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Dramatic footage of travellers racing horses on busy road in Cork

Longest Travellers Horse Racing Today – We Have Today’s Travellers & a System to Profit From Them

It is a fact that you can back all horses that travel over 250 miles to the racecourse for a small level stakes profit at Betfair SP and we have included below a list of all the longest travelling horses today.

But if you want more profit you need to drill down and only bet the best selections.

On this page we have shared some research that will help you find the best selections to bet along with a traveller's check of the horses that have travelled over 200 miles today

So who has travelled the furthest today…

Today's Longest Travelled Horses are…

This table contains details of today's entries that have travelled 200+ miles(08-06-2024)

Longest Travellers Horse Racing System – Trainers Who Send Their Runners On Long Journeys by Dave Renham

In this article Dave Renham shares the research into which trainers win when they send their horses on long journeys.

It seems a lifetime ago when I went inside a bookmaker’s shop for the very first time.

It was in the early 90s, (the summer of 1993 from memory) in the seaside town of Bognor Regis in West Sussex. I was at teaching college there and one of my mathematical assignments for my degree had been about horse racing. I created a mathematical model which I ran on a BBC Basic computer of all things. How times have changed!

While writing the assignment I had started to dream that I could actually make life changing money from betting on horses. To be honest with you that dream has yet to be fully realised despite a few significant wins over of the years.

I visited that same bookie several times during that summer and while I was there I “listened in” on numerous conversations thinking that I would learn some real “nuggets”. I heard punters talk bullishly about course and distance winners, beaten favourites, and trainers who had travelled long distances to run their horses . It did not take me that long to realise that none of these ideas would prove “blindly” profitable in the long term.

However, they are all areas where I have “crunched the numbers” since, in order to help me build up my racing knowledge and understanding, and in this article, I am going to revisit one such idea. The plan is to examine how well certain trainers have done when sending their runners on a long trip to race.

Horse Racing – Longest Travellers

I have looked at UK flat racing data (inc. all weather) for the last 5 full seasons (2016 – 2020). All profits/ losses have been calculated to Betfair SP (BSP). I have used a travelling distance of 200 miles as my minimum – that would equate to a minimum travel time of 4 hours or so which I think makes sense. Longest travelling distance for some trainers in the country is roughly 450 miles – this of course depends on where the stables of the trainers are in relation to the courses.

I have also restricted my research to trainers who have sent at least 200 runners on such a hike – this gives me a solid enough sample I believe.

To start therefore, let me share the results of all trainers that had 200 or more runners during the period of study (distance travelled to track 200 miles or more).

They are ordered by strike rate:

Several trainers in the list have made a profit so let me dig a bit deeper into individual trainer performances.

Ralph Beckett

Beckett’s overall figures are impressive with a strike rate edging towards 1 win in 4, coupled with profits of around 36 pence in the pound. He has produced a very good strike rate at Pontefract thanks to 14 wins from 32 starters (SR 43.8%) showing a return of 29 pence in the pound.

Likewise, his record with favourites (including joint favs) is excellent – 66 winners from 137 runners (SR 48.2%) for a healthy profit of £49.02 (ROI + 35.8%).

It seems therefore that Beckett is prepared to look for really good opportunities for his fancied runners regardless of where in the country it is. Beckett also has decent stats when focusing on better class races. In races of class 3 or higher his record with these long travellers has seen 58 winners from 267 runners (SR 21.7%) for a huge profit of £194.81 (ROI + 73.0%). In addition to this, he seems very happy to send his youngest and most inexperienced runners (his 2yos) on long journeys. 2yos have won 34 of the 110 starts (SR 30.9%) for a profit of £31.51 (ROI + 28.6%).

Perhaps not surprisingly 2yo favourites have done exceptionally well with 22 winners from 40 (SR 55.0%) producing a profit of £21.31 (ROI + 53.3%). It is also worth noting that when Beckett has 3 or less runners on the day (regardless of where they run) these long travellers seem worth following – 52 winners from 182 (SR 28.6%) for a profit of £107.23 (ROI + 58.9%). When these long travellers are the only runner on the day the performances are also strong also (14 wins from 45 for returns of 42p in the £). Finally for Beckett it is worth sharing that his record has been very consistent year in year out. 4 of the 5 years have shown a profit, and strike rates each year have been in excess of 19%.

Willie Haggas

Haggas is simply solid across the board with his long travellers. He does send a good proportion to the all weather track at Newcastle, but one track that may be worth keeping an eye on is Ayr. He has only had 9 runners there but 6 have won. It is a rare trip, but worth putting in your notebook! As with Beckett 4 of the 5 years have seen Haggas’s long travellers produce a profit.

