Moving with Horses

You found your perfect horse ranch or equestrian estate and now you have to move your horses. There are a lot of things to consider when moving with horses.

Looking For A Veterinarian

Changing locations doesn’t just involve finding a new stable for your horse’s living arrangements. An experienced, trustworthy veterinarian is crucial to a horse’s long-term health and wellness.

Unfortunately, finding one that works with horses can be difficult. Doing your due diligence on vets can also be challenging if you’re new to the area and don’t know many people there.

The location of the vet practice is an important consideration, too. Ideally, it should be close to the stable you’ve chosen. If not, try to find out if they provide home visits for checkups and treatment. You should have easy access to their services in case of an emergency.

Look For A Local Farrier

Once you have found a veterinarian, you need to find an experienced farrier to ensure the continued health of your horse’s hooves. A subpar farrier may not be able to provide the proper care required for hooves to remain comfortable, functional, and protected.

Talk to stable owners and veterinarians and ask for recommendations for the best farriers in the area. Make a shortlist of options and talk to them or visit them in person to determine if they have the skill and experience to handle your horse.

Make Travel Arrangements

Moving with horses is very, very different from moving with a dog or cat. You must prepare months in advance and coordinate with several people to ensure that you and your horse will arrive in your new home perfectly safe, happy, and healthy.

Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinations, tests, and other health requirements for a long-distance move. For your peace of mind, consider purchasing equine insurance to cover your expenses in case something untoward happens during transport.

Weeks before the move, train your horse to enter and exit a trailer without getting spooked. Introduce leg guards that will keep it upright and stable throughout the long ride.

Hire a well-regarded transport company with extensive experience in moving horses. They must have all the necessary equipment to ensure comfort and safety for the entire journey.

If you have a limited budget and need help moving other furnishings along with your horse, consider Three Movers for affordable, safe, and dependable services.

Pack An Emergency Kit

Once new living arrangements and caretakers are in place, you must prepare for the move. Planning ahead ensures you will be ready for unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

Stock up on all medications that your horse will need in the next month or so. Buy a fresh set of leg wraps, self-sticking bandages, and cotton gauze for first aid, and make sure you have a sharp pair of scissors on hand.

Check your tubs of zinc oxide cream and antiseptic ointment and make sure they haven’t expired yet.

Acclimate Your Horse

Horses are very sensitive creatures, and they are likely to experience stress due to a significant change in their environment. Stress can lead to an increased risk of issues such as colic and respiratory conditions.

Be very gentle with your horse once you arrive in your new location. Make sure it drinks plenty of water and monitor its food intake. Wait a few weeks before intensive exercise, a trip to the vet, or any other stressful activities.

The Bottom Line

When moving with horses, you must have a concrete plan in place, with potential contingencies in case of unforeseen events. Do your due diligence for your next location and ensure the stable, veterinarian, and farrier will provide everything your horse needs.

When you are fully prepared, all problems will be much easier to handle.