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Re: [RC] hauling horses long distance to unload or not to unload - CowgirgoofIn a message dated 9/18/2004 11:00:55 AM Eastern Standard Time, meadowspringsranch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:trailer, to fuel up , or go eat ,or whatever ,it is a break in the motion , and the horses can rest. IT is a personal choice, my horses are always willing to get in, so I don't think it is cruel, not unloading, I just do not think it is necessary, for mine, but if som eone is more comfortable unloading, and they I have had extensive experience in hauling long distance before leading up to our Tevis trip across country (which was Florida to CA- 3000 miles). Depending on the trailer type and weather (heat), and how you drive, I may take a twelve hour trip without un-loading. But, if you are going more than one day, and it's hot, you would not believe how much better a horse takes care of himself just by un-loading for fifteen minutes every six hours. I would never have dreamed of being able to complete a 100 mile ride without having un-loaded during out trip to CA. Our horses did not drink that great on the trailer, but low and behold, if we took them off and let them graze for a few minutes they would drag us to the buckets to drink before re-loading! And, they always peed off the trailer too. There is just something to be said for them getting to stretch their legs for a few. Would you want to ride non-stop for 12 hrs without getting out of your vehicle? Also, only one time in 6000 miles did we un-load at a rest area. It is DANGEROUS! You are right on the side of an interstate and the only choice that horse is going to have if he gets loose is to run out on the highway... Do your un-loading at the same time you need fuel. Pick truck stops as they have plenty of parking and usually a grassy perimeter in which you can get away from the big rigs and let them graze. Use common sense. Becky (who's hauled horses local and long distance for Walt Disney World in stock trailers and semis for 23 years)
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