Guide to Moving With Horses
Moving house is stressful and the process can become even more challenging when you are moving a horse at the same time. If you are relocating with a horse, then you must start planning early to make the move easier for you and your horse. Here is a guide on how to relocate with horses:
Get your new stable ready
Make sure that the stable at your new property is set up and ready for your horse before you move. If your stable is not ready in time, then you may need to place your horse in a nearby boarding facility temporarily. Make sure that you research nearby facilities in advance and read customer reviews to find a quality boarding stable. It is a good idea to tour boarding facilities before you move your horse in.
Have a check-up with your veterinarian
You should arrange a check-up with your veterinarian well before your moving date to check that your horse is healthy enough to travel. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, you will need to show a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) when you are crossing state borders with a horse. Your vet will inspect your horse and check key vital signs like blood pressure, body temperature, and respiratory rate.
You also need to find a veterinarian in your new location that will continue the care of your horse after you move. Search online for local veterinarians and read customer reviews. If you have family or friends living in the area, then ask them for recommendations. Make sure you send your horse’s information to the new clinic and complete the registration process before you move. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a local veterinarian if an emergency arises.
Arrange professional horse movers early
Moving a horse can be difficult and you will need to arrange professional movers who specialize in horse transportation. Companies specializing in horse transportation get booked up in advance, so you should start looking for removers as early as possible. You can search online for recommended companies in your area and compare prices to find the best quotes.
Give your horse plenty of water
Dehydration is a common health risk for horses when traveling. Make sure that your horse has access to plenty of water, especially if you are traveling during hot weather. Keep in mind that some horses will refuse to drink water in a new location as it tastes different from what they’re used to. Redmond Equine advises that you can encourage your horse to drink the water at your new location by masking the unfamiliar flavor with fruit juice or by adding a natural equine electrolyte mix.
Move at off-peak times
The last thing you want is to get stuck in traffic jams for hours while moving with your horse. Choosing to move at off-peak times will make travel less stressful for your horse as there is less likely to be loud traffic and road delays. Moving at an off-peak time, e.g. mid-week, can also be cheaper as removers typically charge lower rates.
