Reduce Your Horse’s Transport Stress

as temperature and air quality the physical environment flooring and bedding lighting suitability of the unit for the horses on board and cleanliness loading plan pairing compatible horses together or moving incompatible horses apart and stall size and even trip planning to minimize stress from unfamiliar surroundings. Cleanliness of the trailer provides a healthier environment for the horses inside. Manure sheds bacteria urine gives off toxic ammonia and the dust emanating from dried manure can easily overwhelm the cleansing functions of a horses respiratory system.
Air quality is always a major concern yet frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Ventilation is important during transit and seasonal conditions will dictate how we maintain an acceptable quality of air flow through the trailer. Roof vents should most commonly be open towards the rear of the unit in this direction they act as exhaust points allowing the air inside the trailer to escape. With side windows open this creates a steady flow of air through the trailer while in motion. On extremely warm days opening the roof vents to the front will reverse the flow of air to a degree and force more fresh air into the trailer but doing so also causes turbulence inside which can result in more debris and dust for the horses to inhale or become embedded in their eyes. Simply wetting down the bedding and misting the hay slightly will usually control the majority of airborne debris.
I would like to address the alltoocommon and potentially dangerous practice of leaving dropdown windows open while moving. Dropdown windows were designed to allow additional ventilation while the vehicle is parked and to allow head access to the horses and should never be left in the fully open position when traveling. With the dropdown window open a horse cannot avoid the blast of incoming wind which is at the very least uncomfortable but also increases the risk of injury from airborne debris. I have seen some rigs underway with both the drop down and window bars open allowing the horses to poke their heads outside. This should never be done! Even a moderately sized insect can strike the eye blinding the horse permanently. There have been many cases where passing trucks have struck horses with their mirrors horses have spooked and tried to climb out the window and some have been decapitated when the trailer passed an oncoming vehicle. Transport regulations share a constant throughout