Preparing to travel, with top event groom Zanie Tanswell

10m 43secs
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Made by:Horse Hero

Zanie Tanswell was Pippa Funnell's groom during the Grand Slam years and a past Groom of the Year. She is based is at her own and event rider, Chris King’s Gloucestershire yard. Having travelled the world with Pippa, Zanie is undoubtedly one of the country’s leading grooms. She shows us how to dress a horse for travel, prepare the lorry, load a horse and offers some very handy travel tips. Zanie is a great tutor, and advanced event horse, Isandhlwana, plays his part impeccably! Presented by Harry Meade.

Zanie Tanswell's advice on travelling a horse

Zanie starts by rugging the horse, so it doesn’t get cold while you get him ready.
She uses breathable rugs so that if the horse sweats, the moisture will be wicked away. She likes to use rugs with simple straps in case she needs to take them off in transit.
A tail guard offers more protection than just a tail bandage but they are best used together.

Zanie starts by rugging the horse, so it doesn’t get cold while you get him ready.
She uses breathable rugs so that if the horse sweats, the moisture will be wicked away. She likes to use rugs with simple straps in case she needs to take them off in transit.
A tail guard offers more protection than just a tail bandage but they are best used together.
Lift the tail onto your shoulder so you can get the tail bandage underneath and begin to apply.
Start bandaging at the top, taking care not to pull too tight.
Have even pressure all the way down and secure at the bottom.
Fit the tail guard over the top as added protection.
Lastly, put on the travel boots. Boots are easier and quicker to use than bandages and are designed to offer maximum protection from knee or hock right down to the floor.
A leather headcollar is advisable as this is more likely to break in the event of an emergency e.g. a trapped horse, than a fabric one.
Make sure the lorry is prepared before you load the horse.
Check the partitions and headboards are secured and in the correct position.
Ventilation is important – make sure windows and air vents are opened appropriately.
When you hang the haynet, ensure it is well secured (but tie it to string so it can break away in an emergency).
Zanie likes to tie her horses to bungees as they tend to chew ropes!
When you load up, stand at the horse’s shoulder and walk positively up the ramp.
Make sure he is forward thinking and aware of where he is going.
Manoeuvre him into position, secure him to the bungee and then close the partition and headboard.
On long journeys you need to be prepared for feeding and watering en route. You may need to use a syringe to get water into the horse’s mouth if he is reluctant to drink.
Keep an eye on their temperature to make sure they don’t get too hot or cold.
Zanie advises not to take the horses off the lorry until you get to your destination. Unloading by the side of the road is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs!

This video and these key points reflect the views and preferred method of the person demonstrating the technique. Horse Hero recommends you ask an expert for advice if you need guidance or are unsure how to do this yourself and take every precaution for the safety of you and your horse. (www.horsehero.com)