Transport & Equipment

how to safely haul a horse, horse hauling, kevan garecki, safely transporting horses, horse transport anxiety

To truly grasp what your horse endures during travel, imagine standing inside a horse trailer with your hands in your pockets and eyes closed—while someone drives you around.

transporting horses, how to ship my horse, moving my horse, easing stress horse transport, kevan garecki, preparing my horse for emergency

Of the various forms of commercial transport, one of the most demanding is arguably that of horse transport. Strangely, it also attracts the least qualified, the most poorly equipped, and the most fraudulent and dishonest operators. How does one wade through the ethical minefield created by illegitimate wannabes and scammers? I will offer a handful of tips to keep you and your horses safe...

how to reduce horse tranpsort stress, hwo to lower horse's travel stress, how to relax your horse during transport

When something feels off, you might notice a sinking sensation in your stomach or experience tangible symptoms like digestive upset, sweating, or trembling muscles. Both horses and humans can develop a range of psychological responses to stress, from mild nervousness to intense panic or deep depression, along with a weakened immune system that can lead to illness.

horse trailer safety, spring trailer maintenance, hauling horses safely, horse transportation, trailer inspection checklist, trailering horses, equine travel safety, preparing horse trailer

When spring is just around the corner, our thoughts turn to riding, riding, and more riding. While not nearly as enrapturing, save some consideration for that lonely chariot outside, which gets our beloved steeds to and from events, shows, and trails. Every trailer that has been parked or stored for the winter should undergo a methodical inspection and maintenance routine before hitting the road each year. Safety should always be of primary concern, but comfort is important as well – every time a horse has an unpleasant trailering experience, he or she will go through that much more stress on the next trip.

horse trailer, buy horse trailer, buy trailer, horse transport, horse trailer options, used trailer, used horse trailer, Kevan Garecki, horse haul, horse transport

For many buyers, the idea of spending tens of thousands of dollars on a new horse trailer can be overwhelming. Choosing a pre-owned trailer can be a cost-effective alternative, but it’s crucial to evaluate several key factors to ensure your horse’s safety and avoid expensive repairs down the road.

equine emergency preparedness, horses stuck flooding, preventing barn fire, emergency services horses, help for horses disaster, kevan garecki, bc flooding horses

There’s Far More To It Than You Might Think - In November 2021, my wife and I spent four devastating days in Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford, British Columbia assisting with the rescue and evacuation of animals following the disastrous flooding caused by the “atmospheric river” of torrential rain in mid-November that year. It’s one thing to watch it on the news — it’s surreal to be on the ground in the middle of it.

how to load a horse in a trailer, kevan garecki, my horse won't load, horse trailering, train a horse for trailer, de-spook horse, claustrophobic horse tranquilizers, horse sedation, equine sedation, acepromazine horse

The biggest risk factor of a horse sustaining injury during transport is due to inadequate or improper training for loading and hauling. The key to avoiding these injuries lies in investing the time to teach the horse in a way that suits his learning style. It's important to keep in mind that, as with any form of teaching, if one method isn't working, there are plenty of other strategies to try. The alphabet still has 25 letters if Plan A does not work!

Kevan Garecki, winter horse trailer, horse trailer maintenance, prepping horse trailer for winter, horses dressed for winter, winter horse trailer safety, horse transport and equipment

Horse trailers are a substantial investment — not only in terms of cost but, most essentially, in the horses that rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable. A few thoughtful steps will prepare your trailer for winter and prevent headaches in the spring, extend the life of your trailer, and enhance the safety of your horses.

Inside Your Horse Trailer, horse to transport my horse safely, what type of horse trailer should i buy, best horse trailers, shipping fever, pleuropneumonia, kevan garecki

It wasn't that long ago that little research had been done on how travel impacts horses. Most advice came from the shared experiences of other horse owners and commercial transporters. That’s why research findings from the University of California, Davis, are particularly significant. Their research has essentially confirmed the good practices for travel that trustworthy transporters of horses have followed for years, validating these practices and making the information public for all to benefit from.

equine emergency preparedness, horses stuck flooding, preventing barn fire, emergency services horses, help for horses disaster, kevan garecki, bc flooding horses

While one can’t plan for every form of disaster, it’s important to familiarize yourself with any potential risks that could occur in your area and plan for them accordingly. Planning ahead can allow horse owners the opportunity to stay composed and act quickly in an emergency situation.

Pages