Click on the tips and advice titles to view:

1. Horse transport methods

2. Understanding driving regulations in horse transport

3. Loading horses for horse transport

Horse Transport Methods

Methods for Transporting a Horse
It is very likely that at some point, a horse owner will need to attempt to transport a horse, either to a vet, to another stable or to a show. There are a couple of different methods of horse transport, each of which has their advantages and disadvantages. This guide outlines the different horse transport methods you could use when moving a horse.

Different Methods of Horse transport

Transporting a horse via a Trailer

Transporting a horse via a Horsebox Van

Transporting a horse via a Professional Horse Transporter

Transporting a horse via a Trailer
– This is probably the most well known and most common horse transport method. Using a horse trailer to transport a horse is very quick and easy. Provided that you have a powerful enough tow car (such as a Land Rover), you can simply load the horse(s) into the trailer and head off down the road.

Those who plan on moving a horse regularly may wish to look into buying their own horse trailer as it will save money over continually having to rent one. You can buy a second hand horse trailer for quite a good price and this should be considered amongst one of the best regular horse transport methods. Read our tips on loading a horse (http://link) more advice.

Transporting a horse via a Horsebox Van
– Horsebox vans are similar to horse trailers in that they are operated and driven by the horse owner but they are more like trucks and are all one unit. These sorts of horse transport methods are better for moving multiple horses and their equipment.

Many people find these easier methods of horse transport as they are easier to drive and to park than a horse trailer. Moving a horse in a horsebox van is considered to be less stressful for the horse as well because there is more room. Horsebox vans often have separate tack and equipment rooms as well as living quarters for riders/owners making these excellent for people that frequently transport horses to shows.

The disadvantages of horsebox vans are that they are often considerably more expensive to buy than a horse trailer. Because of their size, these horse transport methods often require extra certificates on a UK driving license and they are harder to store when not in use.

Transporting a horse via a Professional Horse Transporter
– These horse transport methods are excellent for moving a horse over a considerable distance, such as across the UK. If you are only making occasional long distance journeys then this could be an economical way of transporting your horse.

This horse transport method is alot more cost effective than owning, taxing and insuring a horsebox for the occasional competition and incase the need arises for a vet run.

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Understanding driving regulations in horse transport

Q: What is the definition of a "recreational rider" when it comes to vehicle regulations?

A recreational rider is someone who does not transport his or her horse(s), or anyone else's horse, for hire or reward or in connection with any trade or business.

Q:Who does this apply to?

What this means in practice is that professional or semi-professional riders, including riders who receive sponsorship or livery yard owners who offer a horse transport service to move horses in and out of their yards, need to be very careful to ensure they are complying with operator licensing rules.

If you are transporting goods, including horses, for hire and reward or in connection with any business in a vehicle over 3.5tonnes, you will almost certainly need an operator's licence to continue to transport horses.

Furthermore, tachograph rules will apply if you are driving a vehicle of 7.5tonnes and over, whether or not you are transporting horses for hire and reward

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Loading horses for horse transport

This section gives advice on how to make horse transport as comfortable and stress-free experience as possible for your horses.


Loading a horse
When loading horses it’s a case of safety first – sturdy footwear with good grip, gloves and a riding hat are all worth considering, especially if the horse you’re loading is unfamiliar or inexperienced. The horse should be kitted out in his protective transport gear and wear a good quality (ideally leather) headcollar and leadrope – for greater control, it may be worth loading in a bridle.

Tips & advice for loading a horse
Problems loading horses are common – asking an animal to walk up a ramp into a confined space goes against all its natural instincts. This section offers advice on how to train your horse to load confidently and calmly. However, situations arise where you need to get a reluctant horse on a trailer and time is against you, so you’ll also find tips on how to encourage nervous or stubborn horses to load safely.

Top tips for loading your horse prior to transport

NEVER lose your temper – as frustrating as it may be, you’ll only make matters worse.

Make sure you and any helpers are wearing riding hats, gloves and good, sturdy boots.

Practice loading in a calm, quiet environment.

Always load leading your horse from the shoulder, never stand facing him trying to pull him in.

Load in a bridle or, if your horse is used to it, a natural horsemanship halter.

Make sure the trailer is the right size for your horse & the floor is in good condition – if your horse doesn’t feel comfortable and secure, he won’t want to travel.

Make the trailer as light and inviting as possible; open front ramps and doors and spread some bedding on the loading ramp if horse is particularly hesitant.

Try feeding your horse on the trailer regularly then unloading him – he’ll soon see it as a safe place and get used to loading and unloading.

If you have a front unload ramp, practice walking your horse up the rear ramp and straight off the front so he knows there’s an ‘escape route’ and to help build confidence.

