Temperature and ventilation in a horse trailer: what to respect, summer and winter

A trailer or horsebox creates a microclimate that the horse cannot regulate on his own. A little planning prevents heatstroke as well as chills.

What the French rules say during a heatwave

In France, when a département is placed on orange or red heatwave alert, road transport of live animals is banned between 1 pm and 6 pm, unless the vehicle is air-conditioned or fitted with a ventilation and misting system, and unless three animals or fewer are transported. For journeys over 8 hours, the temperature on board must stay below 30 °C (source: French Ministry of Agriculture, rules on animal transport during heatwaves).

In practice, in summer

Choose early morning or evening departures, open the vents without creating a direct draught on the horse, and plan stops to offer water. A trailer overloaded with horses is less well ventilated: do not exceed the capacity set by the manufacturer.

In winter, the opposite mistake exists too

A fully closed trailer with no air flow encourages damp and respiratory problems, even in cold weather. Minimal ventilation is needed all year round. What you must avoid is air blowing straight onto the horse, not the air itself.

Signs to watch during the journey

Heavy sweating, fast breathing, unusual agitation: take these signals seriously. They justify a stop to assess the situation rather than carrying on and hoping it will pass.

The right setting depends on the vehicle, the number of horses on board and the weather on the day: if in doubt, your vet or the professional transporter you chose will know how to adjust.