Best
Practices: Surface Transport of the Horse
by
Sharon E. Cregier, Ph.D., F.I.A.S.H. (Hon.,
Edin.)
October 20, 2009
Animal Transportation Association
AATA Education Committee
1
Introduction
Assessing and attaining best practices in transporting
horses by road requires studying sometimes conflicting
recommendations. The task is compounded by
1. A lack of record keeping and analysis of harmful
incidents
2. A lack of appreciation of the horse’s
requirements for balance on a moving platform
3. Apparently contradictory research
conclusions
2
4. The emphasis on appealing to the purchaser vs horse
comfort in transport
Determining the valid areas of practice and necessary
improvements is hindered by the lack of record keeping not
only on the part of traffic authorities, but also on the
part of the insurance industry (Smith et al. 1991; Stennett
2009). Veterinary sources do not always detail the cause of
trauma which practitioners must treat, although transport
injuries and pathologies were noted as a frequent treatment
factor at competitions (Bell and Lowe 1986).
Sometimes research contradicts what appears to be
successful practise. For example, a 12-hour rest stop
following 12 hours in transit is advised to help rebuild the
immune system. In one study, the horses’ immune systems
were compromised despite transport in a well ventilated van
and having free access to hay and water at regular
intervals. The one feature that may have contributed to the
compromised immune system is that the horses were restrained
in cross ties (Stull, et al. 2008).
Other horses, in specially built trailers, were
travelled facing away from the direction of travel non-stop
– except for up to 3-day competitions en route – from
California to New York. Veterinary inspection within 30
3
minutes at each site passed the horses fit to compete and
found no travel injuries. Shipping boots and head bumpers
were not used. The horses won national performance awards
throughout the journey (Tellington 1978).
A variety of “training to travel” clinics offer
opposing views, most of which require a great deal of time,
are not guaranteed to permanently affect the horse’s
aversive responses to loading and transport, and do not
necessarily maximise the safety of horse and handler.
Other than the studies by automotive engineer David J.
Holmes and horseman Wentworth Tellington (Cregier 1980), no
subsequent study has approached the problems of horse
transport design with the imperative that it integrate
equine anatomy, behaviour and automotive dynamics.
Even where farm animals are transported to current high
standards, falls, injuries and the difficulty of the animal
in retaining its upright posture are recorded (Cockram and
Spence ca 2006).
Nevertheless, observation of a horse at liberty when in
motion, resting or interacting with the herd, give strong
indications as to the improvements required in the current
practices of transportation.
4
I. Species behavior and handling
As a social animal, horses rely on the familiar herd or
associate, other horses, humans or a stable pet, for
companionship, security and direction. A flight animal, it
reacts to unexpected or unseen movement behind with a kick
or escape movement. If trapped, it will defend itself with
teeth and hooves. Horses which have been injured or abused
in any part of their bodies will try to protect that area
from approach or touch. Sympathetic handling can maintain
or restore the horse’s confidence.
Central to its feeling of security is the horse’s
ability to retain its feet and upright centre of balance.
Once a horse falls to the ground, or is bumped by another as
when surging ahead on the race track, it may lose its
confidence in its ability to protect itself or compete.
Other than its feet, a major contributor to a horse’s
sense of security is freedom of movement of its head and
neck. Its forequarters comprise 65% or more of its weight
at a standstill. The forequarters, with the weight in the
thoracic sling, rely on the free up, down, or forward
movement of the horse’s head and neck, to maintain balance.
To rest, the horse lowers its head and maintains the bulk of
5
its weight on its forequarters while resting a hindquarter.
The hindquarters are not suitable for weight carrying. The
lowered head also reduces mean arterial pressure (Parry:
1980) and may reduce the flight reaction (Warren-Smith
2005). Unless accustomed to it, the horse will fight
restraint of its head or feet.
