Moving with horses
Traveling with horses takes extra planning
and care than with most any other pets, but
there are also many possible ways of transporting
your horses. You can have your horse transported
by air or on the road with a special tow
vehicle, or you may choose to hire a special
horse transport service to take care of the
job for you.
If you choose to have your horse transported
by air, check with the airline well in advance
of your estimated departure date to determine
its requirements and fees. The airline will
require you to provide a specially constructed
stall for the purposes of the flight. Furthermore,
you will be required to show documentation
of your horse’s health status prior
to the flight. Depending on the destination
state, other requirements may be required
and you could need certification of your
horse’s immunizations.
If you choose to transport your horse by
road, you may want to tow your horse in a
trailer behind your vehicle. These trailers
can be rented or purchased, and are usually
roomy enough for storing the horse’s
food and tack. Only a driver experienced
with the transportation of horses by this
method should be trusted for this responsibility.
If you are making a long trip that requires
overnight stays, you will need to make special
arrangements for your horse. Be prepared
to show health certificates if you plan to
board your horse at a stable. During the
move, feed and water your horse according
to its normal routine.
If you choose to hire a horse transport
company for the transportation of your horse,
investigate the company to be sure that it
is registered with the Interstate Commerce.
It is also a good idea to purchase insurance
in addition to what is provided by the transport
company.
While it may be more expensive to hire
a company to transport your horse, it may
be worth the added expense in the long run.
These businesses are extremely experienced
with all aspects of transporting horses,
and provide excellent services for the charge.
Overnight accommodations are included by
some companies in the transportation charge,
as well as hay and tack shipment. Horses
are exercised at intervals along the way,
and all of the people dealing with your horse
will be experienced and skilled.
Check with the regulations of your new
state to determine health requirements and
other laws applicable to your horse. Regardless
of your mode of transport, your horse will
need to be compliant with the laws in your
new state upon its arrival.