Frequently Asked Questions

The online quote form should be as detailed as possible. This ensures an accurate quote. Once we have connected and clients wish to book, there is a transport agreement that will be emailed OR the client can download directly from the website.  

The transport agreement must be filled out and returned in order to secure a stall on a trip route. Failure to do so, could result in loosing your space. Space is not held. I strongly recommend reading and filling out the agreement carefully, as well as reading the information sheet. 

Payment - Most clients pay via etransfer after the horse has been picked up. PayPal is also an option, especially for clients that live in the USA with horses in Canada. Cash upon delivery is fine but I do not carry change and all invoices are 5% GST applicable. A receipt will be issued via email. Credit cards are no longer accepted.

Leather halters are preferred. Rope halters with the attached lead do not allow me to cross tie the horse and therefore, will be tied off with the lead.

Wrapping legs is completely up to the owner. I suggest doing whatever your horse is used to. If boots or wraps become loose, I will remove them and not re-apply. There is an additional charge if you require me to wrap legs. 

Bell boots are common and nice way to add some extra, hassle free protection. They will stay on the horse for the duration of the trip. Tail wraps are useful if you know your horse is at risk for tail rubbing. Some horses do sit on the butt bar. Booking a box stall helps with this issue.

Winter blankets should not be worn unless thin skinned or body clipped. A lighter sheet is better for shipping, even when its cold.  

Storage space is limited on the trailer. Each horse can have 1 tote or box, 1 saddle and 1 bag containing a blanket or other soft item. 1 small square bale of hay may be sent if space allows. An envelope containing Bill of Sale and / or paperwork is fine.

I have been asked to take large amounts of hay, tack, stable supplies, household items, carts and so forth. The only way any of this is possible, is for the client to book an additional stall at full rate for these items. This is sometimes a great idea for those that are moving and will have limited space in a moving van or trailer.  I have had folks in the past, charter the entire trailer for the horses, stable supplies and a few crates of animals. This is rare but possible on a charter only.

Small animal transport, including dogs, are not part of services offered on shared hauls. There are other companies that offer this service. 

Travel time takes longer for a trailer and a shared trip takes even longer, then it would if travelling by car. Google Maps is great for mileage but the drive times are unrealistic. Loading, unloading, rest stops, fuel, road conditions, poor loaders, unprepared clients.....all must be factored in. In general, I like to ensure the days are limited to 12 hours. I avoid picking up and delivering horses in the middle of the night.

Overnight layovers are sometimes needed. It depends on how far the truck makes it within the day, and how the trip route unfolds on a shared haul. Many transporters simply leave horses on the trailer while the driver rests. I do not practice this, unless in the event of an unforeseen circumstance or a problem loader. The horses are always provided with proper care, safe and sanitary accommodation.

In certain circumstances of quarantine horses, events, meeting a long distance shipper etc. clients are welcome to discuss expediting the horse for same day service. 

Cancellations less then 48 hours before the trip departs on a shared haul, will be subject to a cancellation fee of 1/2 of the quote. Please do not book space until you know for sure you need it. Charter trips are subject to a 50% deposit at time of booking with no refund. The space could be given to someone that really will use it. Routes, time lines and available space all play important roles on how the trip plans are put together. One cancellation can create a domino affect for the entire trip. Some people book space pending a pre-purchase exam. Please avoid booking space until after your PPE, unless you are willing to pay a non-refundable 50% deposit. If the purchase does not proceed, the deposit is NOT refunded. 

Breakdowns and unforeseen circumstances do happen on occasion. I will always complete the trip OR find another reputable transporter to help. I do not leave people in the lurch - this is not my style and take great pride in conducting good business.

Insurance and being "legal" is a topic often misunderstood by many. There is a great article published in Horse Journals and can be found at

 
https://www.horsejournals.com/acreages-stables/transport-equipment/questions-ask-commercial-horse-transporter 

Mortality Insurance is not provided. Please ensure a mortality policy is in place if it is of concern.

Eastwind has a care, custody and control policy that is very much the same as what a boarding facility would have. This type of policy is becoming harder to find at an increased cost to transporters. This policy will act if negligence is proven on my part.

If I feel a horse needs medical attention during transport, I will contact the nearest large animal hospital for help or enlist the help of the closest professional horseman if a clinic is too far away. The owner of the horse is responsible for payment.