If you’ll be moving horses (especially out-of-state) you have three options for transport: hire a horse transporting company, have your horses transported by air freight, or do it yourself with a horse trailer. Before you make your move, be sure you have your veterinary records and any health documents required by your destination state.
Towing a Horse Trailer
A trailer is a handy way of relocating your horses, especially because it has room to transport tack and feed as well. You can usually find a rental trailer in the Yellow Pages; look under Trailers – Horse.
However, driving with a horse trailer attached to your car or truck is not easy. You will need to practice before your scheduled departure. Try to plan out your overnight stops in advance; your motel may or may not allow you to park a horse trailer in their lot. Otherwise, you’ll need to find local facilities to board your horses overnight. The boarding stable will probably ask to see certain health certificates; they may also be able to help you find other stables along your planned route.
Make sure you stop for the night in plenty of time to take care of your horse. That includes feeding, watering, and exercise! Your horse may also need periodic rest and exercise breaks along the way.
Hiring a Horse Transport
When choosing a horse transporting company, make sure they have authority from the Interstate Commerce Commission first. Anyone who does interstate transportation for horses must have ICC operating authority.
Charges will be based on distance, and usually include some kind of insurance. You can always purchase more insurance separately. You may be asked to furnish hay for longer transports.
The benefits of using a horse transport are many:
- You can rest assured that your driver is experienced in horse care.
- You won’t have to worry about transporting the horse yourself.
- You may be able to ship some tack with your horse.
- Your horses will be exercised at regular intervals during the trip.
Flying With Your Horse
Flying with your horse may be an expensive option but it will get you to your destination city quickly. Many cargo airlines will only take horses or ponies on non-stop flights between origin city and destination city. Other things you’ll need to know:
- An attendant must fly with the animal.
- You must provide a shipping stall built according to airline specifications.
- You may need to provide loading and unloading ramps.
- Tack must be labeled and weight separately if you will be shipping it on the same flight.
- You must pay shipping charges and attendant’s airfare in advance.
- You are responsible for bringing the animal and tack to the terminal on time.