5 practical tips for travelling horses in winter

Driving in bad weather adds stress to any journey, but if you’re travelling with horses, minimising the risks is just basic commonsense. Before you even leave the yard, check your route for delays and allow extra time ‘just in case’ an incident slows you down. Being properly prepared means just that – so take the time to run through this simple checklist to ensure you minimise the risk of potential problems and give yourself peace of mind.

Tyres & pressures
Check all tyres for tread depth. At least 3mm of tread is recommended for winter, certainly no less than 2mm. The legal requirement is 1.6mm of tread across the central 75% of the tyre. Also check the tyre pressures are at recommended levels. It’s simply not true that reducing tyre pressures gives more grip in snow.

Engine coolant & screen wash

Ensure that the anti-freeze level in your coolant tank is checked. It’s usually a job for your garage, as it can be difficult to do yourself. If there isn’t enough anti-freeze in the coolant liquid and temperatures are low enough, the liquid can freeze and expand and could cause engine damage and/or the engine to overheat. If the radiator is frozen, your vehicle could begin to overheat shortly after you leave home. Stop the car and let the radiator thaw out, then the coolant can circulate around the engine as it should.

Keep your screenwash topped up with an appropriate antifreeze solution and ensure your wipers aren’t frozen to the screen when you set off.

Driving safely in snow and ice

It’s simple; if there is snow and ice about, stay at home. It isn’t safe, as horses are a ‘moving load’ and accidents are always best avoided.

Going wading

If you have to drive through standing water and aren’t sure of the depth, be aware that water can enter the engine through the air intake which is usually situated around the front bumper. Any water that enters via the air intake can cause engine damage. If you don’t know the depth, don’t be tempted!

Expect the unexpected
Preparation for winter driving includes a longer list of items to carry in your vehicle than during the warmer months. Here’s a list to keep handy:-

Here’s a short list of what to carry in your vehicle besides an ice scraper and de-icer.

Ice scraper and de-icer

Fully charged mobile and ideally, a car charger

Torch; make sure it works!

High visibility jacket

Robust footwear, ideally wellies or long, waterproof boots

Blanket

First aid kit for your and your horses

Spare wheel inflated correctly for both your towing vehicle and trailer

Hazard warning triangle; two is better, one for each direction

Jump leads

Tow rope

Spare bulbs

Shovel