Mark Johnston

Johnston has always been one of my favourite trainers and considering he has had over 3000 runners in this sample, it is fairly impressive to see that his runners have roughly broken even. The long travellers of Johnston to concentrate on seem to be his 2yos. He has sent 989 runners to courses 200 or miles away from his training base with 189 winning. This equates to a strike rate of 19.1% and would have secured an impressive profit of £189.14 (ROI + 19.2%).

Not only that, Johnston’s 2yos have proved profitable in each of the last five seasons showing real consistency. Another example of the consistency of these 2yos is when you look at their results in terms of the class of the race. The table below illustrates this perfectly:

Profitable in every class of race with solid strike rates especially from Class 3 through to Class 6. The final Johnston 2yo stat to share is his record when they start as favourite – 92 winners from 194 runners (SR 47.4%) for a decent profit of £55.62 (ROI + 28.7%). In fact, favourites across the board (all ages) have produced a profit – 211 wins from 513 runners (SR 41.1%) producing a profit of £83.88 (ROI + 16.4%).

It generally pays to stick to the more fancied 2yo Johnston runners as horses priced 12/1 or shorter have produced a small profit of 5p in the £ over 2305 runners.

Hugo Palmer

Hugo Palmer’s long travellers in the main head up North to the all weather track in Newcastle. He has made good profits at this track equating to just over 25 pence in the pound. He rarely sends runners to Carlisle but 6 of the 9 have won with a further 2 placing. Hence on the rare occasions his runners go there, they are definitely worth a second glance. As with Johnston, his favourites have performed profitably thanks to 29 winners from 50 runners (SR 58.0%) for a profit of £18.33 (ROI + 36.7%). Sticking with favourites, those that have started Evens or shorter have a near perfect record with 18 wins from 19 qualifiers (SR 94.7%) for a profit of £9.99 (ROI +52.6%). Horses 9/1 or shorter have done well as a whole too with 52 wins from 167 runs (SR 31.1%). Profits from those runners stand at £59.33 (ROI + 35.5%). Finally, in weaker races, Palmer’s runners have excelled. In Class 5 or lower races he has had 39 winners from 131 runners (SR 29.8%) for very strong profits of £71.95 (Roi +54.9%). To finish this article, I would like to share some more trainer data with you. I have looked at trainer performance with long travellers when they send just one runner to the track. Below the table shows all the trainers who have secured a strike rate in excess of 20% with a minimum of 50 runs:

A few additional trainers make this list and overall, we see 10 of the 14 in profit. I have yet to look in more detail at this angle but will do so in the future. You may wish to do some digging yourself from this initial starting point.

All in all, I have only scratched the surface really in terms of long travellers, but in certain circumstances there seems to be potential profits to be made focusing in on a handful of trainers. I must admit the findings have surprised me a little, but in a good way.

David Renham  

Also check out First time Headgear (Systems and Runners) First Run Since Wind Op – Chase the Wind Gelding Horses – Today’s Runners + Winning Strategies

france leclerc

Street and documentary photography, horsing around with the irish travellers.

• September 9, 2018

As I mentioned in my previous post ( Irish Travellers who No Longer Travel ), the Irish Travellers had been nomadic for generations, traveling the countryside in horse-drawn carts and wagons, presumably because of the limited demand for work at any one place.  Now, facing pressure from the government, they have mostly settled in halting sites, areas of concrete slabs where they can locate their caravans.

This lifestyle change did not come easily, particularly for the men who found themselves with very little to do.  The unemployment rate is high in the Travellers’ community, and the suicide rate is said to be seven times higher than in the population in general. The one thing that seems to provide the men life satisfaction is to be able to keep horses.

Horses have long been integral to Irish Travellers’ life and culture.  Not only were horses the Traveller’s primary means of transportation, but they were also an additional way to make a little money when sold at horse fairs.  Though no longer a means of transportation, horses are still being traded at the numerous fairs held all over the country. The Travellers also enjoy racing their horses using a two-wheeled cart called a sulky (as in harness racing). There have been calls in recent years by politicians and animal welfare groups to introduce a complete ban on sulky racing, which the Travellers’ community is fighting vigorously.

But keeping a horse in today’s civilization can be challenging.  Make-shift stables are built at halting sites, and adjacent fields can provide grazing, though renting a field is expensive.  Yet, the Travellers dearly want to maintain that part of their culture and share this passion with their sons.  (Dealing with the horses still seems primarily a male activity in the Traveller’s community.)

