As show season approaches, ensuring your horse is travel-ready is paramount. Proper preparation not only guarantees safety but also enhances performance upon arrival. To prepare best, look to Chewy for all equine needs – with its wide assortment of offerings across feed, treats, tack, supplements, prescription medications & more, Chewy Equine offers the same level of care and convenience for horses that many already use for household pet needs. So, what do you need to get this show on the road? Here’s a comprehensive guide to packing for show season like a pro.

Protecting Your Horse’s Legs: Shipping Boots and Wraps

During transit, a horse’s legs are susceptible to injuries from sudden movements or shifts. Investing in quality shipping boots or wraps is essential. TuffRider 600 D Oxford Shipping Horse Boots offer full coverage, safeguarding from hoof to knee. Their durable construction ensures longevity and protection during long hauls. If your horses prefer wraps over boots, Lettia No-Bow Horse Wraps paired with Equi-Essentials Poly Standing Horse Leg Wraps, are ideal for providing cushioning and support, reducing the risk of swelling. When choosing between boots and wraps, consider your horse’s comfort and the duration of travel, and always double check to ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage or constriction.

Ensuring Safety: Trailer Ties

Securing your horse inside the trailer is crucial to prevent accidents. Opt for trailer ties that balance restraint with safety features like Equi-Essentials EQ Poly Padded Adjustable Horse Trailer Tie with Safe-T-Ties which offer automatic release after a specific amount of force. It’s important to regularly inspect ties for wear and replace them as needed to maintain safety standards and the best experience for your horses.

Comfort and Recovery: Therapeutic Wraps

Once you arrive, post-travel recovery is as vital as the journey itself. Therapeutic wraps can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting circulation. Use a wrap such as the Back on Track Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe which incorporates ceramic-infused fabric, reflecting body heat to soothe muscles and joints. Utilizing such wraps after travel can expedite recovery, ensuring your horse is show-ready upon arrival.

Treats: Keeping Spirits High

Travel can be stressful for everyone, especially your horses. Offering treats not only rewards good behavior but also provides a sense of normalcy during unusual circumstances. Bring something shelf stable on the road that is both palatable and nutritious such as Buckeye Nutrition All-Natural Apple Horse Treats or Standlee Forage Bites Alfalfa Anise Horse Treats which have the added benefit of being rich in fiber to support digestive health during travel. But don’t go overboard, always monitor treat intake to prevent overfeeding, especially during periods of limited activity.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Journey

Hydration: Ensure your horse has access to clean water before, during, and after travel; and pack along some electrolytes such as the Farnam Apple Elite Electrolyte Paste, which may be an easier format to administer on the road.

Ventilation: Proper airflow within the trailer prevents overheating and respiratory issues.

Rest Stops: For longer journeys, schedule regular breaks to allow your horse to rest and relax.

First Aid Kit: Always have a well-stocked kit on hand to address minor injuries or emergencies. For help packing your horse’s first aid kit, find a list and other resources on PetMD.

By meticulously preparing and considering your horse’s needs, you set the stage for a successful and enjoyable show season. And don’t forget about Chewy Equine for everything your horses need in or out of the season. The same company that delivers everything for cats, dogs and other pets also delivers everything for horses including feed, barn supplies, tack, and even medications and supplements delivered via Chewy Pharmacy.

BIO: Dr. Courtnee Morton, Chewy Equine Veterinarian

Dr. Courtnee Morton is a 2017 Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine graduate. Since graduation, she completed an equine internship and has been solely an equine practitioner. In 2021, Dr. Morton decided to follow her lifelong dream of starting her own mobile equine veterinary practice and loves being a Chewy Equine Veterinarian. In her free time, Dr. Morton enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her three dogs Sugar, Ellie, and Maverick. She has a love for her long-eared patients and hopes to someday have a whole herd of donkeys!

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***This is advertorial content and was provided by a Chewy contributor. COTH staff had no involvement with the creation of this content***