My horse is afraid of the van, what should I do?
When stress is too great, the horse can develop a real "phobia", leading to difficulties in loading and transport. The phobia is expressed by avoidance (shirking, kicking, the horse pulling on the lead rope, etc.) or physiological manifestations such as sweating or defecation. The van or truck then represents the phobic stimulus. This is why, in order to minimize anxiety-provoking elements as much as possible and facilitate the journey, it is important to give importance to the choice of vehicle, its layout, as well as to learning how to load and unload.
Know the regulations in force
The regulatory basis for the transport of equines is the European regulation of 22 December 2004, which came into force in January 2007. This regulation applies to all vertebrate animals transported over 65 km and as part of an economic activity. It sets out the conditions and standards to be respected in order to preserve the safety, well-being and health of the equines transported, as well as administrative obligations. It concerns various points such as the layout of the vehicle, the duration of transport or the authorisation of the transporter.
The vehicle
The layout of the vehicle must be designed and organized in such a way as to ensure the well-being and safety of the equine. It must meet the layout and space criteria defined according to the size of the equine and the duration of the journey and, where applicable, obtain approval from the DDPP. Points of vigilance must be respected concerning, among other things, the waterproofing of the floor, ventilation, ceiling height, the attachment system. The vehicle (single vehicle or towed unit) must be registered, must not exceed the PTAC or the GCW nor exceed the authorized dimensions in width and length.
Speed limits and the braking system must be adapted to the vehicle's GVW. These prerequisites differ depending on whether the transport is long or short-term. A journey not exceeding 12 hours on the national territory and 8 hours internationally is considered short-term. For short-term transport, the carrier must obtain type 1 approval. For long-term transport, the carrier must obtain type 2 approval.
The equine
The equine must be identified (by electronic transponder for animals born in France, imported or introduced into the country, after 2007). The owner must be able to present his papers. The equine must be vaccinated at least against influenza in France, and against influenza and tetanus in Europe. At the global level, each country has its own health regulations, it is advisable to inquire with the French embassy of each country.
The equine must be in good health and fit for transport. Long journeys are prohibited for unbroken equines. Horses must be in individual stalls (except for mares with foals). Watering, feeding, travel and rest intervals must be respected; a logbook must be kept (except for registered equines). Transport must not exceed 24 hours and a break must be taken at least every 8 hours. By following all these recommendations, your horse will be less and less afraid of the van when transporting it.