Transporting a horse in winter: snow, ice and extreme cold

Winter does not stop horse transport, but it changes a few settings compared with a departure in high summer.

Check road conditions before you leave

Snow, ice, closed mountain passes: checking the road and weather forecasts the day before departure lets you adjust the route or departure time, rather than finding a closed road on the way with a horse on board.

Ventilation is still needed, even in extreme cold

Closing all the vents to keep the heat in encourages damp and respiratory problems. Minimal ventilation, without a direct draught on the horse, is recommended all year round.

A suitable rug, no more and no less

A horse that sweats under a rug that is too warm in the trailer is as likely to get cold on arrival as a horse with no rug in extreme cold. The choice depends on the horse's coat, the length of the journey and the real temperature inside the trailer, not only the outside temperature.

Allow extra travel time

Slower road conditions, possible stops to de-ice or wait for the weather to calm down: it is better to give a generous arrival time than to drive faster to catch up with a tight schedule.

When conditions are really bad, postponing the trip is often the best option, for the safety of the vehicle and crew as well as for the horse's comfort.