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Discussion on Newbe to Trailering- Colorado to Vermont
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New Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 5:21 pm:
Hi there,
I'm trailering my horse & donkey from Colorado to Vermont at the end of March. This will be the first time I've trailered, let alone such a long distance. I'm trailering instead of getting them hauled because I had them hauled from California to Colorado and it was a terrible experience for them (and now my horse does not want to load - separate topic!). The haulers I chose had huge lorry type air trucks but it was still an awful experience for them. They both arrived 3 days late covered in severe rainrot and leg injuries.
So - this time I'm hauling them myself! I've outlined my plan below and would appreciate any advice or comments from you experienced folks.
I've purhcased a new CM Endurance 2 horse step up straight load. I would have got something bigger but my boyfriend's truck can't handle much more weight (max weight he can pull is just over 7000lbs in his 1500 chevvy silverado, engine size 5.3L). The trailer weighs 2800lbs, my horse weighs about 900 and the donkey about 750. We'll be hauling a bit of hay for the ride, plus water and 2 cats in the truck to add to the fun!
I had purchased a CM stock trailer, but realized that getting in and out of it to water & check the boys along the trip would be very difficult since it only has a single back door, no partition and no butt bars. The Endurance has a front door with tack compartment and then grilled doors to the stalls. There is a removable partition between the stalls. Each stall has a manger.
Here's some pics of the same trailer: https://www.dealsonwheels.com/search/detail.aspx?id=000622-200605-000010
My concern: since each stall has a manger, there's not really enough room for my horse to put his head down, and I know that's inportant for his lungs. I do plan on stopping every 4 hours to let him rest in the trailer and to water him. To water him, I'll need to open the grilled door at the front to get the bucket on the floor for him to drink from.
The donkey won't be able to reach the manger, so I'm going to hang a hay bag but high enough so he doesn't get his feet tangled.
Should I consider having someone customize the trailer and take the mangers out completely so the boys have more room?
I'm not sure how tight I should tie them. The place you tie them to is at the back of the manger.
The guy who sold me the trailer suggested I keep all the windows and vents closed during the trip as it'll be so cold. However, I'm also reading that ventilation is very important. In addition, I'm of the mind set that one shouldn't put shavings or anything down (except the mats) in order to decrease the chances of respiartory problems.
For hyrdation, I'm flavoring their water with gatorade a week before we leave so they become familiar with the taste -that way I can add it to the strange water along the trip. I'm also bringing soaked beet pulp in case they refuse to drink, along with soaked carrots which have a high water content.
We are planning to stay at horse motels every night til we get there.
I have a trainer coming out tomorrow helping me to re-teach them to load since they are not interested in getting on the trailer since the last experience with the hauler. I've read Dr. O's article and have a month to get them loading nicely, and to take them for increasingly longer practice runs so that they feel safe and so I feel confident pulling a trailer.
I don't know how to wrap legs so rather than screw that up I was planning on using shipping boots. The ones that go all the way up to the knees and cover the hoof & bulb.
My horse & donkey are best friends, and I'm wondering if I should just remove the partition so they can just hang together and have a bit more room, or if its best to leave the partition in so they have something to lean against.
I was also wondering if I should get a little camera to put in the trailer and then I'd have a monitor in the truck so I can see what's going on in there during the trip.
I plan on soaking hay (decrease the dust) and allowing them to munch on it the entire way (I free choice them on grass hay normally anyway). I don't feed grain. I might put some beetpulp in the manger too.
My horse had ulcers when I bought him 2 years ago and, I believe, is susceptible to them under stress so I'll be giving him Gastroguard each day during the trip, plus Happy Stomach (chinese herbs for horses with ulcers).
Any comments or advice on any of the above would be so much appreciated.
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Member:
tuckern
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 6:02 pm:
Lou, I think you have a pretty thorough plan for a safe trip. You've covered just about every point of concern that I keep in mind when hauling.
Stopping every four hours to let the horses out to stretch and put their heads down is very important for the respiratory system, you're absolutely right.
I like that you're starting to train now, instead of the day before the haul. :o)
I would start using the shipping boots now, in your training. From my experience, the shipping boots can be stiff, and some horses have a problem finding their balance with something constricting their normal leg movement.
As far as tying, I personally don't tie my horses in the trailer. Both of my horses are easy haulers, and with a hay bag in front of them, they are happy. I don't tie my horses because if we happened to be in a wreck, I don't want anything hindering their ability to escape the trailer.
Also, I know shavings can cause dust, but they also provide some shock absorption, so that's something to consider. If not shavings, you can also use straw. If I use bedding, then I will usually leave a window or two open, for ventilation. If having a window open makes the trailer too cold, I can always throw a light blanket on the horses.
