Coast to coast horse transportation

[katja]

Hi,

I will be moving from California to Florida early next year and of course I am taking my horses with me (one is CBER Damask if anyone remembers).
Does anyone know of a good and reliable transportation company? I am not looking for the cheapest one but for the safest one.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Katja

[caryn]

Hello Katja,
I don't have a recommendation, but am so glad to see you here How are you and Damask doing?

[jtjedi]

I've used Bob Hubbard horse transportation a few times with no complaints.

www.bobhubbardhorsetrans.com/

I have a mustang friend that is also transporting her horse the Florida in the near future. Maybe the two of you could find a smaller outfit and share expenses?

Contact me if you are interested in her information.

[gratefulknits]

Hi Katja, I don't have suggestions except to also post this question on BAEN. I know some of those folks have shipped horses long distance so they might have personal experience.

I'll join Caryn in saying hi, I was recently wondering how you and Damask are doing. I hope you're all well. Maybe we could have coffee or tea before you leave for Florida? I'll PM you my contact info in case you might be up for that.

[katja]

Thanks everyone!
Damask is doing great - I need to figure out how to upload photos here...
My other horse, Lucas, on the other hand has had a very challenging year - first he injured his deep digital flexor tendon and had to be put on a stall rest for 7 months. Then colic and colic surgery.... He finally did really well but I had to go away for a couple of weeks - I just got back a few days ago and he is lame again - it looks like he re-injured his tendon. So back for an ultasound next week...
It's never boring with these horses

[icehorse]

www.americanhorsetrans.com/quote.htm

I've used these guys once for a cross country trip for a yearling-bit on the pricey side, but well cared for -for sure!

I've also used a couple that I would Not recommend again-days without water and food and mixed in with colts

[jenm]

You can also check the Chronicle of the Horse Forums since they are frequented by people throughout the United States. Shipping threads pop up quite often. Here is an example of one:

www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226039&highlight=hauling+recommendations

Also, you may want to check in with the Yahoo Group called Hitch Hiking Horses. Haulers post when they have open slots and you can sometimes get a good deal on fill rates.

[cutiepiepmu]

I can throw some info out here - I do NOT like bob hubbard. Long story and won't post public detail, but several years ago had a VERY hairy situation with them. Plus, they only ship in semi's which can be VERY VERY hard on the horses.

I will ONLY use www.allstatehorseexpress.com I have shipped a good number of horses with them and not a single one arrived over tired, sick,banged up, or in anything less than perfect condition. The drivers travel in teams and are extremely knowledgeable. they stop to rest the horses often and will lay over in Colorando for a couple of days while the truck goes through inspection - this also gives the horses time to get out, move around and stretch a little.

they only use 7-9 horse SLANT trailers with air ride systems. The insides of th trailers are huge and each horse gets a good amount of room. they stop to give hay/water very often and will happily put shipping boots and blankets on horses for you. You also have the option for box stalls as well - which I have done in the past with Mare/Foals an for a large draft stallion.

Pricing is more than competetive for what you get, and the drivers are really good at keeping you informed through the entire trip as to their location - and have never had a problem with my paranoid constant checking in

Sara in WA

[waredhead70]

what time of the year are you traveling in ? i know a smaller firm that would go when you go so that you know how they are driving and you can make sure your horse is getting cared for the way you want it to.