The importance of these precautions is directly proportional to the length of the trip. Use your own judgment, and that of your veterinarian:
- □ Electrolytes - Increase 2 to 3 days prior to shipping
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- □ Bran Mash - Once a day for 2 to 3 days prior to shipping
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- □ Vitamins - Add extra for a week prior to shipping
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- □ Mineral Oil - One pint per day may either be added to fee along with bran for four days prior OR given by veterinarian via stomach tube the day of shipping (4-6 hours before departure).
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- □ Antibiotics - When the trip will be over 12 hours, discuss the administration of antibiotics with your veterinarian
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- □ Body Clip - When taking your Horse from a cold climate to a warm one, a body clip is recommended
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- □ Blanket - The need for the blanket will depend on the temperature en route
Neva Kittrell Scheve is the author of The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer and Hawkins Guide: Horse Trailering on the Road. She and James Hamilton, DVM, co-authored Hawkins Guide: Equine Emergencies on the Road.