Current EU regulations for transporting equidae do not
necessarily meet the requirements of feral animals (Knowles,
et al. 2009) or handled animals. As well, stockmen used to
tame animals should be advised that their standard practices
applied to droving or loading can initiate loading problems
where untamed horses are concerned (ADAS 2008). The
following practices apply to both tamed and feral horses:
The ideal horse transport loading and transit practices
. travel the horse in compatible groups
. ensure secure footing
. accommodate the horse’s requirement for unrestricted,
head-free balance
. allow room for male horses to stretch and stale or urinate
in their normal balanced position
. protect the horse’s hindquarters from noise, light, and
movement
6
. afford the handler safe access to and control of the horse
at its head, away from the kicking or striking zone
. encourage the head low, hind-leg resting, forward lean of
the resting or dozing horse
. maintain a quiet, undisturbed interior, rest areas and
lairages free from clanging metal, chains, loud voices,
barking dogs, or amplified or other intrusive sound (Marks
1993).
. provide indirect fresh air, removal of ammonia buildup,
and minimal dust
. exclude the use of forceful methods of droving, loading,
unloading
. forbid the use of electric prods
. maximise the safety of the handler and horse
Some of these standards are emphasised by the European
Union recommendations (Scientific Committee 2002), but only
two purpose-built horse trailers today are known to meet and
exceed these welfare and safety requirements (Cregier 2009;
O’Brien 2009).
II. Preparation for transport
1. Regulations
7
Preparations for transport are dependent on the purpose
of the transport, age, health, gestation status, herd rank,
previous transport and handling histories. Import and
export requirements, and the health requirements for the
animal, bedding, and feed as well as the cleanliness of the
transport vehicle may differ between or among inter-state,
inter-provincial or international borders.
European Union policy is to improve welfare standards
for transport, emphasising the economic advantages of doing
so (Murray 2008). However, enforcement, driver, vehicle,
and stockmanship standards may be minimal or arbitrary.
If the horse is to be transported for pleasure, show,
or slaughter, the most succinct source available for
navigating the European regulations having to do with horse
transport is the AATA Manual for the Transportation of Live
Animals by Road (Harris, irregular updates) .
Other cogent guides available summarise the role of
international officials, shipping agents, veterinarians,
industry organisations, and detail seasonal and residency
restrictions (Ellis, et al. 2004)
Sources of regulatory and quarantine information may be
obtained through competition organisers (BOCOG 2007;
8
Watkins, et al 2008), livestock shippers, breed
organizations, or state, provincial or federal level
veterinary services on both the shipping and receiving end
of a journey. Ideally, documentation requirements and
regulations for inter-border journeys should be continuously
reviewed by shipper, forwarder, receiver, and veterinary
personnel beginning at least several months before the
initial start of a trip. Not every official involved in the
trip will always be fully apprised of the sometimes
conflicting regulations (Cordes and Mitchell 2007).
2. Health and nutrition
Trip preparation for performance horses is more
detailed than for horses of lesser value. Avoiding weight
loss, colic, gastro-intestinal upsets, muscular myopathy,
and respiratory distress are paramount concerns for
shippers. Diarrhea and laminitis are also a concern. Air
and long distance road transport has recorded that lack of
ventilation when the vehicles are stationary, poor air
circulation during transit, and crowding contribute to an up
to 40% incidence of shipping fever in flight and 12% for
road (Higgins 2004).
Working toward optimum fitness for transport and
competition, performance horses will have been wormed and
9
blood work checked for viral infection. Daily rectal
temperatures may be recorded. For both slaughter or
performance horses an infrared thermography scanner might be
used to identify any developing systemic infection two weeks
in advance of travel and before rectal temperatures register
infection (Schaefer 2001).
Key nutrients, such as amino-acids and magnesium, given
before or after transport have reduced tissue dehydration
associated with transport in cattle and pork (Schaefer
2001). Electrolytes together with green feed are thought to
prevent fluid imbalance or muscle disorders if the trip is
to last more than a day or the weather is humid and hot.
But if a dehydrated horse is oversupplied with electrolytes,
it can worsen problems.
If mineral oil is administered as a protection against
the absorption of endotoxins, it can interfere with the
uptake of nutrients and electrolytes.
Magnesium added to an animal’s feed a week or more
prior to transport seems to reduce aggression during
transport. Increased fat and reduced carbohydrates three to
six months in advance of transport and performance is
thought to reduce the incident of rhabdomyolsis (Divers
2000; Rush 1999).