Anyway, just my observations.
Nicole
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New Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 6:26 pm:
Nicole,
Thanks very much for your response. Great point about the shipping boots - I will start using them right away. I wasn't actually planning on unloading the horses every 4 hours, just stopping to water them and let them rest in a non-moving trailer. If we get to a point where loading and unloading becomes a breeze, and if there's a safe place without traffic or people, I will unload them but I doubt that situation will arise. To that end, hopefully just letting them rest in the trailer and opening the front gates so they can lower their heads will be enough until we stop at a horsie motel. They won't be traveling more than 8-10 hrs a day without being unloaded and given at least 6 hours of rest in a paddock.
Would it be ok then, to not tie them in this trailer? Is there any concern about them slipping under the divider and getting stuck?
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 6:46 pm:
i always tie in a straight load trailer.. i have heard of and seen horses getting stuck under/over/in/turned around and every bad thing imagineable.. (tho never on my watch!).. i personally prefer a stock trailer because there was nothing for them to get stuck on and i could leave them loose...
as long as you plan on stopping every 4 hrs or so and not trailering for longer than 8-10 every day, they really should be fine without having to get off and stretch... dont take chances... you can loosen the rope at rest times to let them stretch their necks, but stay with them so that they dont get themselves in trouble...
they will probably not drink much during the travel times, but usually make up for it when they've stopped... if you can, get some big jugs of water and fill it with your water from home...
will you be crossing any of the mountain ranges?... a 1500 is not a strong truck in these conditions.. you may find a major decrease in speed, so be forewarned... will you have someone to teach you how to drive the trailer so you know how to corner and stop properly, etc?... do you have all health information ready?... have it handy on your trip... state troopers pull over livestock trailers "because they can" sometimes...
i would bed with shavings if you can... they can get themselves tangled up in straw sometimes and they have enough trouble moving around in a straight load anyways... as you drive when you stop check the air temp... it will warm up pretty quickly in the small trailers... unless you open a window by the horses feet you shouldnt have a problem with the sawdust blowing around.. they will more likely have respiratory problems from being in a too enclosed area... if there is a screen over the window, so much the better, as it will keep any possible debris out..
i travelled from RI to TX by myself a few years back (well, myself being 1 dog and 2 horses)... i have a big stock trailer so each horse had a "stall" to himself... sometimes we could stay at a motel, sometimes not... if i spent the night at a regular rest area they never came out, but they had enough room to move around, so when we finally reached our destination they were fit and healthy and relaxed...
good luck...i thoroughly enjoyed my trip... make sure you take sometime for yourself to see the sights... dont worry, the horses will be fine...
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Member:
sonoita
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 7:29 pm:
Make sure you have given all shots and have your papers in order. Also coming in contact with other horses they could pick something up. I gave my horse when he was moved from Fla. to Colo a Potomac shot and anything else he could come in contact with. Since they will be staying by horses that might have been somewhere else. You can use a fly mask if you leave a window open it will protect their eyes.
Good Luck and drive safely. Let us know when you made it.
Happy Trails
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 8:24 pm:
Lou, as a Vermonter who has transplanted to KS by way of CO and CA, I'd love to know where you are going in VT. Are you moving there, and if so, where?
I brought three horses from VT to CO almost four years ago, and they had an exceptionally great experience because I was fortunate to have an excellent, private hauler. Since that time, they've been moved from CO to CA and two years later, here to KS. Each time they did really well on the long trips, and the hauler stopped every four hours, DrOve 12 hour days, and stayed at reputable horse hotels every night. Sounds like you have really thought everything out very well. None of my horses wore shipping boots or leg wraps, there were thick shavings in the trailer, plenty of ventilation, and free choice hay. Each time, they arrived in great shape and with great attitudes. Have a great trip.
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Member:
jojo15
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 10:38 pm:
lou, all good things to consider.
Had almost the same trailer. make sure you remove the hitch wheel, sometimes people don't know they can remove it.. 
add shavings, its more comfy and not really all that dusty if you hose down the night before.
Shipping boots? if you don't use them regularily i'm not sure they will be beneficial really. They will get stockedup unless you wrap. Some old timers used to wrap with mud and lite cloth, let it dry and then periodically wet them thru out the trip. but if they aren't used to boots they will chafe, bother, etc. plus they don't back up great in them (my brand, not sure of newer kinds). I never liked them unless they are made specifically to the leg of the horse. a loose wrap might help in the swelling and stocking up. BUt this part is truly subjective. I have those darn leg boots my horse acts like an alien in them. walks like one too. all that money, and they are never used anymore. plus shipping boots are just in case another animal steps on your horse, not for stopping the stocking up.
trailer seems nice, make sure you have extra boards for the floor in case of something and more tires.
