Frequently asked questions about horse transport

Does my horse need to wear a rug while travelling?

This depends on the type of horse, a cold-blooded horse is less likely to need a rug than a warm blooded horse.
If the horse has recently been clipped, we recommend putting on a anti-sweat rug or a thin summer rug.
If the horse is being transported for the first time and is not used to wearing a rug or such like, we advise against its use. The horse is already having to cope with lots of strange things so it could make an unfamiliar horse even more jittery.

When you have doubts, you can always hand a rug to the driver so that he can always put it on or take it off if the horse is too cold or too hot.

Does my horse need to wear leg protectors during transportation?

Once again the same thing applies: if your horse is used to them, it’s not a problem, otherwise it’s not recommended.
When you put bandages on, make sure they are put on tightly enough. But beware: too tight is bad for the blood circulation. When they are too slack, they sag down, annoying the horse that then tries all sorts of things to get them off its legs. 

The easiest things for the journey are shin guards. These are easy to take off and put back on again during the journey.

What will my horse be given to eat during the journey?

During the journey we only give hay and water. It is better, for the horse, to avoid giving heavy feed before the journey in order to avoid colic.

If your horse is on a special diet you can give feed and medicines with the necessary instructions along with the horse so that the animal can also be given this during the journey.

How many horses are carried in a horsebox?

This depends on the type of horses. Small and young horses can be transported loose in groups. Larger horses are normally stood alongside each other, a total of eight, with a partition between each horse with a headboard..

Can I have my tack and other things carried along with my horse on the journey?

You can send your tack, including the saddle, for your horse for free if it fits into the lockers under the truck. Make sure everything is well packed and has the right address on it.
When it relates to larger trunks then you can ask for an estimate. You can also provide the dimensions of the trunks so that we face no surprises during loading. 

My horse needs medicines. Can this be given during the journey too?

When you give the medicine and the correct written information to the driver, it is possible for this to be given during the journey. 

Is my horse insured during transportation?

All transport is at the owner’s own risk. However, Gelissen Paardentransport does have cargo insurance for the horses if something were to occur during loading or unloading or when there is an accident during the journey. In these instances your horse is insured up to € 5000.
You can have this increased for a fee amounting to 2% of the value of the horse. N.B: this increases the amount that may be paid out, not the extent of the cover. For the remainder the horse always travels at the owner’s own risk.