10
Prophylactics such as penicillin did not reduce
inflammatory airway secretions in horses travelled with
elevated, restrained heads (Ball 1998) although others
recommended antimicrobials as effective if the horses are
travelled more than 8-12 hours (van den Berg 2001).
A nervous horse may bolt its hay or other ration during
transport, risking choke. Or, it may attempt to bite or
kick a nearby horse as its level of insecurity or
fearfulness rises. As travel time increases, appetite for
hay and water, especially if offered in an unfamiliar
environment, decreases.
Water is important in keeping feed passing through the
horse and avoiding impaction colic. Various added flavors
are used to induce a horse to drink either its own water in
an unfamiliar environment or novel water (McCall and McCall
nd. Mars et al. 1992). Studies are looking at ways to
encourage a horse to drink throughout a journey and avoid
dehydration. As horses hesitate to drink while the engine
is running, water is offered when the vehicle is stationary
with the ignition off. This prevents water from slopping
onto the bed or deck and making the surface slippery.
11
Whether performance, pleasure, or slaughter horse, the
hauler should be aware of available equine veterinarians and
large animal rescue teams en route in case of emergency.
3. Fitness for transport
In-foal animals in the last quarter of pregnancy or
about to give birth should not be transported. Animals with
broken bones or fractures or colic should not be transported
without veterinary supervision. Transportation can initiate
and exacerbate colic.
An animal in adverse health or exhibiting agitated
behavior may arrive at the destination with its health more
severely compromised than when the journey began.
Where animals are expected to cross several times zones
in rapid succession, regulating the circadian schedule at
origin of travel to that of the country of destination
lessens recovery time at destination (Murphy 2004).
Adjusting the schedule minimises colic, shipping fever, and
dehydration.
Horses travelled loose in groups should have the hind
shoes removed to prevent more serious injuries to the other
horses.
12
Where possible, a horse’s weight immediately pre- and
post-transport should be recorded as one indicator of how
well the transport met its needs.
III. Preparation of the transport vehicle
Working from a checklist, for all aspects of transport,
much as a pilot does before take-off, provides a record of
maintenance and safety inspections. A check list of
documents is one way to keep track of the welter of
paperwork.
There are frequent reports of horses falling through
van or trailer beds, ramps or doors falling off during
loading, unloading, or en route. Diligent inspection of
flooring, hinges and latches guards against this.
A study of horse transports in current use in Europe
indicated that 50 2-horse trailers were inadequate in
length, height, and width. Materials, fittings and ramps
did not conform to requirements for animal welfare. Loading
13
problems and injuries were common. Most of the 34 trucks
passed fit for national transport had similar problems.
Conveyances from eastern Europe were worse than those in
western Europe (Dobereiner 1985).
Both exterior and interior design can present transport
problems.
There should be no openings between which a horse could
catch a head or hoof. Metal and wooden decks, partitions,
sides, and roofing should be heavy enough to prevent a horse
getting its head or hoof through in the event of an
accident, roll-over of the vehicle, loss of balance, or
altercation with another horse. The interior roof should be
smooth so as to minimise damage to the horse’s poll if it
comes in contact with the roof or sides. Wherever possible,
fittings, nuts and bolts should be countersunk.
Dividers of various types present hazards of their own.
Wire dividers or mangers risk injury if they snap or break
(Fowler 1995). Pipe dividers can catch a leg or head.
Standard transport practices (i.e., where a horse
travels facing the direction of travel) requiring dividers
compounds the risks. If the dividers or partitions are
solid to the floor, the horse may lean on them and begin to
14
scramble as the vehicle takes turns or curves. It is rare
to find a trailer without kicking, balance or scramble marks
at the rear. If the horse falls, it can be difficult
getting it to its feet.
As well, there may be a question of air circulation
during hot and humid travel when the dividers are solid.
Half partitions risk having the horse fall and get
caught beneath them. Butt bars and chains used to prevent
the horse from reversing are a hazard to the kicking horse,
the downed horse or the horse that pushes backward and falls
beneath them in an attempt to escape or spontaneously
unload. Dividers, chains, and bars must be designed such
that if a horse is hung up on them or trapped beneath them,
they can be easily released, preferably from outside the
vehicle, even if bent or otherwise damaged.
