In addition to taking good care of your horse, we at Brook Ledge Inc. are concerned that your horse travel in the optimum stall space to reduce stress during the trip. Although we supply the standard stall alternatives (stall, stall & 1/2 and box stall), we urge our customers to consider the box stall option. Recent industry research and articles have noted the health advantages of box stalls for transporting horses. Horses shipped in box stalls arrive fresher and are less inclined to have any health issues related to shipping. Most of the top stables and trainers ship their horses in box stalls. Their experience has shown them that even though the initial expense is higher, the actual cost is lower due to virtually no sickness or 'down time'. Please note the following articles ...

"A Bad Mix, Cross-Tying and Cross-Country Transport" by Christine Barakat,
EQUUS Magazine, December 2002, p. 9

EQUUS magazine reported on an University of California-Davis study that found that horses who were cross-tied for the duration of a long trailer ride had dramatic physiological changes to their immune system, leaving them more susceptible to illness after their journey. The study's author recommended allowing a horse to stand untied in a trailer so that he can drop his head to below withers-height.

"On the Road Again" by Carolyn Heinz,
The HORSE Magazine, April 2003, pp. 63-68

This article noted the health and safety concerns in transporting horses. In addition to the important variables of temperature, ventilation and food, the article recommended the box stall to allow the horse freedom of movement.

“Preparing Broodmares for the long haul” by Cynthia McFarland
Thoroughbred Times, February 3, 2007, pg. 41, 42 & 44

Danny Shifflett, Manager of William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Texas in Hempstead. Shifflett has been in the horse business for more that 30 years and has found that many sickness problems related to shipping can be avoided if horses have good ventilation and plenty of water during the trip. “Give them plenty of room and absolutely give them a box stall for anything over 300 or 400 miles.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a broodmare, a racehorse or a yearling, shipping is stressful to them, and you don’t want to compromise them by starting with a problem. Consider a mares overall condition before subjecting her to long distance travel. For example, Mathews said he does not like to see a mare with chronic laminitis have to stand on a Van for such a journey. “The stress of the trip can be tough on them,” says Mathews. 

“If you have any feet or lameness issues, certainly give her a box stall to encourage her to lie down if she will. Just give her that option.”

Brook Ledge would be happy to provide you with complete copies of the articles upon request. Click here to send us an email requesting copies. (Remember to give us your mailing address.)  "Preparing Broodmares for the long haul" however, is not available.