Spinoff: Prepping horse for 2000 mile trip

[Proffie]

I've read some of the threads about long distance trailering, but I'm a complete novice at this... I've never shipped a horse more than about 200 miles. Well, now we're moving from Wisconsin to California, and I need to bring my TB gelding along!

I'm only looking at the top commercial shippers (most likely Bob Hubbard), so I can hopefully rest easy. And my guy is a very laid back, quiet shipper on our short trips. But I still have some questions:

1. He's a hard keeper already, so I expect him to lose weight. How do you suggest I feed him directly before/after the trip?

2. This might sound dumb, but is there a chance that he'll be alone in the trailer for most or all of the trip? Should I be concerned about that?

3. How many days do you think the trip should take? How many layovers would be acceptable?

Any other tips would be a huge help. I'm really nervous about this, and I hope the trip doesn't sour him on trailers, because he's such a champ about shipping now.

[Tangerine Farmer]

I have heard bad things about Bob Hubbard.. on this site just a few days ago. Also, a friend of mine shipped a nice horse in the summer from CA to Az to a show. The horse was at the front of the van and they had NOT opened the window. He was nearly dead. Had to IV fluids into him. He did make it.

I don't know the answers. I too will be going across country. Not sure what to do just yet.

Heard that lay overs are tough on them, to just keep driving is the best. I think there was an Equus article about getting horses out at rest stops. They concluded that the horse didn't like it.. made them antsy.

[abouttime]

I just shipped my horse this spring. Not quite as far as you (MI to SC) but they did not take my horse off the trailer. I had Steve Merka of Double Deuce Ranch ship him and he had his own box stall, so when they stopped for the night he was able to just stay on the trailer (which I think is safer than getting them on and off). Steve kept in contact the entire trip and my horse arrived safe and sound, completly unstressed. One thing we did was put electrolites in his water for a few days prior to his trip and also during the trip when they stopped to water. Good luck with whoever you choose!

[cllane1]

I have heard bad things about Bob Hubbard.. on this site just a few days ago.

Really? I know mileage can vary between people, but we used Bob Hubbard to ship a 3 y.o. from Alabama to Utah and a 6 y.o. back from Utah to Alabama (different trips). Both stepped off the trailer in pristine condition. Stalls were deeply bedded with straw, they had water buckets hung, etc. We paid for 1.5 stalls, but as they trailer emptied from dropping horses off, they put my guy in a full stall at no extra charge. Excellent communication and very prompt!

We didn't do anything special to prep either horse we shipped. But since your guy is a hard keeper, maybe add beet pulp before/after. Also maybe Neighlox.

Have a great trip!

[tarynls]

I used Bob Hubbard to ship from KY to NJ (about 1300 miles). Like the previous poster, I paid for 1.5 stalls and as the trailer emptied, my guy went in a full box stall. They called me when they were about an hour away from dropping him off as I requested and he came off the trailer in great shape.

I would definately use them again.

[Proffie]

Yeah, I looked at a lot of shippers and BH had the best reputation I could find, according to people on this board and from the few people I know who have done long distance shipping. I also heard good things about Mclemore and Brookledge. I personally love Drexler, but they don't go that far out.

I started him on Omeprazole today, and will start electrolytes a couple of days prior.

He's headed to a fantastic place in Moorpark, CA with acres of hilly pasture and lots of great friends. I'm sure if he has problems with the trip, he'll recover quickly!!

[tarynls]

Also, I know when I shipped from KY to NJ (1300 mi., give or take), Bob Hubbard did not want standing wraps on my horse. Their reasoning was they wouldn't know if they started to slip and didn't want to be responsible for a bandage bow. Don't want to start the wrapped/unwrapped issue but that's what the company required.

My guy did ship in bell boots (he tends to step on his feet/shoes!) but he was nekked-legged. And his legs were in great shape coming off the trailer, even his fairly recent bow was nice and tight.

Also, to answer one of your other questions - My guy had one overnight stop with (IIRC, three stops to pick up/drop off horses) en route to me. I believe they didn't unload him and left him in a full box stall on the trailer overnight. I could call anytime and find out from the driver how he was doing. Generally I'd leave a message with the office and the driver or his buddy would call me back quickly (I'd say within 30 min.). Great communication.


Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions! Congrats on your move!

Taryn

[mvp]

I used Bob Hubbard years ago for a NorCal to East Nuthin' NY for a young but easy gelding and they did a fine job. I would have used Blue Chip (best reputation out there) if I had had the coin.

The Hubbard peeps were professional, honest and skilled. Communication between me and office, me and drivers was fine. As others have said, they planned their route carefully so that the most horses had the best deal (larger stalls than paid for and not alone) for the longest stretch of the trip. The guys also brought my horse's considerable "trousseau" of a big, heavy trunk and a garbage can of stuff for no extra charge.

I prepped my horse as they requested-- no wraps, leather halter, and I added fleece. He got a bran mash before he left Cali and one when he arrived. Had I told them mine was a "problem child" with respect to losing weight or respiratory problems, I think they would have taken steps to protect him. These guys do lots with finicky race horses.

If you have questions or concerns, be up front with those with the office staff. They might have additional suggestions for your horse.