It is that time of year when horse owners begin thinking about the seasonal show schedule and how many events they will attend. There are horse shows held all over the UK during the spring, summer, and autumn months, to the delight of horse lovers everywhere. In anticipation of the coming season, Horse & Hound Magazine recently published a list of 12 tips to remind readers how to transport horses safely.
Without going through all 12 here, we would like to highlight some that we feel are crucial from a driver’s point of view:
- Driving Style – The horse owner wants his/her animal to be in tiptop shape in order to perform as well as possible at a show. According to Horse & Hound Magazine, how you drive plays a significant role here. The more energy the horse must expend to remain standing upright, the more exhausting the trip will be. Drivers should take their time to ensure a smooth and steady trip.
- Veterinary Services – You never know when a horse will be injured or fall ill during transport. The magazine recommends plotting out veterinary services along your route so that you will always know where to go in the event of a health emergency.
- Legal Documents – Horse & Hound Magazine says it is illegal to transport a horse in the UK without having the animal’s passport with you. The passport should be among the collection of legal documents you keep with you in your tow vehicle or HGV horsebox.
- Frequent Stops – Your horse will appreciate frequent stops along the way for water, hay, and brief periods of being untied. The water and hay prevent dehydration and malnutrition while untying your horse’s head for short periods can help prevent pneumonia.
For more tips on how to transport horses safely, you might take a look at the Horse & Hound Magazine article online. It offers a lot of valuable information that amateur horse owners need to know about for transporting their animals.
Licence Questions
If you transport horses on an amateur or volunteer basis, you likely do not need a special driving licence to do so. This assumes you are using a horsebox trailer and tow vehicle that falls underneath prescribed weight limits. That is usually the case. However, you will need an enhanced licence if your horse transport is for professional reasons.
Professional transport includes moving horses for any reason that results in you earning a significant portion of your income. It may also include carrying the animals on behalf of another individual or company that derives its primary income from horses. For more information, feel free to contact the HGV Training Centre.
We can provide the professional training you need to earn a horsebox licence where necessary. Moreover, even if you do not require a special licence, our training will teach you how to transport horses safely as a driver. Consider signing up for training before the 2015 season gets under way.
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