Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often do the drivers stop to rest the horses?
A. We stop every few hours - to make sure water is full and offer additional hay.
Q. Do you keep to a schedule?
A. We respect your time and hope you respect ours. That said...Horses are living and breathing creatures and ultimately they make or break our schedule. We will always try to keep you informed of any changes or delays but please know the needs of the horses will always be our first concern. Weather and traffic along with maintenance issues can effect the schedule.
Q. Will the drivers call before pickup or delivery?
A. The shipper and the receiver can expect a phone call at least 24 hours before pickup and will contact the delivery farm a second time in advance of delivery. This call is usually made one hour prior to delivery to obtain directions and inform the parties that the truck is in the area.
Q. What paperwork is required?
A. Currently every state requires a Certificate of Health. You will also need a Negative Coggins. State by state requirements.
Q. Are the trailers clean?
A. We practice intense BIO Security and USE Synbiont AG Wash with Vircon X. We regularly wash all of our equipment.
Q. Should I wrap the horses legs?
A. Leg wraps are not recommended for trips over 8 hours, for the horses safety and health. Wraps have come undone and the horse will hurt itself or another horse kicking to shed the wrap.
Q. Are the trailers air conditioned?
A. We know of no commercial air conditioned horse trailers. Opening and closing a horse trailer on hot days could bring on pneumonia a few days after the horse leaves the trailer from the cold and heat the horse has been exposed to. Horses have lived for thousands of years in all kinds of weather without air conditioning.
Q. How do I pay?
A. 50% securely through Merchant Services on our website at booking and the balance due as CASH to the driver upon delivery. Online with Paypal or any major credit card or ATM. Sorry we do not take PERSONAL CHECKS.
Q. What about insurance?
A. We do recommend that supplemental insurance be purchased prior to shipment to cover sickness or injury as well as Mortality. In several states only the owner may insure the horse. Please check the Equine Insurance Guide for options including very affordable transit policies. The horses well being and safety are always our number one concern.
Q. What size trailers are available?
A. Four and Five horse trailers are available. They all measure 7 and 1/2 feet inside with individual compartments for every horse. All horses travel on a bed of shavings cleaned daily. The trailers are all sanitized with Synbiont before and after every horse. The trailers also have floor to ceiling stall separators so all horses can travel safely untied.
Q. Are the trucks or trailers equipped with air ride?
A. Most gooseneck rigs are not equipped with air ride however the torsion suspension runs the length of the trailer and the truck and trailers provide a comfortable ride. Another concern is that air bladder repairs are very specialized and should there be a problem it may be weeks to get in proper parts and make repairs.
Q. Is shipping stressful and will my horse lose weight?
A. We all can do our part to minimize stress. If your horse is on the trailer for a cross country trip, or any trip over 24 hours, they will start to loose about 4% of their body weight each additional 24 hours. Lack of normal grazing and water consumption coupled with lack of normal rest all contribute to this problem. Horses should be rested and well hydrated before leaving on a trip. Probiotics and electrolytes can be helpful. Always consult with your vet for your best options and WE NEVER SHIP A SICK HORSE.
Q. What happens if my horse stops drinking?
A. Because we keep horse untied in the trailer, they usually drink fine. If a horse shuts down and stops drinking the driver will immediately stop the trip, contact a vet, then the owner, get all the horses off the trailer and in stalls while we deal with the horse that has stopped drinking. Most times it is because it has never been in a trailer before, consequently, under stress it will not drink. Taking the horse off the trailer for a short rest will usually bring back its thirst. The horses always come first. If you know your horse has an issue please inform us.
Q. Are there layovers and for how long?
A. Layovers are necessary on cross country trips. The horses need the rest. They usually come off the trailer for a period of 8 hours or more. They are individually stalled while on layover. The layover sites are all approved ranches and farms that cater to this business. Strict requirements for health and safety and bio-security have to be met.
