Travel Fatigue – How To Avoid It

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250 – September/October, 2025

By William J. Given

The 2025 competitive season is well upon us. Travel can be like any of the other experiences in life–one that is positive and rewarding or one that produces health-threatening stressors and fatigue, and it often depends on the choices we make.

Although most horses seem to tolerate travel relatively well, it is still a stressor to some degree. Many horses lose weight and run the risk of experiencing respiratory difficulties during travel. Because of the risks, and no matter how seasoned a competitor is, transporting a horse can be a stressful event for horse and owner alike.

When the horse and human are faced with a stressor and cope with it successfully, each becomes better equipped to cope with a similar stress at some point in the future. Thoughtful preparation can help one cope with stress, avoid fatigue, and the resulting assault on one’s health. Long before the competitive season arrives, you can help your horse get ready for a season on the road.

A horse should enter the competitive season in optimum health to avoid becoming physically or mentally overwhelmed. Optimizing his diet will help prepare your horse for the stressful impact of travel. Taking the steps necessary to minimize stress is not difficult and will prevent you from facing a no-win scenario.

Packing For The Trip

Click here to read the complete article
250 – September/October, 2025