The Not-So-Secret Diary of Diva the Shetland Pony – What to Wear!

Every day sees hundreds, if not thousands, of horses being transported along the roads of the UK. The reasons for travelling are varied: perhaps competing, moving areas or just travelling to a safe area to hack out. In any event, most horses and ponies wear some type of protection when in the horsebox or trailer.

Many horses have their lower legs protected by travel boots which cover their limbs from hoof to below the knee or hock or, more commonly, from hoof to above the knee and hock. When I was showing my mare, I used to use bandages and pads rather than boots as she had white legs, and I would often begin to warm her up with them on to keep her clean. I am now taking Diva out to shows and clinics, and, because she is an unshod, black Shetland pony, I do not use travel boots or bandages on her as she can get warm travelling – and obviously those would keep her even warmer.

Some horses do not tolerate padded boots, and Florence used to stamp and kick if I put them on her. I swapped to travelling her with brushing boots on and overreach boots, which offered some protection against knocks or treading on herself. Having done this, she travelled like a dream and completely stopped kicking and stamping, so it is important to pay attention to what your horse is actually telling you. Some of the most expensive racehorses travel just with front boots on.

One thing that is an absolute must for me is a tail bandage and/or tail guard. I have seen too many rubbed raw docks to travel without this protection. I often put a bandage on the tail and then a tail guard with a tail bag that covers the whole of the tail on top of the bandage. This offers good protection if the horse or pony “sits” against the rear of the stall and also keeps the tail clean, which helps when you get to your show and have to get them ready.

Depending on the weather, and if they are clipped or in a full winter coat, most horses and ponies will have some sort of rug or sheet on whilst travelling. I tend to favour rugs that will wick away any moisture from the coat, which keeps them comfortable should they sweat. I had one horse who used to really feel the cold, and I could literally travel with him in a thick stable rug, yet another needed only a thin sheet even when clipped, and he used to sweat a little whilst travelling.

As the horsey world reawakens after the winter break in competitions etc., ensure you and your horse are safe and have the transport covered by Lancaster Insurance for peace of mind should things go wrong.