All chains and snaps should be wrapped so as to prevent
rattling, banging, and clanking throughout loading, transit
and unloading. Ramps, windows, vents, and “escape doors”
should be insulated against rattles and drafts.
Screening is advisable not only to prevent insects and
dust from entering the transport but also cigarettes or
other harmful material.
15
Brakes and their wiring, or lack of it, and the towbar
hand brake are a special consideration depending on the type
of horse conveyance. These, lugnuts and all lights should
be checked for operation, and cables for tightness or
flexibility.
IV. Containment of animal for road transport
1. Stall or bay size
The size of the stall or bay in which a horse is
confined should allow the horse to maintain its natural,
head low, hip resting, forward lean, effortless balance.
Attempts to mandate size allowance according to the number
of animals loaded does not account for weight, height, or
social grouping (Broom 2008).
The standard of one inch (2.54cm) of height above the
withers for every 4 inches (10cm or hand) of the horse’s
height from hoof to withers, or the height at the withers of
the largest horse plus 23 inches (58cm) (Plath and Schütte
1990) does not allow for the differing head carriages among
breeds or aggression among horses.
16
The standards do not allow for the rise and fall or
flexing of the horse deck as the vehicle proceeds at speed
over uneven surface. Additionally, the tension induced by
the transport will cause the horse’s wither height to
increase at least 2.2 cm (Hickman and Colles 1984).
Increases of a hand (4 inches or 10 cm) at the withers
following transport have also been reported (Vachon 1978).
Where space is inadequate, the horse will suffer
injuries to its face and head (Whiting and Sauder 2000;
Appel et al 1995). As well, if forced to maintain its
balance in a shortened stall with a raised head and hindlegs
extended to the side, the horse’s sacro-iliac joint can
become traumatized (Williams 2008).
Allowing space for the horse to stretch its neck and
head downward allows the horse to clear its respiratory
tract. This action reduces the risk of inducing or
exacerbating shipping fever (Racklyeft and Love 1990).
The buttocks of the horse should be presented to a
solid wall to prevent getting hung up or falling beneath a
retaining bar. The most common incident in rescue calls is
that of horses going over the breast bar (Gimenez 2008) in
standard transport.
17
The bed or deck of the transport should be non-slip.
Materials used have ranged from rubber mats – some of which
are slippery when wet – to materials similar to that used on
the decks of submarines.
Bedding should encourage urination and be deep enough
to prevent its splash-back which horses avoid. Various
types of bedding have been used with equally varying pluses
and minuses. Sand, while affording excellent footing, can
abrade and embed into the skin of a fallen animal and adds
to the weight of the cargo.
Sawdust or shavings must be free of walnut residue
which can induce laminitis. Shavings can dusty.
Oat straw is labor intensive, might be eaten by the
horse, is dusty and slippery, though it is warm and
encourages deeper rest when deeply bedded in lairages. If a
horse is lame or sore, however, its depth may inhibit
movement. Some destinations will forbid the carrying of
straw due to insect concerns.
Wood shavings, though soft and elastic, are less likely
to be eaten, are not as warm as straw. Horses tend to spend
more time in sternal recumbency on shavings compared to
straw which invites extended time in lateral recumbency
18
(Pederson et al. 2004). However, shavings are said to
have been inhaled by young animals.
Mineral additives in any bedding help control ammonia
odors in long term transit. Vinegar sprinkled on bedding
has long been used to control ammonia odors.
Shredded newsprint or phonebook-type bedding tends to
be messy, blows about, and may discolor horses’ coats.
Compared with sawdust, however, it gave lower ammonia levels
though there was no difference in tracheal washes between
the groups, one of which was housed on sawdust and the other
on shredded paper (Tanner, et al 1998).
Whatever bedding is used, it is imperative that it be
freshened at every opportunity to prevent or minimise
ammonia buildup.