For the donkey, i wonder if adding a lower bolt to tie his head and just put the hay bag and his lead line on that. (no fishing/see thru bags)..and get a new bolt for the larger horse too. closer to where their feet are, mangers like that don't give them any forward feet placement. i don't like. BUt had a trailer like that for years. Not too loose to tie either. You don't want the horse to turn its head back towards his butt. If the trailer is a bit snug for him, he might not be able to turn it back (had this happen once).
keep the divider. safer.
They might not want to load the next morning after a long haul. need to add that to your plan. Soreness, swelling etc. same with in the evening, might be a bit sore on the back out and step down. My girl did that a time or two, after a long haul (but nothing like yours is going to be). she didn't want to come out.
bring your own water. The gatoraid trick doesn't always work. cholorine does, though. a bit of chlorine in the water now at home, and then later, clears any water of any smells but the chlorine. my horse loves chlorine. only kind of water she'll drink on the road. Don't know why.
If you add more weight into the back of the bed, i think that gives you more tongue weight on the trailer. My 1500 silverado pulled a 4000lb trailer with two horses and supplies without a problem. Just make sure your electric brakes are in good order.and the truck tires are rated to match. The chevy truck site is a good place to read up on all that. and there are some good trailer hitch sites and forums with experts to help you too.
add padding to the butt bar.
windows closed, vents open, you can buy some screening and add to them for bugs.
stop feeding grain at least 3 days prior to trip. and up their probiotics and electrolytes..
camera is a great idea. So is adding larger sideview mirrors, you can get them at any RV store. So you can see behind you. a walkie talkie mounted in the trailer works wonders for me when the animals get unruly i talk to them. they do settle a bit.
Learn now to back up NOW in case of an emergency. I hate that part.
check your cell phone and see if its got range every where you go. and put all the emergency numbers in it now for each destination (overkill
sounds like a daunting trip. but fun!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 11:42 pm:
Don't let all the above advice make you nervous. I've hauled all over the country since the early 60's and so far everyone's made it safely (knock on wood!) The first trailer I had was what everyone had years ago, a simple straight load two horse with not much room and no extras. Even basic trailers are luxurious by comparison.
I've never had a problem with horses not loading in the morning, but may have just been lucky. I do use leg wraps with bell boots instead of shipping boots as I think the wraps give more support. Shipping boots are great if your horse or it's neighbor is a kicker as they protect the entire lower leg and the hocks.
I've always stopped every 3 hrs for 15 to 10 mins. to give the horses a chance to pee and to offer water. In my new trailer I can hang a water bucket for each horse, which I fill half full so it doesn't splash. Most of them use it if we're in hot country. I don't think it matters what you take to help get horses to drink as long as you've tried it out at home at the horses like it. Some people use apple cider vinegar, others koolaid, gatoraid, etc. Whatever your horses get used to and like before you leave.
AS others have said, make sure your have a coggins and health certificate for each animal and a copy of the horse's papers, if he's registered. Some states require you to have a brand inspection also, even if your horse doesn't have a brand. Carry a basic first aid kit, including ACE and Banamine (know when and how to use them) Your vet can set you up with all that you need. I think the kits you put together yourself with the help of the vet are a lot better than the ones you buy already made up.
Regarding the weight the truck can pull; there's weight and then there's weight. Make sure you know the tongue weight of the trailer and that the truck's hitch can handle it. Was the hitch factory installed? If not, make sure it's attached to the frame of the truck. The suggestion to look at the Chevy web site is a good one. I've found that most salesmen don't have a clue when it comes to towing. So long as you don't try to race up the mountains, I think your truck will do fine. Keep an eye on the engine temp, oil temp, and if you have a transmission gage, on that too. Stop and let everything cool off before the engine temp goes into the red so you don't do damage. Is the 5.3L a diesel? If so, the diesels have a lower torque and won't heat up so fast plus give a little more power and better gas milage as a rule. If not, just keep an eye on the gauges, notice where they run on the straight and level, and don't let them get too much over that on the hills.
If the truck has a tow/haul switch or button, use it on the downhills. They are great and save your breaks. If you don't have it, on some of the steep downhills it better to shift into a lower gear then use your breaks a little to keep in that gears range (watch the rpms) instead of depending solely on your breaks.
If your trailer has an emergency trailer break hook it up. It's the small cable that is attached to the tongue. You should have a battery in the tack room or somewhere in the front area of the trailer for it. If for some reason your trailer comes unhitched, the cable pulls and activates the break. Most newer trailers have them. I think it's a good idea to hook it through a smallish carabiner and then hook that to the holes on the hitch that you hook the chains (or cables) to.
