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Researchers agree that a horse who can lower his
head below the point of his shoulder will be
much less likely to suffer respiratory stress
from traveling. When possible, allow the horses
to take advantage of whatever room there is to
carry their heads in a natural, mucus-draining
posture.
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Keep it clean! Pathogens from dried manure can overwhelm a
respiratory system weakened by trailer stress.
If your trip is a long one, pick manure out of
the trailer at each stop. And, at the end of
each trip hose out the trailer thoroughly to
remove all manure and urine.
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Dehydration is a common side effect of shipping in horses and can have very serious effects! Invest in a large sealable container to travel with water from home and offer it to your horse at every stop or in four-hour intervals. Continue to offer water even if your horse is not interested!
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Regularly check and repair your vehicle and trailer! Pay particular attention to the
floorboards (lift the mats and inspect for rot), ramp, brakes and hitch. If anything
looks suspicious, don't use the trailer until it is professionally inspected and fixed.
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The risk of horses getting too cold is minimal compared to
the risks associated with stagnant air,
accumulating exhaust fumes and excessive heat.
When in doubt about the temperature, blanket the
horses and open air vents or windows.
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Wheel nuts and bolts should
be torqued before first road use on a new trailer and after each wheel
removal. Check and retorque after the first 10 miles, 25 miles, and
again at 50 miles.
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Does your trailer sway? Check tire pressure in both the tow vehicle and the
trailer. Improper tire pressure is one of the most common reasons for
trailer sway.
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Hauling Horses? There is an emergency road service available called US Rider for horse owners. You can find them on line at www.usrider.org.
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Carry an automobile emergency kit with you and an emergency kit for the horses. A human emergency kit is also a good idea. Also remember a cell phone!
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Use a lower gear when traveling up or down steep grades. On long
grades, downshift the transmission and slow to 45 mph or less to reduce
the possibility of overheating.
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