Pet Move of the Month: The Travels of Gordon the Horse

Incredible Experiences: Transporting Horses

When Gordon's owner needed to move across the country from California to North Carolina, she decided to enlist our horse-relocating help.

Horse moves do require special arrangements: While dogs and cats need airline-approved travel crates and tickets on a pet-friendly airline (among other things), horses most likely need to be moved via ground transportation and have special paperwork requirements.

Here's an overview of how this Pet Move of the Month worked:

-Gordon traveled in an 8x9 box stall that featured a water bucket and hay on the ground. This size allowed him room to reach his head down and move around to find a comfortable travel position.

-The vehicle was stopped every four hours so that Gordon could be checked on and his water topped off.

-About halfway there, Gordon was given a comfort stop where he had the chance to move around in a private paddock and he was given more fresh hay, grain and water.

-As far as travel documents, Gordon needed a health certificate and a Coggins Results Form (here's more about horse travel requirements if you're interested).

A few days after the move was successfully completed, Gordon's trainer was kind enough to answer a few questions for us about his journey:

 Was this Gordon's first move?

Gordon has been moved within the area of Northern California, but never cross country. 

What were some of your initial concerns?

My primary concerns for Gordon were his older age, and his attachment to my horse who he wasn't shipped with. Gordon is more anxious than most horses and I was worried he would have a hard time relaxing. 

 

(He doesn't look very anxious here...)

 

What surprised you about the travel process, if anything?

Mostly I was surprised at how well PetRelocation and the equine shippers stayed in contact with me. They let me know daily that he was doing well.

How has Gordon handled the transition so far?

Gordon took about four days to fully settle in to his new barn, but is now back to his usual spunky self. 

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a horse move?

Try to put weight on your horse before the move, they will lose some during transport. As well, I would recommend ulcer guard for any high anxiety type of performance horses. 

 

Home!

 

Great job, Gordon! Read about other horse moves we've arranged, and please contact us if you're looking for assistance with a pet move of your own.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ground Transport Stories, Incredible Experiences

Pet:


Country:

United States