Stress-less journey

As both the breeding and show seasons get into gear, more and more horses will be on the move. We take a look at stress during transport and the steps you can take to prevent it.

Under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006, it is an offence to transport any animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal. Important provisions that must be made include feed, water and rest times.

 

Transportation however is widely recognised as a significant cause of stress in horses, and for some it can take several days to recover, with a resulting negative impact on health and performance. Under times of intense stress, the horse’s body produces hormones such as cortisol to enable it to ‘fight or flight.’ These hormones however, as well as depleting energy in the longer run, affect the body’s immune and digestive systems and increase the chances of the horse injuring itself or others in the vicinity.

 

Stress can also cause many horses to stop eating or drinking during transport, which can lead to loss of condition and dehydration. The effects of dehydration are compounded by the fact that a stressed-out horse is likely to sweat more, and colic or other health problems can often be the result. It is therefore vital that horses are kept as calm and stress-free as possible during transit.

 

Keeping calm yourself when handling the horse to be transported is an important first step to combating stress. If you are nervous, angry or impatient, these emotions will be absorbed by your horse, so allow yourself plenty of time at the start of your journey for making preparations and loading, particularly if you know your horse is a reluctant traveller.

 

Potential stressors for the horse during transport may be related to confinement, balance, the noise and vibration of the moving vehicle, poor ventilation, dehydration and/or fatigue. Make the lorry or trailer as inviting as possible by using rubber matting and absorbent bedding – rubber matting provides a slip resistant surface that helps horses to feel secure, and green coloured mats are thought to encourage shy loaders. Make sure the horse also has access to forage, and that there is sufficient ventilation. During the journey, try to make rest stops at least once every three hours for at least 20 minutes and to allow the horse a break and encourage it to take a drink. If the travel time is greater than 12 hours, make sure you plan an overnight stop.

 

It is important to emphasise that any horse being transported should be in a fit state to travel so as not to increase the risk of a problem developing. It is advisable to check your horse’s temperature using a rectal thermometer prior to starting the journey – a high temperature may mean the horse is harbouring an infection. Even if the horse is fit and healthy at journey’s start, this does not mean that a problem will not arise further down the road. It is best to be prepared so that every possible problem that may arise can be dealt with in a safe and effective manner, or even avoided altogether.

 

Calming supplements

The use of a calming supplement in the form of a liquid, powder or paste may help to placate stressed-out horse or prevent any stress from occurring. Many of these supplements are based on magnesium, which, amongst other things, is known to help regulate blood pressure and improve nervous system function.

 

One of magnesium’s key roles is in muscle contractions, and a sign of low magnesium is tension in the muscles. Other signs of magnesium deficiency include excitability, nervousness, poor appetite and sweating – they will also tire sooner when exercised or competing. Feeding a supplement containing Magnesium is known to calm the nervous and cardio-vascular system and relax the muscles and help to manage frightened or unpredictable behaviour or nervousness when travelling.

 

Some supplements on the market also contain L-Tryptophan, an essential amino acid associated with the production of serotonin – a hormone which can inhibit aggression, fear or stress. The efficacy of L-Tryptophan at reducing stress in horses however requires further research, according to some industry experts. Certain herbs are also found in some equine calming products, including chamomile, hypericum, passiflora, withania or valerian, which are used as nerve relaxants.

 

For competition horses, it is important that any calming products should be free from banned substances. Some ingredients, such as valerian, are banned for competitive use due to its sedative effects, and others, such as L-Tryptophan, are legal in the UK but have been the subject of debate.

 

Mirror image

Horse owners not wanting to use a calming supplement, or those with particularly bad travellers, might be interested to know that research has suggested that the provision of a (shatterproof) mirror during transportation can significantly reduce stress-induced behaviour such head tossing, restlessness and refusing food. Such a mirror may be particularly beneficial for horses being transported alone, as it will afford the calming effect of companionship.

 

We’re watching you

Luxury horseboxes now often come with CCTV, and it is a very sensible addition. CCTV cameras are now available to be fitted in any horsebox or trailer and help to offer piece of mind, particularly if your horse is a difficult traveller. The technology is easy and safe to use and allows the driver and passengers to keep an eye on the horse in the back and can prevent serious upsets occurring.

 

What is shipping fever?

This is the colloquial term given to pleuropneumonia – a respiratory infection combining pneumonia (of the lungs) with pleuritis (of the pleural cavity). Shipping fever is brought about through transportation, with the risks increasing with the distance travelled. Factors that may contribute towards this illness include dehydration, inadequate ventilation and high levels of dust or ammonia. Horses tied in such a way as to keep their head overly elevated will also be at risk, as they will be unable to clear their airways.

 

To avoid shipping fever becoming a problem, ensure your horses are kept well hydrated, on bedding that is highly absorbent and low in dust – such as paper bedding on top of rubber matting. Any forage provided should be well soaked beforehand, and by offering treats from the floor you can help to encourage your horse to put its head down. 

 

Readers' Comments

You must be logged in to view or make comments