For most Pony Club members, travelling with horses is part of everyday life. We tow to rallies, lessons, competitions and events without giving it much thought. But transport is one of the times when horses are most vulnerable to stress, injury and illness. The way we prepare and maintain our floats, trucks and towing equipment has a direct impact on their welfare.
Safe transport is not just about the float itself. It is a whole system that starts with the towing vehicle and finishes inside the space where the horse stands.
It Starts with the Tow Vehicle
A safe float begins with safe towing equipment. Tow bars, tow balls, couplings, safety chains and breakaway systems must all be correctly rated for the weight being towed and properly fitted to the vehicle. Australian road authorities consistently highlight that towing equipment must match the trailer load and be maintained to reduce the risk of failure while travelling.¹,²
Before every trip, it is good practice to check:
- The tow bar is rated for the float and load
- The tow ball is the correct size and securely fitted
- The coupling is locked in place
- Safety chains are attached correctly
- The breakaway system is working
Horse welfare begins before the float even moves.
A Safe and Well-Maintained Float
The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for land transport state that vehicles must be designed and maintained to minimise injury and stress to animals.³ For horse floats and trucks, this means:
- Solid flooring with good grip
- Smooth internal surfaces with no sharp edges
- Secure partitions and padding
- Doors and latches that close properly
- A structure that is sound and free from corrosion or damage
- Regular maintenance is essential. Small faults such as worn mats, loose bolts or damaged partitions can quickly become serious safety risks.
Ventilation Matters
Adequate ventilation is critical for horse comfort during transport. Poor airflow allows heat, humidity and dust to build up, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat stress and respiratory irritation.³
- Good ventilation helps to:
- Regulate body temperature
- Reduce dust and ammonia
- Improve comfort during travel
Windows, roof vents and airflow openings should be functional and adjusted to suit weather conditions and the number of horses being transported.
Cleanliness and Disinfection
Floats and trucks should be kept clean not only for comfort, but also to reduce disease risk. Organic material such as manure, urine and saliva can harbour bacteria and other pathogens. The Australian horse welfare guidelines identify hygiene as a key part of responsible horse management.⁴
Good hygiene includes:
- Removing manure and soiled bedding after each trip
- Washing internal surfaces regularly
- Disinfecting periodically, especially when transporting different horses
- Allowing the float to dry thoroughly
Providing a Comfortable Space
Horses need enough room to stand naturally and balance during travel. Adequate space, secure partitions and safe footing help reduce fatigue and the risk of falls or scrambling.³ Transport vehicles that are overcrowded or poorly balanced increase the likelihood of injury.
Comfort is not about luxury. It is about safety and stability.
Transport Is a Welfare Decision
The Pony Club Australia Horse Welfare Policy states that horses must be transported in a safe, clean, well ventilated and comfortable float or truck that is regularly maintained and disinfected.⁵
This makes transport a welfare decision. Delaying a trip until equipment is repaired, adjusting plans in extreme weather, or choosing not to travel with an unwell horse are all examples of welfare-first horsemanship.
A Simple Pre-Trip Welfare Check
Before loading your horse, take a moment to confirm:
- Towing equipment is secure and correctly rated¹,²
- The float is clean, dry and safe³
- Ventilation is open and appropriate³
- Flooring and partitions are sound³
- Your horse is fit to travel³
These small checks make a big difference.
Final Thought
Safe transport is part of responsible horsemanship. When we look after our towing equipment, maintain our floats, provide good ventilation and keep transport areas clean, we protect our horses and the people who travel with them.
Horse welfare does not stop at the stable gate. It continues every time we head out on the road.
Footnotes
- Transport for NSW. (2023). Towing trailers and caravans safely. New South Wales Government.
- VicRoads. (2023). Towing a trailer or caravan. Victorian Government.
- Animal Health Australia. (2012). Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock. Canberra: AHA.
- Animal Health Australia. (2018). Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Horses. Canberra: AHA.
- Pony Club Australia. (2025). Horse Welfare Policy. Pony Club Australia.