2. Direction of travel
Many countries’ codes of animal welfare or regulations
stipulate that the horse must travel in a manner that
allows it to retain its “natural” upright balance. A
natural, or effortless balance is maintained by a forward
19
lean over the forequarters, freedom of movement of the head
and neck, and lack of threat from behind. That horses can
most easily maintain their balance facing away from the
direction of travel has been demonstrated using stock
trailers, vans, 3-horse and 2-horse tagalongs or bumper
pulls (Clark, Friend, Dellmeir 1993; Kusunose and Torikai
1996; Roberts 1990; Waran and Robertson, et al. 1996).
When facing away from the direction of travel, the
horse balances with minimal repositioning of the forefeet
during transit around curves and braking to the N.Z.
regulation trailer/float standard of a complete stop within
30 feet at 18 mph (Cregier and Holmes 2008. Roberts 1990).
There is evidence that on uncovered commercial slaughter
horse transports, loose horses loaded into low density areas
will balance in either direction of travel when given room
(Collins, Friend et al. 2000). Compatible groups of feral
or tamed horses will travel well in low densities with
reduced aggression and fewer losses of balance (Knowles, et
al. 2009).
Numerous studies of horses in transit record horses
showing fewer falls and fewer impacts with partitions during
transit when allowed to travel facing away from the
direction of travel (Stull, C. 1997; Toscano and Friend
2001). Thoroughbreds transported 1000 miles loose in a
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stock trailer arrived “considerably fresher” than those in
standing stalls (Briggs 1998).
Performance horses transported facing away from the
direction of travel in a specially-built trailer were
transported 8,000 miles in thirty days for exhibitions
across the United States. Halting only for competitive
events, the horses were travelled non-stop 1,000 to 1,200
miles in a 24 hour period. The horses passed a vet check
within 30 minutes of arrival and went on to win best
condition and other awards in 100 mile endurance rides. In
all, 300,000 miles with 500 horses were logged with this
trailer (Tellington 1978). Other factors, such as specially
placed ventilation and flooring resembling that used on
submarine decks, contributed to the success of the
transport.
With the horses’ rumps presented to a solid bulkhead
with the head to the rear of the transport, it will be the
rump and not the head which absorbs any contact with the
forward partition or solid wall in an accident or sudden
deceleration. Placing the animal facing away from the
direction of travel is a standard provision for rhinoceros
and giraffe in transport (Fowler 1995).
21
Yet thirty minutes of standard transport facing the
direction of travel caused muscular and “acute emotional
stress” as the horses attempted to keep their balance
(Giovagnoli 2002), part of a syndrome leading to exertional,
stress or capture myopathy (Fowler 1995).
The area of confinement must allow space for the horse
to lean forward and extend its head both up- or downward and
forward to help maintain its balance. With enough space,
and when facing away from the direction of travel, male
horses can stretch and stale (urinate) without having to be
off-loaded or stopping the vehicle.
Trailers, vans, or trucks which transport the horse
parallel or angled to the direction of travel rarely allow
the horse enough room to extend its head. As well, the
horse is least secure in its balance when standing cross
ways to the forces of acceleration or deceleration.
Transport environments which do not meet the needs of
the horse lead to delays, ill health, injuries, death and
traffic accidents. For example, a study of 54 mares
confirmed in-foal 12 days following insemination recorded
embryonic death in some mares 3, 7, 10, and 13 days
following transport for nine hours in a slant load trailer
(Baucus et al. 1990). At least hundreds of horse float
22
accidents occur annually and are being catalogued by USRider
Insurance with an analysis by AATA member, Dr. Rebecca
Gimenez.
V. Loading and Unloading
Loading problems comprise an obvious indicator of poor
animal transport practices. In one survey, owners of 103
horses reported over 50% having loading and in transit
problems with fewer than 28% of the horses successfully
rehabilitated (Lee, et al. 2001). Equine veterinary
clinics report a disproportionate amount of clinic time is
consumed with the time taken to loading clients’ horses into
conventional transport. Current loading and unloading
procedures ignore the needs of the animal and transport
safety, frequently requiring additional personnel and
equipment and risking injury to horse and handler (McDonnell
2009. Fowler 1995).
Even where transport is believed to be ideal, three
riding centres in Italy acknowledged that at least 31 - 54%
of their horses were difficult to load into trailers.
