So, you’re hitting the road with your equine pal this season—fantastic! It’s a great way to gain experience, strengthen your partnership and make special memories.

But travel can be taxing for even seasoned show horses, impacting their gut health in particular. This is true whether you’re shipping to a local clinic or spending the summer on the show circuit.

Did you know, for example, that simply keeping his balance in a moving trailer can tire a horse and lower his immunity to illness? Then there’s the stress caused by a cranky trailer companion, a lack of turnout, dietary changes and unfamiliar surroundings. It all adds up and can lead to colic, ulcers and more if you don’t take preventive measures.

Make a plan

Horses are creatures of habit, so it’s smart to keep to their established routine as much as possible during travel. This will help reduce stress and maintain a healthy nutritional balance.

As you plan your journey, follow these time-tested guidelines to keep your horse happy, healthy and performing his best:

1. Avoid changes in diet. New or different hay or feed can wreak havoc on your horse’s gut flora, increasing the risk of digestive upset. So be sure to pack enough of your horse’s usual rations, forage and supplements to last your entire trip, with a little extra for good measure. Do you need any of these products shipped ahead to your destination? If so, arrange for that well before you leave. Feeding meals at the usual times is also beneficial.

• Keep those hay nets filled whether in the trailer or at your destination. This will help keep your horse calm and his stomach full, minimizing his risk of developing gastric ulcers. And if safe grazing is available, make use of it! Turning your horse out to graze for even 15-20 minutes is not only good for his digestive system but affords him a chance to relax, both mentally and physically. If fenced turnout isn’t available, try the next best thing: hand grazing on a lead shank.

• Encourage water intake. Dehydration can lead to impaction colic and is a particular worry during travel and weather extremes. Offer your horse a drink as often as possible if you can’t keep a bucket in front of him. If he’s inclined to turn his nose up at unfamiliar water, bring jugs of water from home or buy a large plastic tank for this purpose. As further incentive to drink, try adding apple juice or molasses to the new water. The addition of a powdered electrolyte supplement can also entice your horse to drink. (Offer both a bucket of water with electrolytes, which will make him thirstier, and a bucket of plain water, which will quench that thirst.)

• Maintain electrolyte levels. Even if your horse is drinking enough water, it’s wise to keep an electrolyte supplement on hand for use during warmer weather. This will help replenish these vital minerals (including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) lost in sweating during travel or competition. Besides helping to regulate the body’s fluid balance, these minerals play a role in the absorption of nutrients. Electrolyte supplements come in powder, paste and pellet form, occasionally combined with other nutrients for maximum punch.

• Be proactive about ulcers. Research shows a link between travel and gastric ulcers, especially if your horse is overnighting at a new location. As you already know, ulcer prevention starts with minimizing your horse’s stress levels as much as possible. In addition, you might ask your veterinarian about treating your horse with a preventive dose of omeprazole before travel. They might even suggest taking extra syringes of this targeted medication for longer trips.

• Boost nutritional support. Use of an oral paste containing both probiotics and prebiotics before and during shipping can help support your horse’s digestive tract function. Why not pack a few extra tubes in your tack trunk? Nutritional supplements containing antioxidants, like Vitamin C, are also worth considering, as they are specially formulated to help protect the body’s cells from the ravages of stress. For the ultimate in convenience, look for an oral paste containing probiotics, prebiotics and Vitamin C.

… and don’t forget:

When preparing for a trip, it’s good practice to pack an emergency first aid kit for your horse. Include these basic supplies:

• Thermometer
• Petroleum jelly
• One or two rolls of sheet cotton
• Bandage scissors
• 4″ x 4″ gauze pads
• Elasticized vet wrap
• Stethoscope
• Latex or nitrile disposable gloves
• Duct tape
• Antiseptic solution
• Wound ointment
• Vaccination and Coggins test records
• Contact information for your home vet and the event vet

Bonus tip: Do you have gear to protect your horse from bumps, scrapes and even road dirt during shipping? Think stable sheets or blankets (depending on the season), a padded head bumper and, of course, protection for his precious feet and legs.  

Shipping boots are a tried-and-true option for complete limb protection. Look for boots with durable outers, strike plates, hook-and-loop closures and a Coolmax lining to wick moisture and discourage heat buildup. (Your horse will thank you on those sweltering days.)

Now, start packing and get ready to roll!