Practice a little and make sure the trailer and truck breaks are adjusted o.k. so they don't overheat. Carry a tire gauge and use it. Know what the correct towing pressure is for the weight you are carrying for both the truck and trailer. Know how to change a tire. Know how to put fluids in the truck. Cell phones work along the major freeways with very few blackout areas.
One other suggestion is to get USRider Insurance. They are like AAA only a lot better. They cover the trailer as well as the truck, help you find a vet, place to put horses if you have a breakdown, etc. Check it out at:https://www.usrider.org/index2.html
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 12:18 am:
All great advice,except....I disagree with closing the windows and vents. Two large animals in an enclosed space create a lot of heat. They will be more stressed by the heat and the lack of clean air than the cold. I think the ventilation is very important and their body heat will more than adequately warm the inside of the trailer. A light sheet on them only if the weather is really, really cold, otherwise, open windows, no blankets. This was recently discussed in the magazine Equus. Perhaps you could find the article online. It was actually just a brief note, but the conclusions were as above. Travel safely, Julie
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Member:
freshman
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 12:23 am:
Sounds like you have a great plan, and no doubt you'll have a safe trip. I do not tie horses in the trailer, provided that you can access the horse's head outside the trailer to put a lead on the horse before it is unloaded. Too many respiratory problems with horses that can't put their heads down. I'd take out the mangers and use a natural cotton hay net or a bag that tied in with baling twine or something else that will break.
Pro shippers never use wraps or shipping boots for long hauls. Shipping boots can slip or cause abrasions, and wraps can also slip or become wet and soiled. As long as you are stopping frequently, these are probably not big worries.
You can also have your vet tube the horses with oil, water, and electrolytes just before you pull out. Could prevent any problem with impaction colic and do something to prevent dehydration as they adjust to their road trip. I'd also request a small stock of banamine and a sedative like ace to have on hand in case of an emergency on the road, just so you can have time to find a vet. Starting your ulcer-prone horse on gastrogard a few days before the trip and continuing it through the trip would be a good idea.
You could also make a list of the name and phone numbers of the vet school in each state that you will be passing through on your trip. Even if you are out of their range, they can provide you with advice and contact info for vets that are local to wherever you are at the time.
Good luck with your move!
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New Member:
melis1
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 8:16 am:
Lou,
We trailered up from FL to upstate NY in a 4 star two horse slant trailer without incident. We DrOve about 8 hours a day and stopped every 3-4 hours for a lunch break for about an hour. We did NOT unload our boys. I was too worried about something happening and having them run loose down the highway. We just opened the windows and offered them some water.
I kept leather halters on them, just in case we were in an accident, but we did not tie them. They were given free choice hay in their stalls.
Although we did use shavings, I recently read that it's actually better not to use anything as long as you have good rubber mats.
We also used horse "motels". The best one was in PA. It was an historic B&B that actually was set-up to handle all of our pets (two horses,two dogs, two cats and three fish).
I wish you good travel!
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 8:38 am:
Wow, Melissa! That Pennsylvania B&B sounds great. Was that an indoor or outdoor pool for the fish? ;-)
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Member:
hpyhaulr
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 10:38 am:
Lou,
We are professional haulers and it sounds to me like you have gotten a LOT of great advice here, as usual. A couple of things I would like to add... if you have bought a used trailer, PLEASE check the floors. Pull up the mats and check them. If the previous truck was too heavy for the trailer, it can pull rivets loose. Check every one. I know this a bit of a nuisance, but why worry??? Reassure yourself.
Last month there was a trailer in NY which had some floor rot which the hauler was unaware of. A horse went through the floor and his hoof hit a tire. A vet had to come put him down right there on the Cross Bronx Expressway. HORRIFIC!
We had our dividers extended to the ceiling so they can travel untied. The further benefit in that is in case of an accident (we got rearended last month by a fool), one horse cannot flip the divider and land on another. If you doubt the neccessity for this, just check Sally Cobb's posts on HER trailering experience on this site.
We don't use hay nets OR mangers. We get the Wrangler hay bags, a bit pricey for hauling purposes ($12-14), but worth it as it all but eliminates the ability to get hung up.
For anyone going over 500 miles, we want them on electrolytes at least 48 hours prior to pick up. We find that most really like the orange or lemon/lime gatorade, or apple flavored equine electrolytes.
We also use beet pulp & molasses slop daily they love it and it is a great pick me up. Take enough hay from home to last the trip. On board is not the time to make a switch. You can buy more along the way, but better to bring from home. Avoid alfalfa as it will give them energy they don't have much opportunity to expend.