Once loaded, drive steadily and brake smoothly – the better the journey, the more likely your horse is to load easily next time.

Transport Wear for Horses

When transporting horses it is advisable that they wear garments designed to protect them - after all, they are precious and delicate cargo!

There are lots of different styles and brands of transporting wear on the market, but the following checklist gives you the basics of what your horse should be wearing to keep him protected from nose to tail…

Head (horse wear during transport)
Head collar - Leather head collars are preferable for transport, as they will break under extreme pressure and can be cut, meaning your horse is less likely to become stuck in the event of an accident.

Lead rope - A good quality, strong lead rope should be attached to the ring of the head collar beneath the horse’s chin. The rope should, in turn, be tied using a quick-release knot to a piece of baling twine or quik-tie mechanism secured to the trailer/horsebox tie rings – this will allow quick and easy release in the event of an emergency during transport.

Poll Guard – When travelling large horses or those who have a tendency to become unsettled, it may be worth using a poll guard. These padded pieces of foam or leather slot onto the headpiece of the head collar and buffer the vulnerable poll from bumps and bangs on the trailer/horsebox roof.

Body (horse wear during transport)
A rug suitable for the season and your horse’s condition (clipped etc.) should be fitted – anything from a quilted stable rug, through to a wicking rug, fleece or light cotton summer sheet. This offers extra protection to the horses’ sides from rubbing against the walls of the trailer and, more importantly, prevents the horse from catching a chill. It is essential the rug is a good fit and secure.

Top Tip: Remember as the horse balances during transport it uses energy and thus creates heat so avoid over rugging.

Legs (horse wear during transport)
Before travelling, boots or bandages over gamgee should be fitted to all four legs to help prevent damage from knocks or bangs. Whatever method you choose, it is important that the leg is protected from above the knee and / or hock to the coronet band. Once again, it is essential that fit is snug but not too tight – unraveling bandages are an obvious hazard and boots that slip can cause horses to panic and do more damage than good.

Boots vs. bandages during horse transport
Bandages: Good bandaging is an art form and requires practice. Done well, it not only protects but offers support to the legs – especially useful on long and stressful journeys. Done poorly, however and there are tripping risks from bandages done too loosely while those that are too tight can cause circulatory problems and potentially serious injury. For maximum protection, bandage over gamgee or fybagee (leg-shaped pads are now available that offer protection to knee and hock joints) – if the knee and hock aren’t covered by pad, consider using knee and hock boots.
Boots: Modern travelling boots come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials and most offer protection from knee / hock to coronet band – they are quick and easy to use but don’t always offer the support that bandages can.

Tail (horse wear during transport)
During transport, the dock (the bony section at the top of the horse’s tail) is vulnerable to being rubbed as the horse leans on the rear of the trailer/horsebox for support. This is particularly a problem with large horses that really ‘fill’ the trailer/horsebox or those who are insecure. For protection while travelling, either a bandage or tail guard will reduce discomfort caused by rubbing.

Tail guards vs. bandages
Tail guards: Available in various materials, tail guards are either attached to the surcingle via ties and then wrapped and secured around the tail, or are of the ‘hold up’ that simply wrap and secure around the tail. They tend to offer more protection from impact than bandages, reduce the likelihood of application being too tight and are even available with bags attached that contain the tail to keep it clean. There can, however, be problems with them moving or slipping down the tail.

Tail bandages: Applied correctly provide some protection against rubbing, but not so much against impact. When bandaging tails, it is important to get the pressure right – too loose and you risk the bandage slipping off, too tight and you could cause discomfort and / or circulatory problems. For long journeys tail guards are preferable to tail bandages.

Travelling when tacked up
There are circumstances where it’s safer and more convenient to travel horses tacked up rather than tack up on arrival, especially when going hunting, dealing with horses who get over-excited on arrival, or when travelling single-handed. However, this is only recommended for shorter journeys and it’s essential to ensure the tack is secure and that stirrups and reins are well secured so that they can’t get caught.

Bridle:
Leave reins over the horse’s neck, then twist then together underneath the throat until there’s little slack.
Slip the throatlash through one rein and fasten buckle to secure.
Fit the headcollar over the entire bridle.

Saddle:
Fit the saddle as normal, but leave the girth a little looser then if you were about to ride – it needs to hold the saddle in place but be comfortable for the horse on its journey.
Make sure stirrups are run up, then pull the ‘spare’ leather beneath the stirrup iron, pass it back underneath and then secure by putting the ‘tail’ of the leather through its keeper.
Fit a lightweight rug over the saddle, to prevent it catching during transit.