In order to enjoy your horses fully it is necessary to transport them by road to events. Heather Wedderburn has advice on how to travel safely.

As you progress with training your horse you will find that going to events, shows, hunting or pleasure rides becomes an important part of your routine.

Relying on outside help from large transportation companies is a very expensive method and unpractical for single or double usage, and as a general rule of thumb a horse is safer with the one who owns and loves him. Some people rely on lifts with friends who are going to the same event, but this again can cause problems. Although splitting the fuel costs makes it cheaper to 'buddie up', waiting for them to complete after you have long finished or visa versa can inconvenience parties.

For most buying your own trailer or horse box is the answer.There are quite literally hundreds of boxes and trailers to choose from on the market. Our aim is not to make a choice for you, but to offer advice on how to travel safely and look after your horse.

You will know what mode of transportation suits you best both practicality and financially and which is best suited to the size horse(s) that you have, but try to buy new from a reputable dealer. If you choose a second-hand vehicle, take it to a classified dealership for a thorough safety examination prior to purchase.

It can be quite daunting to truck your horse for the first time and if you have never hauled a horse before you MUST practise first. Keep the trailer/box empty and do short journeys to get the feel of what you are towing or driving. Learning to judge the extra length, handle the added weight and manoeuvre confidently is vital for safe travel, and only when you feel 100 per cent comfortable with your trailer/box should you venture to travel with your horse. Most driving schools will be able to help you - if they can't they will know someone who can. You can expect to pay around £35 per hour with your own rig. This is money wisely spent.

Before you begin to load there are certain things that are vital for the safety and comfort your horse. A well-fitting leather halter with a strong, unknotty, rope is required. Convenient synthetic halters are in nearly all stables today, but travelling in a leather one is important; should you have an accident or your horse panics it will break, synthetic will not and can hang a horse; and this does happen!

Don't forget to attach a poll guard to the top of the halter to provide extra padding if he hits his head on the roof.

Travel bandages or boots are a must for both protection and support. Even though a horse has four legs, standing whilst on the move is just the same for them as it is for you on two legs - difficult.

All four legs must be wrapped, not just the front ones. This is to prevent injury if he strikes into the other legs should he move or loose his balance. If you choose to bandage, use a thick gamgee leg wrap that goes up just above the knee and below the fetlock. The bandage will run around the leg half an inch below the knee and above the fetlock to hold it in place. You also need to place over-reach boots to cover the coronet band and hoof, as the gamgee isn't adequate on its own. A coronet sausage is another item that works well protecting this vulnerable area.

Modern technology has given us the easy option - Velcro leg wraps. They are labour saving, the correct thickness and length covering the knee and the hoof and fit easily with Velcro straps around the leg. They are a good investment offering the best protection if properly made.

At the rear end we need to use a tail bandage or guard to prevent him rubbing his tail on either the ramp or sides of the trailer/box.

Wearing rugs when travelling is largely dependent on the weather; on a rainy day you should use a waterproof rug if you are using an open trailer, a summer sheet if slightly chilly and a thicker stable rug with a blanket underneath if cold. No matter what rug you use don't rely solely on the attached straps to hold it in place, use a roller or surcingle. A wool rug is particularly helpful if you are coming back from a cold, wet day's hunting or riding, remembering to always remove the tack before you load up. There are now special transit rugs also available on the market, Comfort Zone manufacture one with padding on the points of the shoulders, hips and tail area for extra protection.

One hopes that you have the fairy tale start to your journey with a horse that loads easily! Again practise at home first before moving off with your steed in situ. Get familiar with the interior swing partitions, chest and tail guards, and practise quick release knots on the rope. Keep quiet around your horse so that he isn't startled with any sudden loud noises or the partition touching his sides and the rear guard against his back legs. Remember to attach a hay net securely at a safe height to keep him happy during transit, and if you are travelling some distance always take water. Stop regularly to check all is well, to give his muscles a chance to relax and to offer water.

Once everything is checked and your horse is confident with his surroundings the trip can begin. With your horse and tack safely loaded there are some reminders for the driver as the beginning of a journey is when most accidents are likely to happen.A horse will ride happily if there are no sudden movements when starting or stopping the vehicle, but he will protest, often loudly, if he is suddenly jolted. A speed of 40mph is not unreasonable on the main highway, but sharp turns and corners are quite another matter. Whether it is a trailer or a box, with the extra weight on board it takes longer to reduce your speed.

Keep safe distances from the vehicle in front leaving plenty of room for impatient drivers behind you who may overtake, near or on corners and find they have to pull in front of you quickly. This braking is not popular with your horse either!

Put protection and safety first, turn the key, pull away slowly and 'Bon voyage'.

Published: 26/11/2004