Travel Season: Tips for Hauling Horses Safely in Summer
Travel Season: Tips for Hauling Horses Safely in Summer
Summer is show season, trail riding season, and clinic season—which means it’s also travel season. Whether you're headed across town or across state lines, hauling your horse during hot weather brings unique challenges. High temperatures, long hours in the trailer, and dehydration can turn a fun trip into a stressful situation if you're not prepared.
Here are our top tips for hauling horses safely in the summer, along with smart product picks from our tack shop to make travel smoother, safer, and more comfortable for your equine partners.
Pre-Trip Prep: Health Comes First
Before you hit the road, make sure your horse is healthy enough for the trip.
- Schedule a pre-travel wellness check with your vet, especially if you're hauling a long distance.
- Make sure Coggins and health certificates are current if you're crossing state lines.
- Check your horse’s hydration levels in the days before travel—pinch tests and water intake tracking can help.
Helpful Products:
- Redmond Electrolyte Paste — Keeps hydration balanced during travel.
- Horse Quencher — Great for picky drinkers on the road.
Trailer Checks: Safety Starts with the Rig
Don’t wait until you’re loaded up to check the trailer.
- Inspect tires, floorboards, brakes, lights, and hitch well ahead of departure.
- Clean and disinfect the trailer. Remove leftover shavings and scrub surfaces.
- Ensure good ventilation. Open windows or vents to allow air circulation and avoid plastic or heavy blankets that trap heat.
Helpful Products:
- Trailer Aid Tire Changing Ramp — Don’t get caught without one!
- Portable Trailer Fans — Battery or solar-powered options for increased airflow.
Smart Packing: Essentials for the Road
Keep a designated travel kit with:
- Water from home (some horses dislike new water)
- Hay bags or slow feeders
- First-aid kit with summer-specific needs (electrolytes, saline, hoof boots)
- Copies of vet records
- Fly spray and protective gear
Barn Favorites:
- Shires Hay Bags — Minimize mess and slow feeding on long hauls.
- EquiMedic Small Trailering First Aid Kit — Compact, complete, and peace-of-mind ready.
- Absorbine UltraShield EX — Heavy-duty fly protection for trailer stops.
On the Road: Keep It Cool & Calm
For Shorter Hauls (under 90 minutes)
Even short trips can be stressful for horses in summer heat. Here’s how to make them safer:
- Skip the shipping boots if your horse tends to overheat easily. Lightweight leg wraps may be a better option.
- Pre-cool the trailer if possible, by opening windows and running fans before loading.
- Use well-ventilated fly sheets or masks for horses sensitive to insects but avoid layering.
- Don’t skip water! Even short hauls can dehydrate horses. Offer water before and after the ride.
Quick Picks:
- Cashel Fly Masks with Ears — Breathable protection.
- CoolAid Equine Compression Socks — Reduce swelling without overheating.
For Longer Hauls
- Plan travel for early morning or late evening when temps are lower.
- Stop every 3-4 hours to offer water and allow your horse to rest.
- Avoid overloading your trailer, which increases interior temps.
- Keep windows open but screened for road debris or insects.
If you're traveling to a show or clinic, give your horse plenty of time to rest and acclimate upon arrival.
Post-Trip Check: Recovery Matters
After travel, monitor your horse for signs of heat stress, dehydration, or travel-related injury:
- Check gum color and hydration
- Walk out your horse to help circulation
- Offer clean, cool water and a small, wet mash
- Take a post-trip temperature if you suspect stress or shipping fever
Pro Tip: Keep your trailer stocked year-round with your travel kit. Replace items as needed and update health paperwork regularly.
Trailer Travel Checklist: Summer Edition
Documents & Records:
- Current Coggins test
- Health certificate (if crossing state lines)
- Emergency contact list
Horse Care Essentials:
- Water from home (two+ buckets per horse)
- Electrolyte paste or supplements
- Hay in slow feeders
- Grain or mash (if needed)
- Fly spray and fly mask
- Sweat scraper or sponge
- Clean leg wraps or standing wraps (optional)
Trailer Tools & Safety:
- Fully stocked first aid kit
- Spare halter and lead rope
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Trailer Aid ramp or jack
- Portable fan (battery or solar-powered)
- Broom and disinfectant spray
Before You Leave:
- Check tire pressure and condition
- Check trailer lights and brake system
- Confirm all doors/latches/windows are secure
- Ensure ventilation is open and unobstructed
- Load emergency kit and travel bag
Upon Arrival:
- Walk out horses immediately
- Offer clean water
- Check vitals if concerned (temp, gum color, hydration)
Final Thoughts
Traveling with horses in summer doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right prep, smart packing, and a few key products, you can ensure your equine companions stay safe, cool, and happy on the road.
Need to restock your travel kit? Swing by our South Coventry tack shop or shop online for all your hauling must-haves. Our staff hauls to shows and events too, so we know exactly what works!
Wishing you safe travels and blue ribbons this summer!