Whether you’re heading to a show, trail ride, clinic, or just traveling to a new destination, hauling is a normal part of horse ownership for many of us. Even if your horse is an experienced traveler and loads easily, being on the trailer can still be stressful. Travel can change your horses’ normal eating and drinking habits, and warm summer temperatures can add another layer of stress. Dehydration, electrolyte loss, and heat stress can all increase the risk of colic.
Colic can be a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency, so it’s important to know what to watch for and how to make traveling as comfortable as possible for your horse.
Know the Signs of Colic
If your horse starts acting unusually or showing signs of discomfort, don’t ignore it. Some common signs of colic include:
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Repeatedly trying to lie down or roll
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Pawing or kicking at their belly
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Turning their head toward their flank or trying to bite at it
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Standing stretched out as if trying to urinate but not producing urine
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Acting restless or unusually uncomfortable
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Not wanting to eat or drink
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Producing little or no manure
If you notice signs of colic, contact your veterinarian right away. It’s always better to call and be told everything is okay than to wait and risk the situation getting worse.
Make Traveling Easier on Your Horse
There are several things you can do before and during a haul to help keep your horse comfortable, hydrated, and relaxed as possible.
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Travel when temperatures are cooler. During summer months, try to haul early in the morning, later in the evening, or at night when temperatures are lower. Trailers can get hot quickly, so avoiding the hottest part of the day can help reduce stress and keep your horse more comfortable.
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Pay attention to hydration. Make sure your horse has access to water before and throughout the trip. Some horses don’t drink as much when they’re stressed or away from home, so encourage them to drink whenever you can. If your veterinarian recommends electrolytes for your horse, talk with them ahead of time about what to use and how to administer them.
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Bring water from home when possible. Horses can be picky about water, especially when traveling. A different smell or taste can be enough to make some horses turn their nose up at it. Bringing water from home can help keep your horse drinking normally while you’re on the road.
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Keep plenty of airflow in the trailer. Good ventilation is especially important during warm-weather travel. Open vents and windows that are safe to use so air can move through the trailer. However, never allow your horse to stick their head out of a drop-down window while the trailer is moving. This can lead to serious head, neck, or eye injuries.
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Take breaks on longer trips. If you’re traveling for several hours, stop every 4-5 hours to check on your horse, offer water, and make sure they’re comfortable. If it’s safe to do so and your horse is accustomed to unloading while traveling, give them a chance to get out and stretch their legs.
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Plan for really long hauls. If your trip is longer than 12 hours, consider stopping overnight. Giving your horse several hours to rest, eat, drink, and relax can make a long trip much easier on them. A good break can also help reduce some of the physical and mental stress that comes with being on the road for an extended period.
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Talk with your veterinarian before you travel. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place before you leave, especially for longer trips. Ask your veterinarian what they recommend keeping in your travel first aid kit and what you should do if your horse develops signs of colic on the road. If your veterinarian has prescribed Banamine (flunixin meglumine) for your horse, make sure you understand when and how they want you to use it. Never give medication simply to cover up signs of pain without veterinary guidance.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Traveling with your horse doesn’t have to be stressful. Taking a little extra time to plan around the weather, keeping your horse hydrated, providing good ventilation, and giving them opportunities to rest can make a big difference.
Most importantly, know your horse. You know what is normal for them, so if something seems off, pay attention to it. Being prepared and knowing when to call your veterinarian can help keep a small problem from becoming a much bigger one.