Even though you have good mats, USE THE SHAVINGS... it avoids splashing, which can annoy a critter, and affect the cleanliness of your animal. To minimize the dust, just distribute abundant shavings onto the trailer a couple of days before departure. Put down more than you need, and as you pick it clean, you will diminish your supply, but not deplete it.
We don't like the shipping boots, if the animal decides he doesn't like it for any reason while on board, you have an issue you could have done without.
We also vaccinate our kids for everything under the sun. As careful as most horse hotels are, and most we know are just wonderful, they can't control the airborne opportunities. Strangles is one vax I would not be without, although it is uncommon here in SC. Vermont only requires a current coggins (w/in 1 year) and current HC (dated within 30 days from date of delivery. You can also minimize your opportunity for inspection with a "NOT FOR HIRE" sticker on the trailer, although with a 2 horse trailer, you are not likely to have an issue.
Unless Murphy's Law has been repealed and I did not get the memo, plan on travelling about 450-500 miles a day... BUT overstock your supplies!!You can get 50 gallon water containers to keep on the back of the truck. NEVER,ever run them dry! Transmissions blow, drive trains, tires, etc... we can go on & on and you can be stuck n east who knows where, waiting for parts... get yourself a roadside assistance program that you can trust. It will pay for itself in motel discounts alone!
If you want, email me privately and I will give you our phone #s.. if you have any ??s or issues on the road, call us, we'll do what we can to talk you through it. Been there, done that, got the t shirt, so to speak. Relax and have fun with the trip. It can be lots of fun, really! I would still not trust Interstate 80 or 90 in March. 70 is even iffy. A dip south is worth it in the long run. 80 & 90 are famous for 30 vehicle pileups in winter weather and 10-12 hour stand stills are not unheard of at all. Walt sat in a 12 hour one a couple of years ago, thank God he was "dead heading", that could get ugly quickly. With an empty horse trailer, he became a pretty popular guy that day as that trailer was named the designated out house. So many cars with kids were stuck, what were the moms to do???
I hope this doesn't come off as negative at all. Just trying to stay in front of whatever issues can read up on you... I think you'll do just fine and will have a great experience! Enjoy and take your camera too.
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Member:
corinne
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 11:04 am:
As for road side assistance I recommend USRider.org. For a little over $100 a year you will have coverage on your tow vehicle and your trailer. They will also arrange for road side farriers, and vets in the case of an accident and if you are ever unable to give instructions they provide paper work that instructs EMS what to do with the horses. I didn't know until our first long haul that normal roadside assistance won't help you with livestock. They also cover roadside repairs and will tow you with the semi rigs if you break down. It worth the peace of mind. We had friends who flipped their trailer while moving last year and the horse had spinal injuries. They had to get to the next town on their and the horse didn't see a vet for three days because there were none in the area.
Good luck.
Oh and learn from my experience. We had stopped at a busy city gas station. I let my horses head go and widened the divider to give him some room to water and hay with the doors closed obviously. But that was a bad idea as he someone turned around and I could not turn him the right way. We couldn't let him out on city streets and luckily I was able to get him facing the correct direction.
Take care,
Corinne
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 11:11 am:
Holly, you're too funny! Guess you've had your morning coffee?
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New Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 11:30 am:
Wow! I'm overwhelmed by the kindness on this forum. Thank you all so very much for the fantastic advice.
Holly - we are moving to West Windsor, VT. We are renting at first while we check out VT & NH for a place to buy. We started in Santa Barbara, CA, which is beautiful but only the rich & famous can afford horse property. We moved to Bayfield, Colorado. Its nice here, but not quite our style. We're hoping Vermont is it. I'm originally from England so like to see green & trees! Whether I can handle the cold winters is another matter! I'm currently a project manager, but want to hang up that hat and start a greenhouse farmiing business (small scale flowers & organic produce). This is the land of opportunity after all!
After reading the above, I don't think I'll be using the shipping boots. I'm also going to enquire locally about customizing the trailer to take out the mangers as I really would feel much better if the boys could put their heads down. Right now the stall space is 7 feet long - removing the mangers would give them a couple more feet. If I can't take the mangers out, I'm still wondering if I should remove the center divider which would give the boys a little more room - but only if I didn't tie them. I think its totally removable so I could try it on a short trip to see what happens.
The trailer is BRAND new so has electric brakes & all the emergency stuff, but I did inspect the floorboards anyway and they are in good shape.
Still not sure on shavings or not! I paid extra for cushy foamy mats under the regular mats. If I can get the mangers out, I think I will use shavings - knowing that the boys can put their heads down to snort out any bad stuff.
I've also read that proper ventilation is a must, Julie, so will definitely heed the advice you passed on regarding that. After having them hauled from CA to CO, they arrived COVERED in rainrot and I wonder if that's from lack of ventilation in the truck and lots of sweating horses inside.