Most boys are given a miniature pony which they learn to ride as early as age two.  They are also responsible for taking care of their animal, so when you visit a halting site, it is common to see young boys busy feeding, washing, and grooming their animals and sometimes taking them for a ride, just as their fathers do.  Their pride in their horses is obvious, but it made it even more salient for me when a young man kept asking me to see the photos I had taken of him and his horse and rejecting every one of them as “no good”.   Asking him what he did not like, he volunteered that he was happy with his appearance but thought his horse’s image was not sufficiently flattering.

It appears that a strong bond between the Travellers and their horses is a part of their life to which they will strongly cling.  As Ned, the father of nine beautiful children told me, “We are not traveling anymore, but we are still Travellers, and we need our horses.  It gives us something to do.”  And it gives meaning to their lives.

P.S. You can follow me on Instagram at franceleclerc

4 Responses

More fascinating commentary and provocative images. Very interesting that the horses are still such an important part of the community, despite their underutilization in farming or transportation. I love the comment from the boy about his horse not looking good enough in your photos!

Thanks Kathy. Yes I was quite surprised to realize how important their horses are for them. I guess they feel that they’ve lost enough to this new lifestyle. And yes, this boy made me doubt my photography skills for a while as it took me many attempts to get a shot he liked. I obviously should have asked him earlier what the problem was :-). Kind regards, France

You are a master storyteller. What a super set of images!

Nice hearing from you, Jeremy. You are very kind. Do you know English Travellers? Hope you are well. France

Would love to hear from you! Cancel reply

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Historic Saratoga takes its place at center of horse racing world

Belmont stakes comes to update new york site for first time next week.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Health, history and horses are the three H’s carved into the welcome sign when travelers venturing into New York’s Adirondack Mountains reach Saratoga Springs.

Horses have always been the main event here, where the oldest active sporting venue in the country, the Saratoga Race Course, stands at the heart of the town of 30,000.

Saratoga has seen upsets since opening before the end of the Civil War, including Upset defeating decorated Man o’ War and Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh slipping up against Keen Ice in the Travers.

For the first time, the Saratoga Race Course will have the best 3-year-olds in the world duke it out in a Triple Crown race when the venerable track hosts the Belmont Stakes on June 8.

“I mean, this has been a rumor for a couple of years regarding the Belmont in Saratoga,” Mayor John Safford said. “The fact that it actually came about is just exciting.”

The excitement is palatable every year. Once July rolls around, Saratoga becomes a full-force race town: parked cars align the streets, fans flood the sidewalks walking with coolers, kids yell, “Get your $1 water here!” the smell of cigarette smoke and horses fills the air and the downtown restaurants pack in guests.

Racing is the fifth season of Saratoga. A town that revolves around a 1 1/8-mile dirt track for two months of the year and has been for just under 160 years since John Morrissey wanted a place to gamble during the day in 1863.

Rumors of the race coming to Saratoga emerged when the New York Racing Association scheduled $455 million renovations for Belmont Park in 2024-25 and needed a new place to host the final leg of the Triple Crown. NYRA President David O’Rourke sent the invitation to Saratoga, one of the most historic horse racing cities in the world and home of the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

In October 2022, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus received word that if the funding for the renovations got approved, Saratoga would host the Belmont in 2024 and 2025.

“I can tell you everybody in the room wanted to hug David O’Rourke for the opportunity to host this,” Shimkus said. “We’ve been anticipating this for almost two years now and can’t wait.”

This is not the first time the race, ordinarily run at 1 1/2 miles, is taking place somewhere other than Belmont Park. Aqueduct in Queens had it from 1963-67 while Belmont underwent renovations.

National Racing Museum historian and long-time horse racing writer Mike Veitch doesn’t know why closer Aqueduct was passed over so quickly but understands why Saratoga was the pick.

“Clearly, Saratoga is popular and clearly a lot of people are going to be here, so I get that,” Veitch said. “I think that NYRA probably knows that there’ll be a big crowd here, which there will be.”

NYRA has capped the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga at 50,000 fans, which is right at capacity. Veitch, along with locals, is skeptical an event of this size can happen in Saratoga logistically.

The city is prepared, and the Belmont is far from the first large event to come to Saratoga. The Grade 1 Travers Stakes is the peak of the track’s annual summer racing, with crowds upwards of 40,000.

Last year, Phish played a sold-out 27,000-crowd concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center the night before the Travers. The Travers then had a crowd of 47,000 the next day.

The one-day attendance record at Saratoga is 72,745 in 2007, far above the 50,000 Belmont cap.

