Re: how far to rides?

[Connie Hoge <connieh@etalco.com>]

Or, more fun, have a friend haul you around!  You discover quickly that a trailer
does not have the "creature comforts" of a car!

Connie H.

CMKSAGEHIL wrote:

> One must remember when hauling horses long distances that horses have
> different tolerances for hauling, just like people do for extensive travel.  I
> have been fortunate to own horses that thrive on travel, eat every morsel put
> in front of them, drink well, pee in the trailer, and sleep on the road at
> night.  Have hauled others that are Nervous Nellies, and really need to get
> out once in awhile.  The secret is to KNOW YOUR OWN HORSE, just like in every
> other aspect of this sport.
>
> I think the biggest single problem I see in stressed horses from long hauls is
> the quality of the driving!  Have ridden with some people, and even in the
> cab, I can understand why their horses get out of the trailer looking like
> they just got drug through a knothole backwards.  These folks are heavy on the
> accelerator and/or heavy on the brakes.  Or they weave.  Or they can't
> maintain a steady speed.  The poor horse is constantly trying to balance, and
> that is a lot of work.  If a horse is fortunate to have a rider-driver that
> drives like silk, they tend to arrive in good shape and ready to do whatever
> asked.  This also applies to trips home after the ride.  Be VERY critical of
> your driving--if you are unsure, have an experienced hauler ride with you
> sometime and critique you.  You might be surprised what they have to say!
>
> Heidi