I've got the coggins & HC and am evaluating vaccine needs. I'm extremely anal when it comes to vaccines as they put a lot of crap in some of them and if your horse has a healthy immune...BUT, knowing that stress lowers the immune I'm doing a lot of research and talking with my vet (who has recommended Equimune to boost the immune system before we go....I've posted a question about that stuff on the meds forum). Also have a first-aid kit ready, big water containers, grass hay to take from home and beetpulp, and free choice salt. No grain - they don't get fed grain anyway. Was considering putting some mineral oil into the beetpulp to prevent impaction colic along the way.
Still not sure on tied or loose but will discuss with the trainer ,who is coming today to help me with loading problems. I'll be taking the boys for several practice runs so will try them loose to see how they fair.
Cyndy - thank you so much for your kind offer - I will for sure email you privately and I wish I had chosen you to haul the boys from CA to CO instead of the ones I did use. I think we have to stick with our planned route but we are going to closely monitor the weather and stay put at whatever horse motel we're at if the weather starts to turn ugly.
This will make you guys grimace. We DrOve the stock trailer 5 hours from Bayfield to Penrose to switch it out for the Endurance, then DrOve the Endurance back. We had to go over Charma pass (10,000 feet) in the dark, in almost blizzard conditions, with roads that had not been plowed. We made it home safetly. Next day I was doing research on weight distributed hitches, and was checking the owners manual for stuff. One thing led to another, and we realized we had driven all the way home in that weather WITH NO TRAILER BRAKES. We, in our ignorance, thought that when you plugged the trailer into the truck, the brakes worked. We didn't realize we needed to fit the truck with a brake box. Thank god we weren't hauling horses. I feel like an idiot for not knowing.
I really appreciate all the feedback and if you think of anything else I'd love to hear it.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 1:26 pm:
Lou, live and learn! I've learned a few lessons the hard way, too; and I'm sure everyone else has. I'm glad you were empty and arrived home safely!
I learned the importance of safety chains/cables during one of my early trips in the 60's. I was happily tootling along I-80 when I glanced at my driver's side mirror and noticed a horse trailer passing me! I was VERY grateful for the safety chains, but wished they had been shorter; they are now! (If that ever happens, get your truck in front of the trailer, drive really slow keeping the hitch resting on your bumper or somewhere on the truck/ball and slowly pull to the side of the road without using any brakes and coast to a stop.) These days the trailers have break away brakes which should prevent that problem.
How big is your horse? I use a slant load and haul Arabians, and I don't usually tie their heads. However, my dividers go to the floor and there is room for the horse to lower it's head to the floor, but not to try and turn around.
And a last word of advice from me: don't worry too much. Accidents happen, but most people trailer their horses all over the place with a lot less thought and preparation than you are putting into it and they have no problems. You probably won't have problems either. So, as someone else said, relax and enjoy your trip.
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New Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 1:48 pm:
Wow Sara!
My horse is an Arab/Paint - only 15.1 hands and fairly short-backed.
I was just down at the trailer and think I've figured a way to make it better for him. There is a grilled door that's kind of on a slant between his stall and the tack area. It attaches to a pole in the center forward of the trailer which the divider also attaches to, and the closure part attaches to where the manger is. The door opens and swings out towards the tack room. I think, if I leave this door open but keep Charlie tied so he can't get INTO the tack room, it will give him more room to spread his feet AND allow him to put his head down. Obviously I'll need to secure the door. This will also allow me to hang a hay bag in the tack area for him to munch at a good level, and then use the manger for beetpulp. Anyone see any major issues with this plan? I actually think it might be safer because, when the grilled door is closed, there's an inch gap at the bottom of it where a hoof could potentially get stuck under. Bad design.
I could add 2 more inches of room , length ways, if I remove the butt bar.....
I've just signed up for the US Rider roadside - thanks for that recommendation.
Trainer will be here in 15 minutes - next saga is loading & unloading.
Will try to relax. Perhaps should indulge in some of the hops I just ordered for Charlie!
Lou
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 2:03 pm:
Lou good luck on your trip as well as your farming buisness. Follow that dream.
As far as the divider, I would be afraid to remove it because although they are "friends now" a long haul might make them irritable with each other, and also God forbid you have to brake heavily or swerve to avoid someone, you dont want them thrown onto each other. Thats just my opinion, ofcourse people have been trailering just fine with stock trailers for many years.
