first-pickupforwardforward-arrow-onlypaymentsshield-with-checksuccess
Smart Transportation
Learn More
Easy Tracking
Learn More
Secure Payments
Learn More
uShip Guarantee
Learn More

Transporting Your Horse with uShip

Preparing your horse for transport couldn’t be easier with uShip. All you need to do is create a listing and let the expert horse transporters come to you. Each transportation service has a profile for you to view their history and customer feedback to make sure you’re choosing the perfect service for your valuable cargo. We’ll be here to help you every step of the way, from listing your transport needs to your horse arriving safely at their destination.

How to Transport Your Horse

Transporting your horse with uShip is easy as!

1 | Create Your Listing

The first step is to create a detailed listing on uShip for transportation companies to view. The best listings are as detailed as possible and include information such as the horse’s weight, height, breed and name, as well as any special care they may need. Be sure to include your desired budget, time frame, and pick up and delivery destinations.

White horse against a blue sky
Three horses in a trailer

2 | Choose the Best Transport Service

Now that your listing has been created, horse transportation providers will begin contacting you with quotes as they compete for your business. Before deciding on the cheapest quote, you can view each transporter’s profile to ensure they are the best match for you. Their profile will contain information such as delivery history, customer feedback, safety records and insurance policies. Most profiles will also include a picture of the trailers they use for transporting horses so you can see exactly what they are offering before you commit to anything.

This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have. Before you choose a transportation service, make sure you have discussed how often they will stop for food and water, what their procedure is for an emergency situation, how often you will be contacted throughout the journey and how you should best prepare your horse before departure.

3 Transport & Delivery

Once you’ve found the perfect transportation service for your horse, you’re ready to organise transport and delivery. Be sure to clearly communicate pick up and delivery details, such as time, location and if any third parties will be involved. Have payment available and be sure to provide your contact details in case of an emergency. Should you encounter any issues along the way, contact us so we can take the reins and steer you back on track. We’re here to make sure you have a winning experience from start to finish.

Get Quotes Now
Four horses being transported in a horse trailer

How Much Does Horse Transportation Cost?

The cost of horse transport depends on the distance and any specific needs your horse has. On average, it costs A$2.55 per kilometre for horse transport less than 100 kilometre, but costs A$1.10 per kilometre for horse transport less than 1,000 kilometre.

Whether you’re buying a horse from another state or deliver your horse to a show, choose your horse carrier carefully. We recommend taking a look at our cost to transport a horse page. There you’ll be able to view past real-world horse transport transactions as they happened. We know that getting familiar, and comfortable with our process is important.

How to Prepare Your Horse for Transport

Ensuring your horse is in good physical health is critical before departure. Injured or sick horses should not be placed in a trailer or transported as it may increase their health risks or pass the illness to other animals. Most transportation services require health certificates, so be sure to schedule an appointment with the vet before the scheduled departure date.

Another important step for preparing your horse for transport is teaching it to load and unload from a trailer. If your horse isn’t used to travelling, this is especially imperative to ensure a smooth journey for both your horse and the transporters who will be interacting with them. Your horse will need to know basic commands such as stop, walk, back up and turn around.

To practice loading and unloading, lead your horse around the trailer and let them inspect it at their own leisure. When your horse is familiar with the trailer, calmly walk your horse to the ramp. They may want to back out or get flustered, so the key is to remain calm and avoid bribing or punishing your horse to walk into the trailer. Teaching your horse to load and unload requires patience and persistence, but eventually your horse should become familiar and comfortable in their new space.

Horse being loaded onto a trailer

Tips for Transporting Your Horse

As you begin to prepare for your horse’s move, make sure you follow this quick checklist to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your animal.

  • Let your horse get familiar with the trailer they will be transported in.
  • Teach your horse to load and unload.
  • Discuss bandaging your horse’s shoes with your transporter.
  • Get a health check from your vet to provide to your transporter and ensure your horse is OK for travel.
  • Discuss with your vet if tranquilisers are necessary.
  • Should your horse have any special needs, make sure you discuss them in detail with your transporter.
  • Give your horse plenty of time to rest and relax when they arrive at their destination.

Ready for Your Horse Transport Quotes?

Get Started

Interested in using uShip for your business?

Learn More