Moving with Horses

Getting Your Horse Ready

Each horse to be moved will need a negative official equine infectious anemia test certification within the past 12 months. Some states may also require veterinary health certificates and/or proof of rabies vaccinations.  So check the state transportation requirements.

If your horse is not use to being transported, take some time to get your horse comfortable with loading, unloading and taking short trips in the trailer before you are ready to move. Transporting is tiring for horses because they have to constantly shift their weight and stance to stay balanced during the drive. It is a good idea to have hay in a securely tied net or feed bag to munch on during the trip.

There are several ways to transport horses. Your horse can be transported by air freight, by towing or by a specialized horse transporting company. The horse transport company can use either air or road to transport horses.

By Airplane

Many airlines accept horses as air freight. Generally they will only transport horses on direct flights only however check with the airline. You will be required to have a stall constructed to the airline specification requirements.

You will need to ensure your horse has the necessary health checks completed prior to moving to your new home state. Remember states' requirements differ and the airlines will request to see the health certificates. The USDA may also be at the destination airport conducting inspections and may request to see the health certificates.

By Road

Depending on the distance you need to travel, towing your horse in a trailer behind your motor vehicle may be an option. If you do not have a trailer you can consider renting one. You can also pack up tack and feed in the trailer. If you are not experienced in driving with a trailer this may not be advisable.

If your trip requires you to have overnight stays you will need to book stables for your horse. These stables will require a health certificates appropriate to horses only and if they do not it is suggested you do not board your horse there. Your veterinarian may know the applicable laws of the different states and will be able to provide you with the necessary health certificates.

If you are unable to find a stable or lodgings for your horse in close proximity to your hotel, the hotel may allow you to keep the trailer in the parking lot overnight. In inclement weather this is not advisable. Feed and water your horse per the normal routine and clean out the stall when you have an overnight stop.

If you decide to use a horse transporting company be sure they are registered with the Interstate Commerce. You should also take out extra insurance as insurance is generally covered only to a minimum. This can be a very stress-free way of moving your horse from state-to-state, but can be pricey.

Packing for the Road Trip

Make a list of everything you need for your horse’s daily care and emergencies so that you can pack the horse gear not needed until you reach your destination separate from the items you will need while you are moving.  For example:

Trip:
Spare halter & lead rope
Hay, grain, supplements
Flashlight, duct tape, paper and pen, paper towels
First-aid kit for horses and people
Blankets, coolers, leg wraps (if traveling in cold weather-if not pack with destination items)
Buckets – drinking
Water in plastic jugs for en route or emergency drinking
Tool kit and hardware for setting up stall
Rake, shovel, broom, pitchfork (may want to keep the shovel handy to use on the trip)
Muck tub, wheelbarrow
Stall ID card – horse and owner information, emergency telephone number (if stopping in route)
Extra chains for back door of trailer to ensure it does not come open
Money!

Destination:
Stall guards
Tack hook
Hose, sprayer
Grooming & tack cleaning kit
Tack – for riding, lead shank, protective boots

If you will be packing items in the trailer with your horse, make sure that everything is secure– you want to be sure that nothing will come dislodged during transit to scare or worse, injure your horse.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember when moving with a horse is to take your time! It's more physical wearing on your horse than it is you. So, don't rush, drive carefully, and stop often to allow your horse a break from the constant shifting and to remain aware of the state of the trailer.