|
|
  
Location: midwest mama | I am buying a horse that is across the country from me and am going to use a professional transport company. They don't use semis but have several 6 horse rigs that are air ride trailers. They have good reviews.
However, when I asked them where they layover, they said they don't. Overnight the horse will stay on the trailer with feed and water. That means she will be on the trailer for about 30 hours.
I am waiting to hear back as to whether or not they even unload them during the whole trip, but this seems weird to me.
Is this standard practice or not? It just seems that being on the trailer that long wouldn't be good for her.
Edited by OldSchoolCowgirl 2018-03-30 9:17 AM
|
|
| |
|
Regular
Posts: 93
| Honestly, I would rather my horse in a box stall with hay and water than for them to be walking her and she freak out, get in an accident. As long as they take breaks and let them relax without the trailer moving, they will be fine. I know they probably have issues with horses loading/unloading and don't want to take the risk. I hauled my mare 12 hours with just gas breaks for 30 minutes to let her relax and refill her hay/offer water. She handled it awesome. |
|
| |
|
 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| abrad12 - 2018-03-30 7:52 AM Honestly, I would rather my horse in a box stall with hay and water than for them to be walking her and she freak out, get in an accident. As long as they take breaks and let them relax without the trailer moving, they will be fine. I know they probably have issues with horses loading/unloading and don't want to take the risk. I hauled my mare 12 hours with just gas breaks for 30 minutes to let her relax and refill her hay/offer water. She handled it awesome.
This^^ |
|
| |
|
Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
 
| rodeomom3 - 2018-03-30 8:31 AM
abrad12 - 2018-03-30 7:52 AM Honestly, I would rather my horse in a box stall with hay and water than for them to be walking her and she freak out, get in an accident. As long as they take breaks and let them relax without the trailer moving, they will be fine. I know they probably have issues with horses loading/unloading and don't want to take the risk. I hauled my mare 12 hours with just gas breaks for 30 minutes to let her relax and refill her hay/offer water. She handled it awesome.
This^^
Ditto. I freaked out on one of my former 4-H girls a few years back when she posted a picture on FB of her horses unloaded for a “break” in the middle of a truck stop on their way out west to a rodeo finals.... everything worked out ok and they jumped right back on but yeah, that’s asking for trouble IMO.
It’s one of those things, a reputable company will take breaks for fuel, to offer water and hay, and then get going again. Unloading a bunch of unfamiliar horses in unfamiliar places can open up a whole can of worms from handling issues to biosecurity depending on where they unload at.
I always say if it isn’t something you’re comfortable with, one can always jump in their truck and trailer and take a road trip, arrange for layovers at fairgrounds and boarding facilities along the way. Honestly that is what I would do in the situation.
|
|
| |
|
 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | OhMax - 2018-03-30 9:24 AM rodeomom3 - 2018-03-30 8:31 AM abrad12 - 2018-03-30 7:52 AM Honestly, I would rather my horse in a box stall with hay and water than for them to be walking her and she freak out, get in an accident. As long as they take breaks and let them relax without the trailer moving, they will be fine. I know they probably have issues with horses loading/unloading and don't want to take the risk. I hauled my mare 12 hours with just gas breaks for 30 minutes to let her relax and refill her hay/offer water. She handled it awesome. This^^ Ditto. I freaked out on one of my former 4-H girls a few years back when she posted a picture on FB of her horses unloaded for a “break” in the middle of a truck stop on their way out west to a rodeo finals.... everything worked out ok and they jumped right back on but yeah, that’s asking for trouble IMO. It’s one of those things, a reputable company will take breaks for fuel, to offer water and hay, and then get going again. Unloading a bunch of unfamiliar horses in unfamiliar places can open up a whole can of worms from handling issues to biosecurity depending on where they unload at. I always say if it isn’t something you’re comfortable with, one can always jump in their truck and trailer and take a road trip, arrange for layovers at fairgrounds and boarding facilities along the way. Honestly that is what I would do in the situation.
Oh Max nailed it, I would not unload horses anywhere unless at a fairground or somewhere where its safe, no sence unloading horses you dont know. Professional haulers know what they are doing. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | All of this. Never unload.
I am sure it also has to do with insurance and liability.
If a "professional" hauler tells you they unload for layover... Be wary. SO much could happen... |
|
| |
|
  That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| I ship 5-10 horses a year, I've only had one that did layovers. I agree that generally unloading for layovers is probalby not a good idea. However the one I had that did unload was the most expensive at about $1.50/mile and my horse came in all brushed out and well taken care of. He sent pictures each night. He had nice safe places to stop and rest. He was also the best communicator. Whan I buy, I try to use him. He was well worth it! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1432
| We used to sell ranch raised horses on RFDTV and two of our horses ended up going to Rhode Island. They shipped from SD to RI and the shipper never unloaded them. They had a box stall and he would stop to water, feed and let them rest. They made it safe and in great shape. |
|
| |
|
| Agree with all of the others. We've shipped many long distances and do not stop and unload. The most important thing, other than hay and water, is stopping to let them stand. It gives them a chance to relax their muscles and pee, which many won't do while moving. |
|
| |
Folks on-line