The transport of horses must be done carefully.
Horses that have not been trained for transport can be difficult and sometimes dangerous.
Transport vehicle requirements
Ensure that your vehicle (horse truck or float) is strong and secure enough to safely contain the horse and prevent escape – a rigid roof over the length of the crate is desirable.
- Internal surfaces of the float or truck should be smooth and free of obstructions or hazards that could cause injury (protruding nails and clips).
- Flooring of float or truck and loading ramps should be made of a non-slippery surface and if necessary be fitted with foot battens.
- Each horse should be able to stand in a natural position with adequate head room and enough space between horses for air circulation.
- Adjustable partition boards should always be used when transporting more than one horse – partitions should be at least 600mm high and placed at least 600mm off the floor.
- If you are moving your horse using a two horse trailer, a single horse should be tied on the driver's side and the centre partition removed for improved vehicle balance.
- If transporting two horses, the heavier horse should be penned on the driver's side.
- Ensure that the vehicle is not polluting the air inside the horse transport area.
- Ensure that the transport area is clean and dry.
- Correctly fit any protective equipment (rugs, knee or hock boots, bandages, hoods) before loading your horse.
Loading and unloading of horses
Headstalls and lead ropes are usually the easiest way of leading your horse into and out of a transport vehicle and securing them.
- Sticks, lengths of plastic, metal piping, heavy leather belts or straps, and any other objects must not be used to beat horses when loading and unloading them.
- Dogs or electric prods must never be used to aid the loading of horses.
During and after transporting
- Transporting over long distances – check your horse after 30 minutes in transit and then every 4 hours.
- When you arrive at your destination quietly enter your transport vehicle, untie your horse before lowering the ramp and allow it to move out of the transport vehicle at its own pace.
- Horses should be unloaded from the transport vehicle as soon as you reach your destination and offered food and water and a comfortable place to rest.
- If your horse appears stiff from travelling you should walk him or her around gently until movement improves.
Standards for the land transport of horses in Victoria are in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land Transport of Livestock. Note that the above Standards and Guidelines have been adopted into Victorian legislation under the Livestock Management Act 2010. They are commonly referred to as the Land Transport Standards and they apply to horses.
For more information about transport and care of horses contact our Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email customer@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
FAQs
Key requirements for transporting horses:
How should horses be transported? ›
Horses are typically transported in specialized containers or horseboxes catering to their needs. These containers come in various sizes and configurations, ensuring that horses of all sizes can be accommodated comfortably.
What is the average cost to transport a horse? ›
On average, hiring a licensed equine transport company can range from $0.75 to $3 per mile. For international transport by air, costs typically start at $2,000 and can exceed $10,000 for a one-way flight.
What is the transportation with horses called? ›
A carriage is a vehicle with wheels that's usually pulled by horses. In some cities, you can go for a carriage ride through the park. A carriage generally has four wheels and is pulled by two or more horses, while the smaller cart tends to have two wheels and be pulled by a single horse.
How often should you stop when transporting a horse? ›
How often should I stop? Your horse should have a 15- to 20-minute rest period every four to six hours during a long haul when the trailer is stopped and parked, ideally in a shaded area if it's hot. During this rest period, offer water, replenish food supplies, and do a general safety check.
How long can a horse stay in a trailer? ›
Horses are fine for up to 9 hours in a trailer as long as they have food and water, and unloading during the trip just adds to your end time considerably. Rather, get to where you are going and let them –and you- have a long rest.
How long can horses be transported for? ›
It's not an ultra-marathon, but horses can tolerate long trips if done right. You can transport a horse for up to 12 hours, but this includes frequent breaks every 3-4 hours. Ensure your horse has ample water, food, and ventilation during the trip.
How does horse transport work? ›
Horses travel in special cargo planes, usually placed within a stall. They will need to be accompanied during their flight, either by yourself, one of your grooms or a representative from the transport company. Whoever accompanies your horse will ensure they get food and water during the flight.
What vehicles transport horses? ›
EQUINE CARRIAGE TRAILER
The Equine Carriage is a horse trailer and more; transports horses, a car, tack & supplies.
Are horses good transportation? ›
When it comes to transporting people and their possessions, horses have two important advantages: They can run very fast and very far. Their speed and endurance are amazing for a creature so large, making them the ideal animals to carry people and goods around the world. Horses offer other advantages as well.
Horses tied during transport cannot effectively clear their airways, which greatly increases their chances of respiratory infection or shipping fever. For longer trips, plan to stop and offer water to your horse every 4-6 hours (or every 3-4 hours in hot weather).
How do you prepare a horse for trailering? ›
Make sure to take along extra buckets for water and feed, for easy access while your horse is taking a break outside the trailer. Providing electrolytes before and during long rides will encourage your horse to stay hydrated. Adding fuzzy sleeves to your horse's halter can help keep your horse more comfortable.
Is traveling stressful for horses? ›
Travelling can often be unpredictable and uncontrollable for horses. They use a lot of energy balancing, can become stressed by having an empty gut, or being too hot, and can be worried and on edge because of noise and being in a confined space.
What is the best way for a horse to travel? ›
Using a lorry or towing a trailer is up to you and your horse's needs. If you're planning to do a lot of long distance travelling or overnight stays, a lorry may be the better option. But either choice will need regular maintenance and servicing to ensure your horse's safety.
How were horses transported? ›
Horse transports could be powered by oars, or sometimes by sail. The oared tarida was able to be loaded and unloaded directly on a beach, using doors as loading ramps. In 1174 an Italo-Norman force attacked Alexandria with 1,500 horses transported on 36 tarides.
How to transport a horse across country? ›
5 Tips for Hauling Horses Cross-Country
- Pack the Right Tools. Before your horse steps foot in the trailer, make sure you have a medical kit on board that is stocked with the necessities, Hutchins said. ...
- Bring Extras. ...
- Stop Frequently. ...
- Plan Ahead for Overnight Stops. ...
- When in Doubt, Hire a Hauler.
Most horses will not feel safe enough to lie down in a trailer, so may try to remain standing longer than they are used to.