“It’s 50,000 people here on Saturday, June 8, that is unprecedented,” Shimkus said. “We’ve never had that many people here on a June 8 in the history of Saratoga Springs. But 50,000 people come here often over the summer.”

Whether historians and locals like the Belmont coming to Saratoga or not, the estimated $50 million revenue boost, along with the exposure for the town is tough to pass down, and that’s even with Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan losing in the Preakness to eliminate the chance of a Triple Crown being on the line at the place affectionately known as the Spa.

“It is sure to be an incredibly exciting weekend,” O’Rourke said. “We are thrilled to be able to add this chapter to the long and storied history of thoroughbred racing here in Saratoga.”

There is still another year for that possibility, and Safford wondered about even a third — depending on the speed of the renovations downstate.

Regardless, Belmont’s reconstruction has allowed Saratoga, a pillar of horse racing from its beginnings, to get another major addition to its remarkable resume.

“We’ve been racing horses here for almost 160 years now,” Shimkus said. “This is a major destination in a city of 28,000 people. That story gets told as a result of the Belmont Stakes being here.”

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They came, they saw, they trotted on! - London Xmas drive 2022

Hundreds of Gypsies, Travellers and friends from all over the UK converged on Wapping with their horses and carts, east London, last Saturday, to take part in the London Christmas Horse Drive. About 60 - 100 lots braved the cold, chilly - but thankfully dry - weather to complete the drive which went from Wapping, through Camden, onto Soho and then Buckingham Palace and finishing at Borough Market, south London. 

Photographs by Mike Doherty and Katie Jones for the Travellers' Times

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Belmont at Saratoga means shortening the 3rd Triple Crown race, but most are OK with that

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York -- The Belmont Stakes is the final test of the Triple Crown - the third resume booster to edge a horse into the history books. It's not an easy feat.

The third leg is the longest of the three races at 1.5 miles and requires a horse with endurance to handle it. There have been 36 Triple Crown-eligible horses heading into the Belmont, and only 13 have secured the third jewel.

This year, with it happening at Saratoga Race Course instead of Belmont Park, the shape of the track makes it implausible to run it at 1.5 miles, so it's being shortened to 1.25 miles - the same distance as the Kentucky Derby. It's a change but not one that retired jockey and Fox Sports racing analyst Richard Migliore believes deserves an asterisk for the winner.

"It takes nothing away from the event whatsoever," Migliore said. "It's an American classic race that's tough to win. Winning races at the Grade I level, at any distance, whether it's 5 furlongs or 2 miles, is extremely tough."

Changing the distance is nothing new for the Belmont, which has been run at various lengths since the first edition in 1867. Going 1.5 miles has been a mainstay since 1927, though it was shortened to 1.5 miles in 2020 when it led off the out-of-order Triple Crown because of the pandemic.

This year, it's just a quarter-of-a-mile change, but it has been a major factor in the horses' entry for the stakes.

Derby winner Mystik Dan is set to run in the Belmont, but trainer Kenny McPeek said he probably would not have run him at the traditional distance.

"I'd rather it be a mile and a quarter than a mile and a half," McPeek said. "I could see not taking him down to Belmont and running him at a mile and a half."

The 9-5 opening favorite Sierra Leone was a nose behind Mystik Dan in the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Chad Brown was unsure about the regular distance, but once it was announced it'd be shorter, he entered the horse.

"It made a decision very easy," Brown said. "It looks like he has unbelievable stamina. But it still doesn't necessarily mean I think he's a mile-and-a-half horse. ... Much more appealing at the mile-and-a-quarter distance."

The shorter distance is not appealing for all trainers. Todd Pletcher, who has won the Belmont four times, would've preferred the normal distance. Pletcher has three entries in the 10-horse field, including 7-2 second choice Mindframe.

"We'd probably have two more in it," Pletcher said. "I miss the mile-and-a-half part of it. Part of it is selfish because I've had success at that distance. I do appreciate that it is the real test in a mile and a half. But how could you not embrace having a great race at Saratoga."

The distance change is temporary for the next two years before the race is set to return to remade Belmont Park in 2026, following $455 million in renovations. It is then expected to go back to being the 1.5-mile "test of the champion" that it has been known as for nearly a century.

"In a perfect world, yes, I would like to see it a mile and a half," Migliore said. "I don't think it distracts from the race itself being shortened up."

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727-1 long distance traveller treble for Wednesday

We have three meetings to sink our teeth into on Wednesday! Warwick and Lingfield host the afternoon action, before Kempton takes over to stage a competitive evening card.

We’ll have horse racing tips for all the action, including a NAP of the Day and Lucky 15 tips ! This article will be focusing on the horses who are making long journeys to take up their engagements.

