Traveling with horses in the winter can bring extra challenges, from cold temperatures to potential stress from the unfamiliar environment. Whether you’re heading to a competition, a new farm, or just visiting a friend, making sure your horse is comfortable, safe, and healthy during the trip is crucial. With the right preparation and supplies, winter trailering can be a stress-free experience for both you and your horse. Here are some essential tips and products to ensure your winter travels go smoothly.

Supplements for an Easy Trip

Winter weather and travel stress can affect your horse’s well-being. The right supplements can make all the difference in helping your horse stay calm, hydrated, and feeling good upon arrival at your destination.

SynNutra G-Chill Supplement for hauling horses in the winter available at FarmVet

SynNutra’s GastroChill (G-Chill) is a 2-in-1 supplement to ease anxiety and provide stomach-soothing benefits. Traveling can be stressful for horses, especially in unfamiliar environments, so G-Chill helps keep your horse relaxed while also supporting digestive health. Start feeding G-Chill just prior to travel, and you can even keep feeding it throughout your time away from home.

Gallagher's Water for hydration during horse hauling available at FarmVet

Proper hydration throughout travel is also essential – and equally important in the cold weather as it is in the summer. But some horses will lose the desire to drink when it’s cold out or while away from their usual environment. Gallagher’s Water adds flavor to the water to encourage drinking and help prevent dehydration. It is also available in a no sugar added version.

Vitalize Equine Gel for horse immune support during travel available at FarmVet

The combination of cold weather and travel can add stress to your horse’s immune system and be tiresome on their body. Vitalize Equine Gel’s unique combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants will help your horse bounce back after the haul. It provides support for a strong immune system, muscle recovery, and healthy digestion.

Padding for Comfort and Protection

Hauling at any time of year requires proper preparation, and winter is no different. A few simple additions to your trailering routine can help ensure comfort throughout the haul, no matter the weather.

Fleece Halter Covers for Horses available at FarmVet

Long hauls can cause rubs from the halter. Fleece Halter Covers offer a soft layer of protection against uncomfortable friction and help avoid abrasions. Plus, they provide a little extra warmth during those chilly rides.

LeMieux Travel Boots for Horse Hauling available at FarmVet

Protect your horse’s legs from bumps, scrapes, and bruising with the high-quality LeMieux Travel Boots. They are designed to offer superior protection without compromising comfort. These boots are perfect for preventing bumps or nicks during longer trips, particularly when roads are rough.

Professional’s Choice Tail Wrap for Horse Trailering available at FarmVet

If your horse has a habit of leaning back against the trailer, this Professional’s Choice Tail Wrap will help protect the tail from rubbing against the trailer walls. It’s especially useful for keeping the tail in good condition and free from any hauling-related damage.

Weatherbeeta Fleece Cooler for horse traveling available at FarmVet

If you’re traveling in colder temperatures, a Fleece Cooler can help regulate your horse’s body temperature while providing warmth without overheating. It can also be beneficial when unloading in the cold to help prevent your horse from catching a chill.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Accidents can happen at any time, and having the right tools on hand is essential when traveling with horses. A good trailering first aid kit ensures you’re prepared for anything that may come up during the journey or once you arrive.

EquiMedic Trailering First Aid Kit for Horse Travel available at FarmVet

EquiMedic’s Trailering First Aid Kit is a comprehensive kit and a must-have for any horse owner. It contains all the basic necessities for treating injuries or minor medical emergencies on the go, from bandages to antiseptics. Whether you’re dealing with a minor scrape or need to act quickly in an emergency, having this kit at your disposal can make a huge difference.

Post-Travel Care

Your horse will need some time to recover after the trip, especially at the conclusion of long hauls. Follow these tips to help your horse adjust once you arrive:

  • Allow Time to Stretch: After unloading, give your horse the chance to stretch its legs and walk around in a safe, enclosed area. This will help relieve any stiffness from the haul or the cold.
  • Warm and Dry: If the weather is particularly cold and wet, ensure your horse is warm and dry once it’s off the trailer. Utilize your fleece coolers, and be sure to adjust any stable sheet layers according to the temperature at your destination.
  • Monitor for Stress: Traveling can be stressful, especially in winter when conditions may be harsher. Keep an eye on your horse for signs of fatigue, dehydration, or digestive upset. Offer water and hay immediately upon arrival to help them recover from the journey.

Extra Tips for Winter Travel Success

Beyond the basics, here are a few more tips to ensure your horse’s comfort and safety during winter travel:

  • Adjust the Trailer’s Ventilation: Trailers tend to get stuffy during colder months. It’s important to balance ventilation to ensure your horse has access to fresh air while staying warm. When the trailer windows are all closed up in the cold, adjust your vents accordingly to still allow fresh air inside.
  • Check the Roads and Conditions: Winter driving can be unpredictable. Before setting off, check weather conditions, road reports, and travel advisories. Avoid traveling on particularly treacherous days whenever possible.
  • Keep the Trailer Clean and Dry: Condensation can build up inside the trailer as your horse’s body warmth clashes with the outside cool. Be sure to allow your trailer to dry fully and refresh it with dry, clean bedding before your next trip.

Learn More

Whether you’re on the road this winter or staying at home, the cold weather can produce new challenges for horses and their owners. Learn how to keep your horse’s body in the best condition this winter with these nutrition tips for hard keepers.

Safe Travels

Winter travel doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your horse. With the right planning, supplements, and equipment, you can ensure a smooth, comfortable, and safe trip for your equine companion. Get everything you need for trailering and more at  FarmVet  24/7. You can also call one of our friendly Sales Associates at 1-888-837-3626 or email your order to [email protected].