The Hawkins Guide - Equine Emergencies on the Road will help you take the steps necessary to handle and prevent on the road emergencies. Everyone who trailers horses - even for short distances - should be familiar with these important procedures.

During rest stops on road trips, follow this checklist to make sure your horses are comfortable while traveling. By the Editors of EQUUS magazine. This article originally appeared in EQUUS magazine in March 2003.

Articles & Tips: If you have trouble loading or unloading, get experienced help; Loading a horse on a trailer should be done by two persons if at all possible; Always stand to one side, never directly behind, when loading or unloading a horse from a trailer or truck; Be certain the ground area behind and around the truck or trailer affords safe footing before loading or unloading;

Factors Affecting Horses During Transport; Travel Tips to Minimize the Stress Associated with Transporting Horses; Trailer Safety Kit; The history of moving horses from one place to another dates back as far as 3500 years. Some of the reasons for transporting include: shipping horses long distances to participate in military conflicts in far- off colonies, breeding, racing competitions and slaughter.

Long Distance Trailering and Preparations. Before the trip you want to make sure that the horses have eaten normally and had access to all the clean water they will drink. If you have any horses that have never been trailered, teach them to load and take them on a short trip prior to your long trip. Always turn and stop very slowly the first few times so the horses can get their balance.