Sending a horse hundreds of miles up or down the country is a costly and time-consuming exercise, so taking a look at the travellers list is a fantastic angle into the day’s racing.

You can find some of the Wednesday’s long distance travellers below, with the treble paying 727-1 at the time of writing (6pm on Tuesday).

3.55 Lingfield – Star Act (272 miles)

Previously trained in Ireland by Adrian McGuinness,  Star Act  could be rejuvenated by the switch to Karl Burke’s stable.

Failing to improve for her previous connections, she still showed enough to suggest she could win a handicap at this lowly level. She was last seen over seven furlongs at Dundalk, where she ran better than the bare result after being hampered on the turn.

She makes her British debut off four pounds lower and this isn’t a strong race for the level. Harrison Shaw is 2/7 when riding for Burke this season and there’s plenty to like about her chances.

5.55 Kempton – Iconic Belle (249 miles)

It’s been a while between drinks, but  Iconic Belle  has showed signs of promise in four starts this winter.

She’s been far from disgraced in two recent outings, latterly running out of steam late on over two miles after looking a big danger. Today’s drop to eleven furlongs looks set to suit, especially in a race where she’ll have a strong pace to aim at.

She was placed off a mark of 76 last winter and racing off 65 today, she’s clearly on an exploitable rating. Kevin Stott returns to the saddle and she’s’ one to take very seriously.

8.00 Kempton – Wemyss Point (249 miles)

Another long distance traveller from the Philip Kirby stable,  Wemyss Point  has gone close on three of his last four outings.

Most recently, he bumped into a runaway winner at Lingfield, becoming outpaced before staying on stoutly in the closing stages. That run would suggest Kempton’s stiffer finish would suit him, as he possesses an abundance of stamina.

He’s just a pound higher for today’s start and this is is just his third run at Class 6 level. He’ll be doing all his best work in the closing stages and if they go too hard early, he’ll be one taking full advantage.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards 

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The Long Haul: Traveling Long-Distances With Horses

• June 12, 2019
• Posted by Alayne Blickle
• Topics: Basic Care , Biosecurity , Farm and Barn , Horse Care , Insect Control , Lameness , Nutrition , Other Respiratory Problems , Respiratory Problems , Trailers & Trailer Safety , Trailers & Trailer Safety , Transport Stress , Transportation , Ulcers , Vital Signs & Physical Exam , Water & Electrolytes

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Steps to take before, during, and after a long-distance trailer ride

Sarah Burris bought a lovely young cowhorse from Idaho in an online sale. There was only one problem: She lives in North Carolina and needed to ship the filly across the country to get her home. The filly was sensitive and not a good eater to begin with, says Burris. As a result, she arrived underweight, depressed, slightly dehydrated, and sporting a snotty nose. 

Many owners ship horses all over the country these days, whether to attend competitions or relocate. Some haul their horses themselves, while others hire carriers to do the job.

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14 days of horse racing scheduled at Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

DU QUOIN, Ill. (KFVS) - Horse racing is back at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds this summer.

The fairgrounds will host 14 days, including two nights, of harness racing. This also includes the three days of racing during the State Fair.

Harness racing kicks off with two days of live racing on Thursday, June 6 and Friday, 7.

Racers resume on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28.

There will be four days of racing in July, on Thursday, July 18, Friday, July 19, Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27.

In August, state fair-goers can watch three days of racing on Monday, Aug. 26, Tuesday, Aug. 27 and Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The summer events wrap up with three nights of racing on Wednesday, September 25, Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27.

Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association (IHHA) President Jeff Davis is thrilled harness racing is back at the Du Quoin Fairgrounds and he hopes southern Illinoisans will come out to watch.

“This is a very special track and harness racing has a very long history in Illinois,” said Davis in a released statement. “I hope that everyone in the area takes advantage of the opportunity to come out and support your local horsemen and see some thrilling races.”

Copyright 2024 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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Traveling with horses: 11 long-distance trailering & travel tips.

Long-distance travel with your horse can be challenging. Whether heading to a competition, moving to a new location, or embarking on an adventure, careful planning and preparation are key to ensuring a safe and comfortable trip for you and your horse. In this blog, we’ll explore essential tips, considerations, and practical advice to help you navigate the intricacies of traveling long distances with your horse, from health and safety precautions to logistical planning and everything in between. 

11 travel tips and necessities when traveling with horses

Traveling with horses requires prepping in advance to ensure the safety and well-being of your horses. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need, as well as tips and considerations for a long-distance journey with your horse.

