Shipping Horses Long Distances

I’ve recently begun searching for a new horse to welcome into my life, and I find myself looking at animals farther and farther away from of my home state of Texas. The process has reminded me how important climate and other considerations can be when shipping horses long distances. The following are some factors to consider when transporting horses afar, be it to a show or to a new home. 

 

If you’re planning to ship a horse for more than three to four hours, think about his health first. Practice proper preventive care, vaccination, and deworming prior to travel. If your horse isn’t a frequent shipper, you might need to update his vaccines and have your veterinarian perform an overall health check at least two weeks before hitting the road. Your vet might also recommend doing blood work to determine if your horse is healthy enough to undertake long-distance travel or getting an updated Coggins test if your horse’s is more than 6 months old. Some states require proof of a current negative Coggins pulled within the prior 6 months for travel across their borders.