Equine Precautions: Long Trip

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
• ? Bran Mash – Once a day for 2 to 3 days prior to shipping
• ? Vitamins – Add extra for a week prior to shipping
• ? 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).
• ? Antibiotics – When the trip will be over 12 hours, discuss the administration of antibiotics with your veterinarian
• ? Body Clip – When taking your Horse from a cold climate to a warm one, a body clip is recommended
• ? 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.