1. Use the right horse trailer

The most important thing you’ll need is a suitable mode of transportation to transport your horses from one location to another safely–in this case, a horse trailer . The horse trailer size and style needed will depend on how many horses you have and your towing vehicle. Ensure your horses are safely secured within the trailer or transport vehicle with appropriate restraints to prevent injury or accidents during transit.

Learn more: How to Choose the Right Style and Size Horse Trailer

2. Pack proper tack and equipment

Whether moving your horses to a new permanent location or traveling to a show, you’ll need your horses’ tack and equipment. This includes saddles , bridles , halters , lead ropes , and other equipment for riding or handling your horses. You may also want to use protective boots or wraps for your horses’ legs to prevent injuries during transportation.

Also, consider the weather conditions at your destination and bring appropriate gear, like blankets or fly masks , to protect the horses from extreme temperatures, rain, or insects.

3. Provide access to feed and water

Preparing feed and water is vital when traveling long distances with horses. You should maintain your horses’ regular feeding schedule as much as possible. A hay net stocked with fresh hay in the trailer will keep your horses fed throughout the journey. Even if your commute is relatively short, plan for hydration stops since horses should not go more than a few hours without water. 

Learn more: Horse Hydration 101: How Much Water Should Your Horse Drink in a Day

4. Use bedding

Standing on a hard surface for hours can be challenging for anyone, horses included. Consider adding bedding for the trailer to keep your horses comfortable during the journey. Bedding can also absorb urine and keep the trailer sanitary. If you use bedding prone to dust, you may also want to add a fly mask to avoid respiratory issues. 

5. Carry health documents and identification

Make sure your horse is healthy enough to travel and that you have all necessary health documents, including Coggins tests, health certificates, and vaccination records when traveling, especially if crossing state or international borders. Carry proper identification for each horse, such as microchips, ID tags, or markings on the horse’s body, to facilitate identification in case of separation or emergency.

6. Bring grooming supplies

If you’re traveling for a show or competition, you want to make sure your horse looks its best after the journey. Bring brushes, combs, hoof picks, and other grooming supplies that will help freshen your horse up after traveling. Stay ready no matter what with a travel grooming kit .

7. Pack emergency supplies

Don’t forget to pack a well-stocked first aid kit specifically designed for horses , including wound dressings, antiseptic solutions, bandages, and medications. Carry extra supplies such as extra water, hay, and emergency repair materials for the trailer or vehicle in case of unexpected delays or breakdowns. Stay prepared for anything by keeping a list of emergency contact numbers for veterinarians, farriers, and other relevant authorities along the route.

8. Provide proper ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential to prevent overheating and respiratory issues during transportation. Ensure that the trailer or transport vehicle has adequate airflow, and consider using fans or opening windows if necessary. This is incredibly important in hot and humid weather . 

Frequent breaks can help horses clear their respiratory passages from dust and debris. Low-dust or shavings bedding is also essential, especially for horses prone to respiratory problems.

Learn more: How to Keep Your Horse Cool in a Trailer

9. Keep an eye out for shipping fever

Shipping fever, or transport stress pneumonia or shipping pneumonia, is a respiratory condition affecting horses during or shortly after transportation. It typically occurs when horses are subjected to the stress of long-distance travel, especially in poorly ventilated trailers or under other conditions that compromise their respiratory health.

Preventing shipping fever involves minimizing stress and maintaining optimal conditions for the horse during transportation. Ensure proper ventilation within the trailer, Provide ample bedding, offer frequent rest breaks, and closely monitor the horse’s condition throughout the journey. Additionally, vaccinating horses against common respiratory pathogens and practicing good biosecurity measures can help reduce the risk of shipping fever.

Learn more: 17 Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Horse

10. Plan your route in advance

Plan your route carefully to ensure you have suitable places to stop for breaks along the way. When planning your travel route, it’s a good idea to identify potential stopping points in advance and have backup options in case your original plans need to change. Prioritize locations that offer safe, accessible parking and amenities that meet your and your horses’ needs.

11. Allow adequate recovery time

Once you’ve reached your destination, give your horses plenty of time to recover from extensive time on the road. Allow them to stretch their legs and move freely, if possible. Monitor them for any changes to their behavior or food intake, and call a veterinarian if they refuse to feed or have an elevated temperature.

How long can a horse stand in a trailer?

Ideally, horses should not exceed six to nine hours in a trailer without a break, depending on how much food and water you provide them. During long journeys, take breaks every four to six to check on your horses or let them rest and rehydrate. Breaks allow horses to relieve themselves, adjust their posture, and alleviate discomfort from prolonged standing. If traveling more than 12 hours, consider stabling your horse overnight to prevent fatigue and illness.

