Horse transportation can be costly, but don’t worry, you don’t need to break the bank to get your horse from point A to point B!
Transporting a horse can vary greatly depending on if you are renting a trailer, how far you are traveling, and if you are hiring professionals. In this article, we’ve rounded up the most current costs of transporting a horse. Read on for all the details, and make sure to plan ahead before your next horse trip.
Bringing Home a New Horse: One-Time Costs
Bringing home a new horse for your stable can be costly, as the transportation alone may range from $250 to an astonishing $2,000. Depending on the distance of travel, this cost varies significantly and should not be overlooked when acquiring a new equine companion.
For shorter distances, such as within the same state, you can expect to pay a standard fee. If you’re transporting your horse across state lines, though, that cost is often substantially higher.
Even if you consider hauling your own trailer and driving it yourself, don’t forget to include additional costs like gasoline consumption and toll payments into your overall budget!
Free
Transporting a horse can be costly, but if you’ve got a friend or family member who owns their own trailer, you may be able to hitch a ride for free. Of course, this is dependent upon the availability of that vehicle and the driver’s willingness to help. It never hurts to ask!
Initial Setup and Supplies
$80–$300
If a free ride is out of the equation, you’ll need to start thinking about the overall cost of transporting your horse. That means you’ll need to prepare for the initial setup and supplies like stable materials, hay, feed buckets, and more. Depending on how much your horse needs, this cost can be anywhere from $80 to $300.
List of American Quarter Horse Care Supplies and Costs
| Boarding | $200–$1,000 |
| Trimming/Shoeing (Farrier) | $40–$300 |
| Microchip | $60 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $300 |
| X-Ray Cost | $50–$100 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $50–$100 |
| Grooming | $200 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $80–$100 |
How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Horse Per Month?
$50–$10,000
As you can see, there’s quite a difference in the potential cost of transporting a horse every month. Most professional horse transport companies charge anywhere from $0.75 to $3 a mile. So, you’ll need to do the math and consider the distance to determine a ballpark figure.
If you’re planning to transport a horse internationally, things get expensive fast. You’re looking at a fee of around $500 to $1,000 just for the international paperwork and around $2,000 to $10,000 for the actual transport.
Transportation Methods
How you choose to transport your horse can make all the difference in terms of cost. Let’s explore the most common methods of transport.
Ground Transportation
Ground transportation is the most common option and typically costs anywhere from $250 to $2,000, depending on the distance of travel. Be sure to consider additional costs associated with gas, tolls, and lodging for the driver.
Air Transportation
Transporting a horse by air is more expensive than transporting it on the ground. Flying a horse can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000 (or more!), depending on the destination, airline restrictions, and distance traveled.
Using a Professional Horse Transporting Company
Professional horse transport companies are a great option if you don’t have the capacity or resources to transport the horse yourself. These companies will come with their own transport vehicle and take care of all the proper paperwork.
However, professional transportation services come at a price and can be costly depending on their services. Remember, these prices typically range from $0.75 to $3 per mile and can be the most expensive option for transporting your horse outside of air travel.
If you have the means to transport your horse yourself, it’s definitely worth looking into. However, if you’re short on time or don’t want to foot the bill for travel expenses and supplies, professional transport companies may be the way to go.
In any case, transporting a horse is no small feat and can put a strain on your wallet. Make sure you plan accordingly and budget for all potential costs to ensure your equine friend arrives safe and sound!
Tips to Transport Your Horse Safely
Transporting your horse doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking or stressful experience. With the right preparation, you can make sure that your horse arrives at his destination happy, healthy, and relaxed. Here are some tips to help you out:
Prepare Ahead of Time
Make sure that you have everything you need to transport your horse hours before the scheduled departure time. Check for things like adequate hay, water, and vet records. Don’t forget to also check that all paperwork is in order!
Choose the Right Vehicle
Find a vehicle with enough height, length, and width to accommodate your horse. Make sure to securely fasten the horse’s equipment to avoid any shifting during travel. Your horse’s safety should be your top priority here.
If necessary, find an experienced driver to help you out. If the horse is being transported by air, make sure that he’s been properly sedated or tranquilized before takeoff.
Check the Temperature
Ensure that the temperature is comfortable for your horse while he is being transported. If you’re traveling during hot weather, provide some shade and ventilation so your horse can stay cool and relaxed.
The average horse prefers a temperature somewhere between 18°F and 59°F. You can also make sure the horse is well-hydrated before and during transport to keep him from getting dehydrated.
Provide Comfort and Safety
For extra safety, make sure that your horse is wearing protective gloves and boots while traveling. Make sure to also have a few first aid kits handy in case of any emergencies.
Following these simple tips can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your horse! So get ready to hit the road with a little less worry and a lot more peace of mind.
Have a Plan for Layovers
If you need to take a layover, have a plan for where your horse will stay and how he’ll be taken care of. Research the area you’re traveling through ahead of time so that you can make sure your horse is safe and comfortable during his layover.
It’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure there are no surprises during the layover. You may need to make accommodations such as hay, bedding, or even an experienced handler during the layover.
Allow Your Horse Time to Recover
Once you have arrived at your destination, give your horse some time to recover. Make sure that he has access to fresh food and water, as well as a comfortable place to rest.
It can be hard for a horse to be transported for a long distance, so you absolutely must give your horse the time and space to recover properly.
Conclusion
Transporting a horse is a big responsibility, but with a little preparation and planning, you can make sure that your horse’s experience is as stress-free as possible. Make sure to follow all the steps outlined in this article to make sure your horse has a safe and comfortable journey. Happy—and safe—travels!
Featured Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay
