F.A.Q’S

How much does it cost?

Cost depends on how far we take your horse and the pick up and drop off location, but it will always be reasonable.

Is my horse watered and fed?

Yes, your horse is given hard feed twice a day and their water intake is monitored.

What do I need to transport my horse? (Special forms, gear etc)

Nothing. Simply complete the quote and booking form with your details, then confirm your booking and we take care of the rest. We handle all quarantine requirements and paperwork.

How is my horse transported?

We pick up your horse, in some cases the horse will be required to meet us at a mutual location, and load it on to our purposely set up truck where it spends the day traveling, with multiple rest stops, before it is unloaded for the night at a secure depot or location. We repeat this process daily until we arrive at its destination where we drop your horse off safe and sound.

Are you insured?

Yes, we have comprehensive public liability insurance. You can also purchase your own insurance, if you wish, for extra cover. You can read our terms and conditions for more details.

Can I send special items with my horse?

Unfortunately due to quarantine this would be on a client requested basis.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our full payment and refund policy can be viewed in our terms and conditions.

How do I drop off and collect my horse from you?

We offer door-to-door pick up and drop off so you can get your horse delivered to your door. This is dependent on the location and we may have to meet you along the route to ensure the safety of the horses.

Who looks after my horse?

Our professional, fully qualified drivers take excellent care of your horse throughout their travel, feeding them and making sure their every need is met. They look after them like one of their own, ensuring the safety of all horses onboard throughout the whole journey.

Further travel tips and advice for successful horse transport:

Before Travel

  • Ensure the horses hooves are trimmed and in good condition.
  • If shod, have this done at least a week before travel, just in case of a nail prick which will be uncomfortable during transport.
  • Do not worm your horse prior to travel.
  • Gradually decrease the horse’s workload to light work 2 days before travel.
  • Ensure your horse is ready for the transporter on the day of pick up.

Plan Diet Before Transport

  • Feeding additional haylage or oaten hay, 2 to 3 days prior to transport will considerably increase the potassium and magnesium diffused in the water holding in the gut. This increase in electrolyte rich fibre will assist in the horse avoiding dehydration.
  • If the horse has large quantities of lucerne hay, high protein pasture or feeds, altering to oaten hay and haylage is recommended one to two weeks before travel.
  • High grain diets can lead to excitable behaviour, stress and ‘tying up’ and reduce gut fill of fibre which has been discussed.
  • Horses, when traveling with Professional Horse Transport, are fed on a high-energy fibre diet. This helps maintain water in the gut, calm the horse and decrease the likelihood of too much weight loss.
  • If your horse is a performance animal, we may need to continue feeding with some of its normal high energy ration including grain with added high energy fibre to help the gut.
  • Unfortunately due to quarantine conditions, in each state, horse feed can’t be supplied by the owner.

Water

  • Horses are prone to refusing to drink unfamiliar water.
  • Drinking of water is critical for travelling horses. We supply electrolytes to ensure they get enough vitamins and minerals.
  • If you have electrolytes and want the water spiked with it, we will ensure it is given.
  • We carry molasses to encourage drinking for those more difficult horses.
  • It is interesting to also note that horse scientists recommend that if a horse is already dehydrated electrolyte should not be given.
  • Electrolytes should not be given just on a whim, unless you are an experienced horseperson or have been advised by a Veterinarian to use them, we recommend not to do so.

During Travel

  • Horses are not to be overheated during travel, therefore we do not recommend the use of rugs, float boots or tail bandages.
  • The use of rugs, unless it is cold, during overnight breaks is not recommended.
  • Travelling takes a good deal of physical effort for the horse and this tends to make them lose water and electrolytes through sweating.

Mares & Foals

  • Mares with foals at foot can be transported, however, travel is not recommended for foals younger than 8 weeks.
  • Mares that are within 8 weeks of their expected foaling dates will not be transported.

Advanced Information Particularly For Performance Horses

  • Rectal temperatures twice daily for 2 days to establish normal temperature and record is recommended before travel.
  • Once transport is complete take temperatures again and monitor feed and water intake to ensure that the horse is not developing signs and symptoms of Travel Sickness.
Mare37.3–38.2 Celsius
Stallion37.2–38.1 Celsius
Temperature

After Travel

  • A small paddock for a few hours with a plentiful supply of oaten hay and fresh water is recommended for the horse.
  • The usual diet, if high energy and grain, should be replaced gradually.
  • The horse needs to be monitored for rectal temperature and passing of manure.
  • Horses pass manure approximately every 3 – 4 hours. Any decrease in output or diarrhea should be reported immediately to a Veterinarian.