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Staying cool in transit

Carol Phillips

August 13, 2003

Ensure that transporting your horse during hot weather is a stress-free experience for you both with our guide to staying cool in transit

Planning ahead when transporting your horses is ever more important in hot weather than at other times of the year, as following some simple steps can make a major difference.

Jackie Parker, of international horse transporters John Parker International, says: "Our lorries have insulated roofs and extractor fans as well as lots of head room, which helps keep the lorry cool in high temperatures. However, making simple adjustments to your own transport can help improve your horse's comfort."

Jackie recommends:

• Remove rugs and equipment from racks in the horse area to increase room for air to move around the lorry

• Don't travel with the maximum number of horses for the lorry

• Open all available windows – lorries fitted with windows on both sides will stay cooler

• Travel on shavings, not straw

• Feed horsehage rather than hay

• Offer water at least every two hours during hot weather

• Untie horses and allow them to lower their heads to drink rather than hold the bucket up – this allows them to clear their lungs if necessary

• Travel during the coolest part of the day, if possible

• Don't cover the horse with unnecessary clothing

• Ensure you have sufficient water on board to cope with a breakdown

Plan ahead

Equestrian breakdown specialists, Equestrian Support Services (ESS) stresses that it is vital for horsebox owners to be prepared for delays caused by breakdowns or heavy traffic.

The company suggests that drivers plan their route in advance to avoid any chance of getting lost and schedule frequent stops to offer the horses a chance to drink.

Nick Hamilton of ESS says: "Horses should be given room to move their head so don't tie them on too short a rope and ensure that they have good airflow by opening any side or roof vents in the horsebox.

"It is best to try to limit transport to very early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler. Not only will this be more comfortable for the horse but your journey will be easier as there will be less traffic.

"Also roadside assistance and recovery will be much quicker if you break down and your horse will have suffer less heat stress while waiting for help to arrive."

ESS is also keen to stress the importance of ensuring that your horsebox or trailer is in good repair and that you have suitable breakdown cover before starting any journey.

Expect the unexpected

Jon Phillips, from the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners (OHTO), which offers breakdown and roadside recovery to its members, agrees that forward thinking is crucial to cope with unexpected problems.

"Obviously you need to ensure you have plenty of water for humans, horses and your lorry before leaving home. Checking oil and water levels should be done before all journeys, but is even more vital in hot weather.

"Be prepared by carrying spare hoses and a fan belt for your lorry, as this could save you a couple of hours wait on the side of the road if you are unfortunate enough to suffer a breakdown.

"Make sure that nothing is obstructing the windows in the horse area before setting off. If you are going to an overnight show and are bringing hay and bedding with you, don't transport it on the roof, as this will have an insulating effect and increase the temperature in the lorry.

"Finally, even if you are not competing until the middle of the day, I would suggest you still set off really early. You will miss the worst of the traffic, will travel in relative cool and have the pick of the parking when you arrive at the showground.

"When you arrive, look for any shade that is available and park so that the windows by the horses' heads are going to be on the shaded side of the lorry when the sun is at its highest."

To contact OHTO (tel: 01488 657651) or visit: www.horsebox-rescue.co.uk

To contact ESS (tel: 01300 348997) or visit: www.equestriansupport.co.uk

To contact John Parker International (tel: 01303 266621) or visit: www.johnparkerinternational.com

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