NEW CUSTOMERS SAVE 40% W/AUTOSHIPUse code NEW40 (Up to $30 max. Exclusions apply)
SAVE AN EXTRA $5 - $20 OFFUse code PETS in cart (Exclusions apply)
While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.
All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.
It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.
CloseAn error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.
CloseWhile efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
There is no answer related to your question
While it’s natural for horses to feel a little uneasy on the road, the stress of trailering can contribute to colic, self-mutilation, and damage to the trailer itself. Use these tips to help your horse feel safe and stay calm when traveling.
Less-Stress Trailering Starts With Loading
Always be patient when loading your horse, especially if it’s their first time trailering. If possible, allow your horse to become familiar with the trailer at least a few days before the trip. You can even feed your horse inside the trailer to help them develop a positive association with it.
Basic groundwork skills not only make loading much easier, but also aid the trust between you and your horse, making them feel more confident about trailering. Incorporate the trailer into groundwork exercises, if possible, focusing on helping your horse feel safe in a potentially intimidating enclosed space.
Keeping Your Nervous Horse Calm In The Trailer
One of the biggest sources of stress in trailered horses is the sensation of losing their balance. Smooth, steady driving will make a huge difference in your horse’s ability to relax. It can be helpful to take a ride in the trailer to get an idea of how your horse will feel when you stop, turn, and change speeds.
Practice driving without your horse, then work your way up to short distances with your horse inside. It may make sense to ride with someone who is more experienced with trailering if you’re new to driving with a trailer.
Horses tend to feel calmer when traveling with a buddy. If you can’t bring more than one horse along, you can install a mirror in the trailer to make your horse feel less alone. Trailering with a mirror has been shown to reduce behavioral signs of stress in horses riding on their own.
Perfect Prep supplements contain a combination of amino acids, vitamins and minerals that are naturally found in your horse’s body to help induce feelings of calmness and security. A Hemp for Pets supplement can also help your horse stay calm.
If your horse still has moderate to severe anxiety when trailering, talk to your veterinarian about medications and other options that can help your horse stay calm on the road.