Horse Motels

[babyblue]

I agree with everything WC has said. Drive at night, less in and out of the trailer the better. Does the trailer have a pop door so you don't have to open the back? my old horse expects that when the ramp goes down is time to get out and closing it back up and driving away is a sure way to induce a tantrum. The weather is going to be MISERABLE this week for who knows how long in pa. 101 at least on friday. So even if the ride is good and everything when he gets home its gonna be hot, sticky and oppressive.



lowes has brand new clean 5 gallon buckets for like 4 bucks, with a nice tight fitting lid. I would get several of those, wash them out with hot soapy water, dry them well and then the morning of fill them up, dumping some ice in them- the ones you don't plan on using first off, would help keep it cool and less plasticy tasting. If he hates the flavor of every flavor of electrolights (my pony sure did) then try getting a few jugs of real cheap apple sauce, put a few table spoons in like a half gallon and offer that to him. Don't keep that water though, with applesauce added it will go mankey fast.



Just wondering, my family and I are moving to another part of pa. If you want to pm me and see if we'll be anywhere near each other that would be neat.

 

[welsummerchicks]

I haven't seen a 2 horse straight that couldn't accomodate a water bucket and a hay net. I hang a bucket on the people door next to the horse with a cheap leather dog collar, and the hay net goes on the center post.

There are many many really nice barns around St. Louis. I'm sure some of them will take a traveler, but quite a few will not. So I'd be sure and call ahead.

I'd be very sure to have a couple things in order:

1.) Health certificate from a vet near the starting point, required by many states to pass through
2.) Coggins test results paper with a very accurate description of horse, including brands and identifying marks, so there is no question that it is for this horse, test results from within the last 6 months
3.) It would be a very good idea to inquire of the state veterinarians of the states along your route(Ok, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, PA), if they are requiring proof of Rhino vac and what, if anything additional, is required to pass through or wind up in their state
4.) Calculate your time with 10% extra added for driving somewhat under the speed limit with the trailer.

Interstate travel hauling a horse sounds like a fun adventure but it is a really tough thing to have to do.

If there is a mechanical problem with the truck or trailer in an unfamiliar place it can really be a mess trying to get the horse hauled to a nearby stable. And if the driver gets sleepy, the results could be bad. Myself, I would call a shipper like Blue Chip and let them do it. It's a tough job.

Because of the Neuro Rhino issues this year, many people are finding they have to detour around specific states or can't even leave their home state. It's important to check the current quarantines for Rhino in each state, and be prepared with alternate routes, for them to change.

actually I have a guy I used in 2007 who was less than blue chip and seems to be extremely reliable and did a wonderful job - arrived on time, no side trips and was a wonderful, wonderful careful driver - John MacDerry - he goes all over the midwest, he did my trip, anyway, at night and he has his own gorgeous rig with a huge stall-sized area for one horse. If you are interested, feel free to PM.