Seventy-one per cent of these were transported in slant or
side-on-to-travel direction trailers. Thirty-one per cent
of 35 horses transported exhibited gross loading and travel
problems in standard van transport (Zucca, et al. 2007).
23
Loading and unloading ramps for horses should not
exceed an angle of 20 o on level ground.
A loading, unloading and transport method which
preserves horse and handler safety has been in use for
decades. It is used with specially built trailers to
accommodate the different weight placement of the live
cargo. The system is expeditiously accomplished by one
person. It can be employed by Pony Club or 4-H youngsters.
This system was detailed at an Animal (Air) Transportation
Association conference (Cregier 2009; O’Brien 2009) showing
custom built trailers.
In essence, the horse or pony is led across a stable
platform level with the trailer deck, pivots on its forehand
and reverses into its stall. The tie rope is anchored
opposite its withers, allowing complete freedom of up and
down head movement. The tether can be run through a forward
ring to prevent sideways movement of the head into the
adjoining stall space.
Mares and foals loaded in this manner remain in sight
of each other at all times. Horses do not have to be
specially trained to reverse on cue, but will reverse when
gentle thumb pressure is applied to the suprascapular nerve.
24
To unload, the handler steps to the horse’s head, snaps
on a lead rope, opens the low barrier, unsnaps the tie rope
which remains in the transport, and leads the horse(s) down
the ramp, formerly the platform (Cregier 1980, 1982). At no
time is the handler in danger of getting kicked or struck.
This system exceeds the requirements for horse and
human safety during all phases of transport as outlined by
the European Commission directorate on the welfare of
animals during transport. (Scientific Committee 2002)
Horsemen who frequently load their horses into vans may
have a purpose built, high-sided approach leading to and
level with the interior deck of the van. The high sided
walls of the approach are angled such that the horse moves
freely from a narrow to a wider space around the entry and
into the van.
Mares and foals should travel within sight of each
other with the foal protected by a solid partition from the
mare’s attempts to maintain balance. Regular stops should
be made to allow the foal to nurse. Again, this practice is
controversial and dependent on the size of the mare, whether
or not it is tied in place, and if the mare and foal are to
be travelled with other horses (Larter and Jackson 1987).
25
VI. Care during transport
Heart rate alone has been superseded by heart rate
variability as the best indicator of how well horses are
coping with transport. Records of heart rate variability -
- the variation in milliseconds between heartbeats - -
indicate that horses in a 24 hour road journey were stressed
throughout the event, even when the heart rates alone were
comparable to that of stable rest (Ohmura 2003).
Tranquilizers are not recommended for transport as they
can interfere with a horse’s ability to balance and its
reaction to movement or noise. Polished stainless steel or
acrylic mirrors reflecting the horse in transit have been
found to provide a reassuring “companion” for horses
travelled singly and somewhat increases the time spent
eating during 30-minute transport (Kay and Hall 2009).
Visual inspection is now readily made with affordable
cameras in the van, lorry, or trailer/float interior during
the journey. What the cameras do not convey is the noise
level in the transport. Noise is a factor in suppressing
the immune system and denying rest. Where lairage is
scheduled, the lairage should be maintained in a quiet area
26
away from traffic, groups of people, and other intrusive
noises (Marks 1993; Richardson 2002).
Monitoring horses during transit must consider, where
possible, a rise in body temperature during a long haul.
Interior vehicle temperatures are best maintained to no more
than 25o C or less than 10oC . Ventilation or air
conditioning should be indirect with no air blowing directly
on the horse.
Welfare concerns are assisted by monitoring systems
which trace the individual animal, identify the places and
times of loading and unloading, the air quality of the
vehicle interior and the animals’ behaviour. Transmitted by
GPS, the data is collected by a dispatch center. The
dispatcher can inform the driver of any problems. While it
is suggested that sensors for temperature and heart rate
could be mounted on the animals (Gebresenbet et al. 2003),
this could irritate unbroken animals, endanger stockmen
attempting to attach them, and may lead to a false sense of
security if reliance is on heart rate alone instead of heart
rate variability which is a more accurate indicator of
animal comfort.
