Rocking K Equine Transport
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"On-the-road" Procedures:
We stop to rest, freshen hay and water every 3-4 hours. I stop
once a day for 6-8 hours of rest for everyone. During that time I check the
temp, heart rate, respiration, and capillary refill time of every animal on my
truck. This ensures that if there is a problem it can be detected and dealt with
early before in becomes an emergency situation.
I feed free choice hay and water but never any grain during transport. We
suggest you withhold grain from any equine starting the day prior to shipping.
Your horse will not go hungry .. he will have plenty of fresh grass hay to
occupy himself with during the trip.
Many horses will "go off" water in transit. To prevent dehydration i will
sweeten his water with one can of Mountain Dew to try and entice him to drink.
If you think this will be a problem with your horse .. especially if he has been
shipped before and has refused to drink on the truck .. a week before shipment
start adding a can of Mountain Dew to his regular water ration to get him used
to the taste. Most horses like it very much, and take to it quickly.
Probiotics. We recommend the use of a probiotic before, during, and after a long
trip to replace the "good" gut bacteria he will lose to the stress of shipping.
We keep "Probios" on the truck and offer it to you for $8 a dose. ($24 in
addition to the agreed shipping fee if you would like us to administer it during
the trip). If you supply your own, we will administer for no additional charge.
Shipping Boots. No polo wraps or track bandages. If you would like shipping
boots kept on your horse please make sure he is used to them prior to transit. A
horse who is annoyed and kicking at shipping boots is much more prone to injury
than one who is not wearing any at all. Keep in mind that especially during the
hot summer months shipping boots can hold heat in lower legs. I recommend that
we load your horse with boots on, take them off during transit, and reapply for
unloading. We will accommodate your wishes as far as this issue goes either way.
Overnight stabling. On especially long trips, I may opt to layover at an
approved area for the night. You will be notified when and if this is ever an
option.
Emergency contact. A 24 hour phone number to a person who is authorized to make
decisions concerning the horse in my care is mandatory. If this horse has been
sold and is being transported to new owners it is up to the buyer and seller to
decide who is responsible for any on-the-road emergency authorizations.
Tack. I will haul some tack free of charge with your horse, as space allows.
Generally this can include one saddle, blanket, bridle and miscellaneous
equipment and supplies that will fit into a standard Rubbermaid plastic tote.
Please ask ahead if I have room for any more than this.
On-the-road Updates. You are entitled to call my 24 hour cell phone
(252)646-3347 at any point during the trip. I welcome and encourage your
inquiries so please don't hesitate to call. I use a bluetooth headset with my
cell phone so its generally safe for me to answer your call while I'm driving.
If it's not, I simply wont answer and will get back to you as soon as I can.
Timeframe. Each trip is scheduled carefully and I try not to deviate from that
schedule while on the road. But, we all know when dealing with animals,
unforeseen occurrences can change and/or delay the best made plans. All i can do
in those circumstances is guarantee that I will contact you as soon as I know
things have changed and alternative plans/arrival times have been made.
Please don't hesitate to call/contact me with any questions or concerns you may
have.
Thank you for your business!
Rocking K Quarter Horses/Equine Transport
karenlynn@rockingk.com
24 hour Cell Phone: (218) 391-9789
Farm: (218) 658-8004
23285 Farm to Market Rd.
Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783