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Tips for Keeping Your Horse Safe on Overnight Stays

Do you have an upcoming trip that requires you to stable your horse overnight in unfamiliar surroundings? This isn’t uncommon for many horse owners. Keeping your horse safe and comfortable in temporary stabling isn’t difficult if you prepare in advance and take precautions upon your arrival. Here are some tips to help you do just that. 

Before you head out, make sure that your horse is up-to-date on vaccinations. Especially with interstate travel, you need to confirm your horse has received all necessary immunizations. Most states require proof of a negative Coggins test. 

For your trip you’ll want to pack hay and water (enough for when you first arrive; some horses are fussy about drinking water that’s unfamiliar to them.) You should also bring your own buckets and, if you use them, hay nets. 

You should also find out if your destination provides bedding or if you need to bring your own. If the facility does provide bedding, find out what it is. For horses with respiratory or allergy problems, certain bedding may not be healthy for them, so be sure to check this out in advance. 

Once you reach your destination and before you unload, go and inspect the stall. If the stabling is permanent, that is, a stall with solid walls, check for nails, staples, or any other dangers that may be protruding from them. If there are buckets already in place, remove them and hang yours instead. Check the stall floor to make sure it’s flat and level with no holes or dips. And remember to check the stall door to confirm that it latches properly as well as opens and closes. 

Many veterinarians advise that you isolate your horse from the other residents upon your return. Obviously, if you board your horse this may not be easy. Perhaps stabling those horses that travel regularly away from the homebodies could be a workable solution. In addition, check your horse’s temperature for a few days after you’ve returned. A fever is a sure sign that something’s not right with your horse, even if he appears to be healthy otherwise.

Overnight stays put you in situations where certain factors are out of your control. By preparing in advance, you increase the likelihood of keeping your horse safe and healthy.