A distinct lack of desire to drink familiar water, growing
lethargy and lack of interest in other horses is a sign of
27
ill health or tiredness. A fallen horse is usually
encouraged to rise by the attendant, though this will be
difficult if the live cargo is densely loaded, consists of
feral horses, or access to the animal is blocked or
dangerous.
If feed is provided during the journey, it is advisable
to moisten hay to minimise inhalation of dust and seeds.
But be aware that there is still the possibility of choke if
the horse is tense. Horses should be encouraged to drink
water frequently throughout a long journey to avoid
dehydration. These rest stops also encourage the horses to
eat (Kusunose and Torikai 1996). Horses should be watered
with the engine off to avoid transferring its vibration to
the water, which sometimes puts horses off drinking.
Rest stops should also be used to clean the vehicle
wherever possible to mitigate the build-up of particulates
and ammonia.
However, loading and unloading presents hazards and
should be kept to a minimum. In hot weather, particularly,
if the horses are not to be off-loaded at stops, the trailer
or van should be parked parallel to the prevailing wind to
help air the vehicle and keep the animals cool. Long stops
28
might require a shade cloth over the vehicle and extending
several feet to either side.
How difficult a journey has been for an animal can be
judged by the length of its resting behaviour beyond its
norm. How it rested can be observed by the bedding, such as
sawdust, and where it appears on the body. Horses will be
more likely to rest lying down when they feel secure in
their group and the area is quiet. Dim lighting, such as
that used in the KLM airline stables, also keeps horses
quieter.
During night journeys, it is advisable to keep a light
on in the trailer or van to diffuse the effect of following
headlights.
Wherever possible, horses should be transported without
rugs, tail guards or bandages. Some shipping companies
refuse to accept horses offered for travel with leg wraps or
boots. These become hot or can come loose and cause panic.
Where horses are travelled with rugs, it is wise to use
a surcingle to keep the blanket from slipping.
VII. Unloading of animals
29
Care should be taken that mares and foals be unloaded
together, preferably within sight of each other. The
lairage or stable area should be quiet and free from loud
noises, bright lights and alarming sights and sounds such as
flapping canvas or whips.
Unloading should proceed down a shallow ramp or
directly onto a flat stable surface if the van is not
equipped with a ramp. In that case, horses legs, during
loading and unloading, should be protected from any open
area between the edge of the van or trailer bed and the
ground.
If the horse has experienced a long journey,
particularly in standard transport, it may be too stiff to
easily unload. Horses have been known to collapse on the
ramp despite care given in air and road transport. Handlers
should be prepared to assist these horses with a hand on the
shoulder to guide and steady them (Larter 1987).
As in any phase of droving, yarding, and transport,
electric prods must not be used.
VIII. Post transport care
30
The horses’ requirements for post transport care will
vary depending on driver behaviour, vehicle configuration
and suspension, the length of the journey, how long they
have been without water and feed, the levels of humidity or
warmth or cold during the journey and at the destination,
how they ate and drank during the journey, the behavior
exhibited during the journey, how much space the individual
was allotted, the noise to which the horses were subjected,
the injuries accumulated, whether or not the horses were
exposed to pathogens at shows, sales, or en route, vehicle
cleanliness, and the attention received during transit.
Elaborate precautions are taken at international events
to guard against the spread of respiratory distress at
lairages (Watkins, et al. 2008). Horses are maintained and
exercised in their own travel group. Equipment brought to
the competition, training and stabling grounds is new or
decontaminated and may not be loaned to personnel or horses
outside the designated individual groups.
Simple observations can verify the horses’ appetites,
dehydration levels, resting behaviour, ease of movement,
depression, abrasions, lacerations, or gross injuries, and
weight loss. Weight loss is anticipated due to reduced
food and water intake and the need to maintain an unnatural
position in order to remain upright (Foss and Lindner 1996).
31
If the journey involved transport during cold or
inclement weather, the flanks of horses should be monitored
closely over several hours following unloading for the tell-
tale tremor which appears briefly and intermittently when
the horse has been chilled. Warm mash, warmed blankets and
shelter can hasten recovery.
IX. Emergency Response
(Best left to the experts in the AATA!)
- END -
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