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Member:
jojo15
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 2:58 pm:
The problem with removing things is you don't know how the body of the rig was built with them in mind. Don't remove or open tack doors and such. or reconfigure the mangers unless you get the ok from the manufacturer. There is too much possible danger in it. How do you know if they aren't designed to be a stabling factor. not so much the doors but the mangers? maybe they don't want added horse weight on the tongue so that is why they are there...
the divider is there to keep each horse in their space. One quick left turn and your horse is in your donkeys space. not fun for the donkey. which reminds me. put the heavier animal behind the driver seat...(left side)...could be an old cowboy tip but always followed it.
Do not remove the butt bar. its the single most important thing that keeps your horse from leaning on the door. and falling out if an odd freak thing happened.
The donkey is going to be fine. I don't think opening a door to give him a couple inches is going to really make any difference. and if he can wedge in some where, assume that he will... if you stopped short what might happen is he gets thrown forward, and gets lodged in the opening...
Sit in the trailer and look at it from the horses perspective. i've even told people to get in and have someone trail you around for a bit. It's an eye opener. And look at all the things. There is a reason to keep them a bit tight and confined. Too much movement and they will get themselves into trouble. unless its a box stall which many of us don't have luxury for, they are housed that way for a reason.
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Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 3:23 pm:
Leslie & Jojo - thanks. Will keep all as is - very good points. I got my boyfriend to drive me around in the stock trailer and will have him do the same in this one.
Just got done with the trainer and we got horse & donkey in and out 4 times. Wasn't exactly smooth, but better than 2 front hooves and no further which is what I had before. Going to train each day loading and unloading.
Cheers,
Lou
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 8:49 pm:
Lou,
West Windsor isn't exactly inexpensive as it is in So. VT, and not far from Woodstock (home of the Rockefellers) . . . but VT is, indeed, much like the British Isles in it's lush greenery and it's trees and rolling hills.
It's a perfect place to do an organic home farm business, as VT is very "small business" friendly, but land is much cheaper in the Northeast Kingdom area (northeast of Montpelier). My best friend in VT is a horsewoman (her farm is in the centerfold of the spring issue of VT LIFE MAGAZINE!!!!) and her husband helps market VT products all over the United States and the world and works for the VT Dept. of Ag. If you would like to make contact with them, just e-mail me (check my profile). I LOVE VERMONT and will always be a Vermonter at heart, but the 75 degrees we had today here in KS and the mild winter we've had is what I'd rather have if I'm going to work outdoors with horses all year. It was just too hard in the winter.
Have a wonderful trip. So glad you had a good trainer to help you retrain for loading and unloading. All the best as you head out on a new adventure.
Sara . . . I think I'd had two cups by the time I made that post . . . I usually go through about a pot a day . . . I do love my coffee.
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Member:
melis1
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 7, 2007 - 9:33 am:
Holly,
Ahhh, we opted to keep the fish in their cozy bucket.
Lou,
I live right across the lake (Lake Champlain)from VT. This morning it was -19 F but now it's a balmy 2 F. Thankfully, this cold snap is only sticking around for several days. This weekend we're supposed to be getting into the 40's (yipee). We still love living in the Northeast. The fall is our favorite season...the foliage is beautiful and the air is crisp and clean.
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Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 7, 2007 - 11:30 am:
Holly,
We're just renting in Windsor while checking out homes. We've made two trips out there already, looking at houses all across the state. NE is cheaper, but I need to also consider how much business my boyfriend can get with his Carpentry business. I've been spoilt in Santa Barbara - my biggest thing is to be far away from Walmarts and such but close to nice restaurants as well as good grocery stores that have lots of organic produce. Will email you separately Holly - would love to be in touch with your friend's husband. Am planning to apprentice on a farm first, so I can learn as much as possible while we rent. I did grow up on a pick-your-own farm in the UK, but that was many moons ago!
We did find a house we liked in Springfield, VT, but our realtor informed us that its not a very desirable town right now, but is being improved upon. The house, built in 1790 but redone very nicely, was on 15 acres just outside Springfield in a very pretty, hilly area.
Sorry folks - went off topic here!
Melissa - the cold weather does scare me a bit. Is it warmer in Southern VT compared to Northern, or not much difference? I do like the thought of living within driving distance of Montreal.
Here in Colorado it is 60F and sunny today. It very rarely rains here, so water is an issue. I like rain, in small doses!
What do you folks do with your horses when it gets below zero F? Mine are out in the fields - there's shelter if they need it but they never go in there. I do put blankets on if its really cold or really wet. Is there a point, temperature wise, when its better to put them inside? I guess it wouldn't be much warmer in a barn unless its heated though?
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Member:
melis1
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 8, 2007 - 8:51 am:
Lou,
I don't think there's a big difference in temps btw northern and southern VT.
I'm still learning when it comes to winter management. This is our 2nd winter here. The first year it seemed like my horses coats were not as wooley/thick as they should have been. I'm not sure if that's because we moved up from FL in October vs in the summer or not. The older horse lost some weight and he did have a few episodes of shivering. My other horse had no problems.