While horses spend most of their lives on their feet, don’t expect your horse to power through a 12-hour ride without breaks. The length of time a horse can stand in a trailer depends on several factors, including the individual horse’s temperament, health, comfort level, conditions inside the trailer, and the overall duration of the journey. 

It’s essential to monitor your horses closely during transit, paying attention to their behavior, body language, and overall well-being. Signs of stress or discomfort, such as pawing, sweating, restlessness, or excessive vocalization, may indicate that the horse needs a break or that you need to adjust their travel conditions.

Places to stop when traveling with horses

Plan your travel route ahead of time and map out any potential break areas where you can stop and tend to your horses. Here are some options for places to stop when traveling with horses.

Many highways and major roads have designated rest areas with restrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking spaces. These areas can provide a safe and convenient place to take breaks with your horses.

Truck stops

Truck stops often have ample parking space for trailers and provide fuel, food, water, and restroom facilities. While not specifically designed for horses, they can be suitable for short breaks during long journeys.

Equestrian facilities

Look for equestrian facilities or horse-friendly rest stops along your route that specifically offer hitching posts, watering stations, and even overnight stabling or turnout areas for horses if traveling long distances.

Public parks

Some public parks or recreational areas allow horse trailers and offer trails or open spaces where horses can stretch their legs and graze during breaks. Check for any restrictions or regulations before stopping at a public park.

Fairgrounds or event centers

Fairgrounds and event centers with horse facilities may allow travelers to use their grounds for rest stops. These venues often have large parking areas, water sources, and sometimes even horse stalls or turnout areas.

Private properties

You can stop at private properties for breaks if you have connections or arrangements with friends, family, or acquaintances along your route. Just be sure to get permission in advance and respect the property owner’s rules and guidelines.

In it for the long haul

Traveling with your horses can be challenging, but with proper planning, you and your horse can take the journey in stride. If you have questions about which horse trailer is right for a long-distance trip, Ken Feagin and his team have the answers! Give them a call or stop by to see their horse trailer selection in Campobello, SC! 

Shop all horse trailers today →

You might also like:

• 6 Best Horse Trailers with Living Quarters
• Ultimate Guide to Horse Trailer Weights, Types, and Sizes
• Ultimate Horse Show Checklist

Michelle has been obsessed with horses since childhood. In addition to managing the e-commerce department at Farm House Tack, she is a graduate B with the United States Pony Club and previously worked as an Equine Veterinary Technician. She currently competes in the Amature Owner Hunters with her home-bred warmblood gelding Lego. Her husband David is a DVM with a graduate degree in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia.

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How Racehorses Are Flying to the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby, famous for its high-brow Southern attendees donning seersucker jackets, is one of the most prestigious horse races on Earth. High net-worth racehorse owners who have spent millions training their esteemed horses for this historic race travel hundreds if not thousands of miles by plane, and they fly in style. The owners, sure, but we're talking about the horses. Indeed, equine transport is no joke when it comes to hauling around the best — and most expensive — in the business.

For the Kentucky Derby horses come from far and wide, and many require ground and air transport to reach the race. While specific transportation varies by owner, high-value horses (racing, jumping, you name it) typically fly with similar amenities from event to event. So how, then, do million-dollar racehorses fly, you ask? In the horse equivalent of private suites, of course.

Moving livestock isn't particularly unusual for several of the world's most prominent commercial haulers like Fedex, Emirates, Qatar, KLM, UPS, Atlas and Singapore. Emirates SkyCargo in particular, has a dedicated program for equine care including onboard grooms, temperature-controlled stalls and other premium amenities. Unsurprisingly, prices aren't cheap through any commercial carrier, and many of these carriers charge by the pound. International Racehorse Transport (IRT) , a company specializing in equine travel, provides safe and comfortable transport from ranches to races. Horses are loaded into portable stalls and then up cargo pallet loaders and into the massive cargo bays on freighter aircraft, like the one pictured below on an Emirates Boeing 777F, the cargo version of the twinjet that plies many of the world's long-haul routes.

You can see how the portable stalls being loaded onto the 777 look like standard cargo containers, adapted to contain large animals.

Dedicated companies like IRT pride themselves on decades-long service hauling horses across the globe, particularly their handling of the animals from pickup to dropoff, whether for Standardbreds, Olympians, or, as they put it, "treasured pets."

Horses often need to be quarantined before travel depending on where they're traveling to/from. Once travel day arrives, they're are loaded in large freight containers, one, two or three across (first, business or economy — no joke), depending on how much you've paid for your horse's ticket. IRT even has an onboard vet in some instances. For the thoroughbreds flying in to Louisville, Kentucky, most are probably in a private, "first class" stalls, unless they are thought to be more relaxed in the company of others.

