Travel equipment is used to protect the horse from injuries and bruises whilst being transported.
Made from a thick, padded material, it is attached to the headcollar and fitted like a hat between the horse’s ears. It is used to protect the horse’s poll area and should be fitted every time they are travelled.
The poll is the bony area directly between the horse’s ears where the spinal cord attaches to the scull. It is a highly sensitive, delicate area susceptible to injury, especially in trailers and horseboxes with limited headroom. Trauma to this area can cause severe bruising, inflammation, fractures and even be fatal.
A leather headcollar and leadrope should always be used whilst travelling a horse as it will snap under pressure if the horse falls or panics. It must be clean and the correct fit for the horse.
Nylon headcollars should not be used as they are made from strong material which does not snap easily under pressure.
The travel rug is designed to keep the horse warm and clean while being travelled. It can also protect the equine’s body from minor wounds.
Traditionally this type of rug was made from wool, nowadays a cooler rug is more preferable as the breathable material helps to prevent the horse over-heating.
Many horses get hot whilst travelling, therefore using a rug is dependant on the several factors:
The tail bandage is used to offer protection to the dock area whilst the horse is being travelled. It will also keep the hair flat on a pulled tail, protect a plait and enable a tail to be “put up”.
The dock area is the casing for the vertebrae so the tail bandage must be fitted correctly and left on the horse for NO LONGER THAN 3 HOURS.
An incorrectly fitted bandage can cause extensive and permanent damage to the dock area including:
Made from a protective, padded material, the tail guard is designed to protect the horse’s dock area whilst being travelled.
It can be fitted for any length of time and is an ideal alternative to the tail bandage if the horse is being travelled for longer than 3 hours. It is also easier and quicker to put on than the tail bandage.
Travel bandages should be fitted to all four legs, and are designed to support and protect the horse’s lower limbs whilst travelling.
They are are fitted in the same way as stable bandages, but can be used in conjunction with travelling fibergee or pads, a foam filled pad which is purposely shaped to cover the lower leg, knees and hocks.
They must be fitted correctly or they can cause serious medical issues to the lower leg. They are more time consuming to fit and remove than travel boots, but will offer extra support.
Travel boots are made from synthetic material and are lined with either fleece, foam or cotton, the fastenings are generally made from Velcro for ease when fitting and removing.
They should be fitted to all four legs and are designed to offer protection from minor wounds and bruises to the horse’s legs whilst being travelled.
There are two types of boots: long and short. The long boots offer protection to the lower leg, knees and hocks, whilst the shorter boots protect the lower leg only. Knee and hock boots may be required when using the short boot.
Travel boots can cause the horse too overheat in hot weather, and certain horses are not happy to wear them. Bandages or breathable brushing boots are alternatives in these cases.
Over-reach boots are sometimes fitted to protect the horse’s coronet bands and to help prevent them pulling off their shoes whilst being travelled.
