more about Ulsa-Cool? ⭐Click the link in our bio! #horse #horseriding #equestrian #equine #pony #traveltips #horsesoftiktok #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Ok I Like It - Milky Chance
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