Do’s and Don’ts

What we use to pull our horses with as a vehicle is a matter of preference, but how we drive determines the longevity of our horse’s career.

How many times have you watched someone pull out on the road and pick up speed as soon as the truck or whatever they are driving makes the turn? They are totally unconcerned with the fact that the horses are still in the middle of the turn, and being jerked around until the trailer straightens out in line with the tow vehicle.

How often have we also seen people pull up to stop signs or red lights and break hard rather than slowing down and coasting to a stop or watched them drive into a turn fast and have to break in the middle to keep the rig on the road. Speed and poor hauling is a major contribution to nivicular disease in horses. We as people can refuse to ride with a bad driver. Our equine pardeners, however do not have a choice! We need to drive according to road conditions and rely on common sense to get us there safely and in shape to win.

Feed

Horses are repetitious animals so for their nerves, feed a schedule as close to the time you feed at home as possible. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and by all means don’t change what they eat. We take as much feed as possible from home, but if you’re on the road for a long while, use nationally sold brands. What we do if the horse can tolerate it, is feed straight oats. Oats are pretty much the same in Canada as they are in Florida. Hay can really differ, so we like to use a rig that can haul a lot of hay. We’d rather go to extremes to prevent blockage or colic than cure it.

Have all shots up to date, worm and have your horses shod before you go. Carry an extra pair of shoes your regular farrier shaped. An outside blacksmith does not know your horse’s idiosyncrasies and he may not have access to the particular shoes you use. Write down the angles of your horse’s feet also to tell the blacksmith. Don’t forget your Coggins! Bring everything you think you may need because you probably will! Medicines for the horses, first aid kit for you, etc.

See ya at the Rodeo!