Unlike short hauls, long-distance journeys often involve hours — sometimes even days — in a trailer or horsebox. During this time, horses must maintain balance while standing, cope with unfamiliar sounds and smells, and adjust to changing temperatures. These factors can lead to fatigue, dehydration, colic, and even travel-related illnesses such as shipping fever if not properly managed.
That’s why preparation, monitoring, and choosing an experienced transporter matter more than ever for long-distance trips.
Before the Journey: Preparation Is Key
Vet Check and Documentation
Before any long trip, make sure your horse is in good health. A pre-transport vet check can catch early signs of illness and help you determine if your horse is fit to travel. For international transport, you may also need a health certificate, vaccination proof, and border paperwork — your transporter should guide you on this.
Feeding and Hydration
It’s recommended to avoid feeding large meals just before transport, especially grain. Instead, provide forage (hay or haylage) to keep the digestive system moving and reduce stress. Hydration is essential — horses can lose a surprising amount of moisture through sweat and breathing. Make sure your horse is well-hydrated in the 12–24 hours before travel.
Some horses are picky drinkers, especially when stressed. You can train them in advance to drink flavored water or carry water from home to encourage drinking on the road.
Train for Loading
If your horse isn’t used to trailers or horseboxes, begin loading practice in the weeks leading up to the trip. A calm, confident load sets the tone for the entire journey and helps avoid stress-related issues.
What to Pack for the Trip
Be prepared with a travel kit that includes:
Enough hay and water for the journey
A water bucket or drinker
A basic first-aid kit (include electrolytes if recommended by your vet)
Travel boots or wraps if your horse wears them comfortably
A well-fitted halter and lead rope (ideally with ID tag)
Label everything and make sure it’s easy to access in case of emergencies.
Choosing the Right Transporter for Long Hauls
Not all transporters are equipped for long-distance trips. The longer the journey, the more important it is to choose a company with:
Experience in multi-day or international transport
A high-quality, well-ventilated vehicle with secure partitions
Onboard monitoring (cameras, temperature control)
Knowledge of rest periods, hydration routines, and emergency care
HORSES.SALE’s transport tool can help you find these professionals. By filtering providers based on location, vehicle type, and contact details, it’s easier to identify who’s equipped to handle longer journeys safely.
During the Journey: What Happens in Transit
Monitoring and Rest
Experienced transporters will monitor horses regularly throughout the trip — checking posture, breathing, and behavior. For very long trips, rest stops are vital. Horses may be unloaded into stables for overnight stays or given breaks inside the vehicle with food and water.
EU regulations require horses to be rested every 8 hours during transport unless special authorization is granted. Make sure your transporter follows legal guidelines and prioritizes animal welfare.
Communication
Good transporters keep you informed during the trip. You should receive updates on location, estimated arrival time, and any issues that arise. Some transporters even offer GPS tracking links for real-time visibility.
After Arrival: Recovery and Observation
Once your horse arrives, give them time to rest and recover. Offer water immediately and provide hay to settle the stomach. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24–48 hours, and watch for signs of fatigue, colic, or respiratory distress.
Taking your horse’s temperature and checking hydration (e.g., gum moisture or skin pinch test) can help catch problems early. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to consult your vet.
Final Thoughts: A Calm, Safe Journey Starts with Planning
Long-distance horse transport can be smooth and safe when done right. From proper hydration and rest breaks to choosing a transporter with the right vehicle and experience, every detail matters.
With good preparation and the help of a tool like HORSES.SALE, you can ensure your horse arrives healthy, calm, and ready for the next chapter — whether that’s a new stable, a competition, or a new home abroad.