Trailering... Tie or not to tie?

[FarmGirl01]

Does anyone suggest straw on top of the mats. Or does that make is slipperly? Any bedding at all?

 

[Nupine]

I always tie for safety reasons and here is why-I don't remember all the details but a friend of a friend was trailering her horse and didn't tie him and he crawled under the divider, became wedged, and one way or another he died. That is reason enough for me. Anyway, how much more can a horse do if he is not tied than if he is? It isn't hurting the horse, and it's not like he can ''take a jog'' and get exercise when he isn't tied, or get water, so what exactly is the point?
Ashlyn

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Quote:
I wouldn't do straw, just because straw can get slick at times.

Do shavings instead. I know several people who do shavings and I try to use shavings when I trailer. Geldings, especially love shavings, because it keeps their urine from splashing on their legs in the trailer. A nice deep bedding of shavings does wonders for any trailer haul. It adds padding to the floor for their feet, it acts as an absorbent(for urine), it also acts as a sound absorber(for those skittish horses that balk at the loud sounds of their hooves as they load in the trailer.)

I prefer using shavings when I haul, for all of those reasons.

-Kim

 

[FarmGirl01]

Great point. I will use shavings. Thanks everyone so much.

 

[Akane]

In an open stock trailer going down the highway or interstate shavings can blow around causing irritated eyes and respiratory problems for the rest of the day. Not good when headed to a show or long trail ride. Make sure your trailer isn't real open or you use heavy shavings not cheap fine or dusty sawdust if you do that. Personally I don't put anything over the mats. If I want to give them more cushion I add it to the horses legs and feet instead of the floor.

 

[michickenwrangler]

If I'm hauling 1 horse a long distance, I take out the divider in my 2horse straight load and tie in the middle rather than on one of the ends. If the mules are in a stock trailer, they will already have more room to shift weight and shuffle if needed. Tie at wither height so they can sneeze or stretch necks down if needed.

I don't use bedding, but I do have rubber mats. Some endurance people put linament on legs without wrapping to keep blood circulating