Their food, as you can see below, is loaded with the container.

But perhaps the best in the biz, especially for the Derby, is Kentucky-based H.E. Sutton Forwarding Company. H.E. Sutton , otherwise known as "Tex Sutton", specializes in horse transport like no other. This equine transport company founded in the 1950s moves horses around with a Boeing 727-200 flown by cargo airline Kalitta Air and configured specifically for horses. Not surprisingly, the plane's flight logs often show it in Kentucky, one of the world's horse centers.

"Air Horse One", as it's nicknamed (it literally says "First class equine air travel" on the side of the plane), is outfitted with room for up to 21 horses, fitting two or three wide. Ticket prices vary but have been quoted in the several thousands of dollars per passenger. The animals are carefully loaded into the aircraft with inflight amenities like food (hay) and drinks (water — we didn't ask about champagne) to ensure that they arrive healthy, well-rested and relaxed. So much, in fact, are they committed to the comfort of their well-hoofed passengers that the aircraft often climbs and descends slower, and even will detour hundreds of miles out of its way to keep the flight as smooth as possible. One rep had said that flight crews will even accept long delays for the same reason. Thankfully, most horses seem to be used to it (and presumably don't mind waiting a little longer for a smooth flight).

From there, horses are brought to the racetrack, with little time to spare. If they've traveled from overseas, they may be quarantined once more, and trainers could request that horses have extra time to adjust to the time zone (jet lag, anyone?). For those AvGeeks out there, keep an eye on Louisville International Airport (SDF), UPS's own mega-hub, for any surprise aircraft hauling some of these horses to the biggest event in the sport.

The Kentucky Derby will begin on Saturday, May 5, just around 6:30 pm ET.

Changes in Land & Economy Define the Emerging New South

I n the late 19 th century, post Reconstruction, the Overton family remained at Travellers Rest and, as did the rest of Nashville, adapted to a nation entering a new era of industry. The city regained its economic strength and saw significant changes to its neighborhoods, way of life, and industries. The Overtons and Travellers Rest mirrored these changes. As the family grew, the land that was once a contiguous farm was divided amongst its heirs and new homes dotted the landscape.

B eginning with Judge Overton’s acquisition of Arabians, blooded horses have been part of Travellers Rest since its earliest days. Tennessee has a long history with fine horses and in the 19 th century was a national leader in thoroughbred racing, a past-time President Andrew Jackson took to Washington. However, as the 19 th century came to a close standardbred trotters emerged in preference to thoroughbred racing in the state partly due to the improvements of roads and an increasing middle-class interest in the horses which could be used both for harness racing and transportation.

C apitalizing on this shifting interest to standardbred trotters three of Judge Overton’s grandsons used their inheritance of land to develop their own horse operation. May Overton, Jesse M. Overton, and Robert L. Overton, in partnership with their brother-in-law John Thompson and Van Leer Kirkman, built The Hermitage Stud on land that straddled Franklin Pike and had once been part of Judge Overton’s Travellers Rest. In 1886, to help start the breeding program at the stud, the group purchased the champion trotter and sire, Wedgewood, from John S. Clark of New Brunswick, N.J., for $25,000. The men were promoters of the Cumberland Fair and Racing Association Park and its harness racing track where the trotters performed. When a road connecting the park and Franklin Pike needed a name, the promoters honored their prize horse, Wedgewood, and thus was born the road so many Nashvillians continue to use today. The grounds of the Cumberland Park would later become the State Fairgrounds and when the street was extended the name Wedgewood stood. The Hermitage Stud was a major supplier of standardbred trotters until 1898.

G eneral J.M. Dickinson, one of Judge Overton’s great-grandsons through his mother’s side, was the last generation of Overton descendants to continue in the business of horses at Travellers Rest. He recognized the unique characteristics and potential of Arabians and began importing stock to build his breeding farm, Travelers Rest Arabians. Beginning in 1930, he studied bloodlines and became the country’s first importer of Arabians from Poland, where the horses were tested at the track. By 1935, Travelers Rest Arabians was the fourth largest breeding operation in the United States and Dickinson had organized the first three National Arabian Shows in Nashville. His success was proven in multiple national prizes and a breeding program that was internationally recognized selling stock to 40 states and territories and 12 foreign countries.

Help Preserve the Past for the Future

Your tax-deductible contribution today will help preserve and maintain Travellers Rest Historic House Museum as a premier resource for history in Nashville and Middle Tennessee for generations to come.