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PREPARING A HORSE FOR TRANSPORT in Canada

When you need to transport a horse, you need to be sure you're using the best provider for the job. Let uShip help you find the best horse transporter based on rates, availability and customer feedback. We're here to help along the way too, with tips and assistance should you have any trouble along the way.

The uShip marketplace lets you compare horse trailering services and their rates Just create a listing for your horse shipment, with details about weight and timeframe. Experienced horse transporters will submit quotes and compete for your business, giving you the best rates possible.

SHIPPING A HORSE

uShip makes horse transport as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1 | CREATE YOUR LISTING

Plan ahead and consider the timeframe that will work for you. Then, gather information about the horse including weight, height in hands, breed and name. Include any other info such as special care requirements. Carefully specify pick up and delivery locations and dates. Provide as much detail as you can for accurate quotes.

White horse against a blue sky
Three horses in a trailer

2 | CHOOSE THE BEST HORSE TRANSPORTER

Once your shipment is active, you'll start receiving quotes from horse transporters. When you receive these quotes, you can interact with the horse transporters and ask them questions to help you choose the right one. Some of the most common questions horse transporters get are:

  • How many years have you been transporting horses?
  • How often do you stop for food and water?
  • What will you do if my horse has a medical emergency?
  • How often will you contact me during the trip?
  • What is your fee?
  • What do you do for overnight trips?
  • How can I best prepare my horse for transport?
  • What supplies should I pack with my horse?

Every uShip transporter has a profile which lists transportation history, customer rated feedback and safety records. Many carriers also show photos of their equipment in their profile, so you should be able to see the kind of trailer your horse would be transported in.Review these profiles carefully, and utilize the Q+A section of your listing, so you can feel confident in choosing the best horse transport company.

3 | HORSE TRANSPORT & DELIVERY

When you've chosen a transporter, you'll contact them directly with questions, concerns and clarifying details. Give the horse transporter any relevant third party contact information, and be sure to make them aware of any special needs or behavioral considerations your horse has. At this point, you'll need to agree on pickup and dropoff locations, dates and times, and payment details. Be sure to be on time and available with payment at the agreed upon time and place. We're here to help every step of the way, so contact us if you have any trouble.

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Horses being transported in a horse trailer

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRANSPORT A HORSE in Canada?

The cost of transporting your horse depends on your horse itself and the distance it will travel. On average, it costs $1.86 per km for horse transport less than 100 kms, and costs $1.10 per km for horse transport less than 1,000 kms.

Whether you're buying a horse from another province, shipping a horse to rodeo, or sending your horse to a show, you want the best horse transport available. Check our cost-to-ship a horse page, where you can view past real-world transport transactions. Getting familiar and comfortable with the uShip process will benefit you during your horse transport transaction.

PREPARING YOUR HORSE FOR TRANSPORT

Before shipment, make sure the horse is in good physical health. If your horse is injured or unwell, it should not be shipped. Any transport puts an ailing horse at risk and could threaten other horses with infection.

In most cases, the horse transporter will require a health certificate or veterinarian's clearance. Even if the certificate is not required, it's a good idea to have a vet check out the horse ahead of time anyway.

Horse being loaded onto a trailer

TEACHING YOUR HORSE TO LOAD

When the horse transporter arrives, you'll need to lead the horse into the trailer. It's a good idea to practice loading and unloading with your horse ahead of time. Try leading the horse around the trailer and letting it inspect it at will. Be calm and act normal around the trailer, not forcing anything on the horse. Keep the horse stress-free by avoiding any bribing or punishment methods. When the time comes to load up, your horse should do so willingly, and not need to be forced into the trailer.

Your horse also needs to know some simple commands to make transport go smoothly. The most important to know when learning to trailer are:

  • Walk
  • Stop
  • Back up
  • Turn around

Lastly, with the trailer packed into an enclosed area, teach the horse to trailer. Calmly walk the horse to the ramp, guide the horse's nose into the entry, and command it to "walk." It may take some patience to learn, but each time the horse backs out, repeat the process, walking the horse back a bit before instructing it again to "walk" into the trailer.

With practice, your horse will become more comfortable with trailer. Your carrier will thank you, and your horse will remain safe during the duration of the transport.

Tips for Transporting Your Horse

  • Teach your horse to load and unload well before the trip.
  • Check your horse’s shoes and ask your transporter’s advice on bandaging.
  • Avoid tranquilizers, unless specifically recommended by your vet.
  • Plan your horse shipment so that your horse has plenty time to relax and rest when it arrives.
  • Provide a list of specific instructions about how you would prefer your horse to be shipped.

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