Best Shipping Practices

The best position for your horse to travel

 

The best position for a ‪horse‬ to ‪ship‬ is considered behind the driver. The pitch of the road makes that a more level, hence safe ride.

HOWEVER, each horse has its own preferences as well. Jet Run liked to ride facing back, but with a solid wall in front of him, as opposed to a bar, and you could not tie him on both sides. Yet, Honest Tom would sit down if he traveled backwards. Rhum IV wanted to travel forward, in a single stall. As is common, he wanted to spread his legs wide, bracing all four against the walls. So, a double stall stressed him out. It was exhausting. Some, if given a box stall, are happy to stand on a slant. Each horse is different.

A very special thanks to Karen Golding for sharing what she learned during so very, many long hours riding with horses in the back of trucks. Like her 4-time Olympic rider Micheal Matz told me, “Little things add up.” As Stable Manager, Karen traveled with the horses. She kept her keen eye on them, making sure to know how to keep each animal comfortable and relaxed. If a horse arrived feeling good, he could be game.

And God knows they won! When Micheal Matz retired from show jumping, he was the leading money-winning rider in the sport’s American history. Karen Golding’s management was the machine behind the success of Vintage Farm’s horses. She was also the long-time Stable Manager for the US Equestrian Team. United States Equestrian Team Why? Because Karen Golding was sure to keep them in fine form. The horses always came first.

Again we are reminded that *AWARENESS* is the key element of SOUND ‪#‎HORSEMANSHIP‬. Being in the moment and paying mind makes the difference. If your horse travels to his comfort, he’ll be able to stay healthy and be a more willing partner. After all, ‪#‎bighearts‬ win.

Pics of Karen and Jet Run

More on Michael R. Matz and Jet Run

Thanks to Rene Lopez for another image of daily life with happy horses!

~Ruthann

Ruthann Smith has spent a lifetime studying sound horsemanship- both as a groom for top international horses and as a renowned braider. Quietly twisting manes atop a ladder, she watched and learned in some of the best stables in the world.

As her passion for great grooming grew, Ruthann became focused on researching, collecting and sharing the best practices of the world’s keenest horsemen. Ultimately, Ruthann used her vast experience to develop exceptional equine grooming products to help raise the bar of horsemanship.

The knowledge she dispenses and the products Ruthann developed solve age-old grooming issues. Making quality horse care easier, they have received the highest honors in the equine industry*. Her Lucky Braids for Top Turnout coat care and braiding products are the best, most versatile, cost-effective and easiest solutions available on the market today.

Now Ruthann offers her LOVE, LOVE Guarantee. If not totally thrilled with a product she developed, Ruthann will refund you in full, regardless of where you purchased it.

It’s her life’s mission to empower horses by educating, motivating and equipping their people to be true horsemen. You can access Ruthann’s tips at: The Grooming Resource on LuckyBraids.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and her Horsemanship Clinics.

*After testing 350 products, Lucky Braids All-In-One Horse Shampoo was named product of the year by Horse Journal, the “Consumer Reports” of the industry. They also named Lucky Braids Shampoo and Top Pick for greys and whites. Lucky Braids specialized braiding yarn also got stellar reviews.