This winter their coats seem much thicker. Yesterday morning was the first morning I noticed slight shivering with the older horse. I still blanket them when it is snowing/freezing rain/sleeting or when it is very cold and windy. I have two sets of blankets. One set is very heavy duty warm/waterproof and the other set is lightweight/waterproof.
I also increase their hay when the temps start to DrOp and I use a heated stock water tank outside and heated buckets in their stalls.
I used to keep them out 24/7 with access to their stalls when we lived in FL but here I bring them in at night, even though they do have access to a loafing shed when they are outside. The barn is not heated but it does give them a nice place to lay down and it protects them from the howling winds and precipitation. The other reason I choose to stable at night is due to the various wild life we have around here. It helps me sleep better knowing they're somewhat more protected...I just try not to worry about a barn fire breaking out (big sigh).
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Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 4:19 pm:
Hello again everyone. I just took the boys for their first ride in the trailer. I know its probably a big no no, but I rode in the trailer with them (in the front tack compartment area) while boyfriend DrOve. Ugh - now I'm worried again. They were both SO scared. We only went for a 10 minute drive and they were both covered in sweat by the end of it. Bodie, my donkey, was shaking. I'm really not sure how else to make it better for them and am so worried about putting them through this for 8 hours a day for 5 days to get to Vermont. Does anyone else have horses that are really scared in the trailer? Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to help them?
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 4:56 pm:
Have they had a chance to spend time in the trailer when it isn't moving? I'd get them to feel comfortable with everything still. Let them go in and out at will if you can. Lead them in and let them eat a little then lead them back out. Once they seem o.k. with it stationary, then take them on another short trip and let them nibble on a little hay while you drive. Then just build up the time in the trailer. They'll get used to it. Just make sure the driver is going nice and slow, is easy on the brakes, around corners, etc.
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Member:
alden
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 11:19 pm:
If you have the time get a hold of Clinton Anderson's video on trailer training, I haven't seen any better. I've used it on many horses I've transported and they all travel well. And that includes a Mustang mare that hadn't traveled but once before I moved her. She traveled nice and calm.
I also moved an Arabian stallion 12 years after being trained with a very similar method. He hadn't been in a trailer in all those years, he walked on and didn't fuss on a 10 hour trip.
So while I say trailer often to get them used to it, the way they're trained is probably more important.
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
cpacer
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 8:54 am:
Lou, over time they will get better! My horse used to act the same way and "scream" all the way to our destination. He made it sound like I was torturing him and it used to upset me to hear him back there. Your horses are lucky that they get to travel together, that should help.
Just be sure to always make being in the trailer as pleasant as possible, drive smooth, etc. I agree that taking them off and on and letting them stand in there so they can see nothing bad is going to happen to them is a good idea. Do as much practice as you can until your departure date.
Good luck! (the stress of knowing they're back there never goes away, but does get easier to deal with)
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Member:
shanson
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 2:32 pm:
So, you were travelling in the trailer with them so that they could see and hear you? If so, another factor may have been your state of mind in that situation. If you were worried and anxious about it, which would be perfectly understandable, they probably picked up on it and got nervous themselves. On the other hand, if you're perfectly calm and matter-of-fact, they'll probably acclimate more quickly.
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Member:
loopylou
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 11, 2007 - 3:08 pm:
Dear All,
We have arrived in Vermont! Wow - a hard an arduous journey for all. Charlie (my horse) lost a lot of weight during the trip, my donkey got an eye infection, and we had to call out the vet in New York as Charlie was getting close to colicking. Poor guys were just so tired. We did about 350 miles a day and stayed over each night. We had to stall them a couple of nights - they are used to being out in the open and I think stalling them didn't help the stress. HOWEVER, we are here now, and it is beautiful, and I am glad its over. Thanks again for all your input and advice. Very much appreciated.
Lou
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 11, 2007 - 4:17 pm:
wow! What a trip. So glad you made it safe and sound. I hope the donkey's eye is healing o.k.
I saw your other post about sunflower seeds for weight loss. I bet as soon as they are settled in they'll start putting the weight back on. Maybe switch Charlie to an alfalfa mix hay and keep hay in front of him all the time. Corn oil really adds weight. The Cocoasoya is great for getting "bloom" on the horse, but I think straight corn oil is better for weight gain, imo.
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Member:
melis1
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 12, 2007 - 7:45 am:
Glad to hear you made it! Welcome to the Northeast!
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Member:
fahren
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 12, 2007 - 11:58 am:
Welcome to Vermont... A nice april snowstorm just for you!
Zoe
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