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This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Behavior and Training » Trailer Loading a Horse »
  Discussion on How young is too young to move?
Author Message
Member:
Boomer

Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 3:40 pm:

Hi there, I have a two week old filly that I need to move (with Mom of course) How young is too young? The move is a 4 hour haul..
Member:
36541

Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 9:33 am:

Had to do a three hour emergency trip with a two day old once. I padded the trailer with deep chips, bandaged Mom, left baby loose. I DrOve on eggs the whole way, thought I would get at least seven ulcers before we got there, but all was well. My broodmare is wonderfully quiet, so maybe that was most of it. I still see it as a wonder, though. I'm sure others have done something similar, good luck with your trip. Stacy
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 10:58 am:

Yes, I too have had to haul young foals with their dams. I also bed heavily with shavings (dampened down a little). I remove the stall panels in the trailer so there is one big stall. I tie the mom and leave the foal loose. I've found the foal usually lies down most of the ride. My trailer is closed in with windows and vents, no open slats on the sides; so it there aren't any places a foal could try and jump out and get a foot caught. When I tie the mom, I make sure the tie is taut enough that the foal can't get caught in the tie. I have also hauled with the mare untied, but when you do this, you have to go really slow because if the mare moves to the back of the trailer, the trailer can't start swaying around if you build up sped or apply the brakes too quickly. It depends on the type of set up you have.

When I've hauled mares and foals I also drive extra cautiously and stop frequently to check on my passengers.

I once got stuck for 6 hrs. on I-80 between California and Nevada due to heavy snow and accidents. I was very worried about the foal and mare, but when I'd go back to check on them, the foal was sleeping and the mare munching on her hay just like they were home.
Member:
Boomer

Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 3:46 pm:

Oh, thank you for the reply's. I've got a big 4 horse totally enclosed trailer. Your ideas sound great, thanks.
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