Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Book and Pay
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 additional information provided with shipping documents.
Payment - Most clients pay via etransfer after the horse has been picked up. Visa and Mastercard are accepted through my invoice portal. There is a 3% surcharge for using credit cards and PayPal that will be added to your invoice. 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.
How to Dress The Horse
Leather halters are preferred with nylon being second. Rope halters are discouraged.
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.
Can I Send Items
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 but sending via registered mail should always be the first choice.
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 and possible on a charter only.
Small animal transport, including dogs, are not part of services offered on shared hauls.
How Long Will You Take
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 13 hours. I avoid picking up and delivering horses in the middle of the night.
Overnight layovers are sometimes needed. The horses are always provided with proper care, safe and sanitary accommodation. Yes there is an additional charge for any layover or overnight involved. Each facility has a different rate, depending on what they offer.
Can You Hold Space
Can You Hold Space
Cancellations less then 48 hours before the trip departs, non loaders, any issue preventing pick up at the pick up location will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the quote. Please do not book space until you know for sure you need it. Charter trips are subject to a 25% deposit at time of booking with no refund. 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 25% 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.
Are You Insured
Can You Hold Space
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
Eastwind adheres to the NSC standards, is commercially insured for Canada and carries a liability policy in the event of negligence.
Mortality Insurance is not provided. Please ensure a travel insurance policy is in place if needed.
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.
What Is The Best Trailer To Buy
Many people have opinions as to what kind of truck and trailer is best to use.
I always tell people to purchase a horse trailer that works best for their horse and purpose of use. I remember back in my days of learning how to train and coach, I was taught to look at the "form to function" of the horse. The same goes for trucks and trailers.
Angle haul trailers are meant for smaller horses but there are some that are made for larger horses. Do your homework on each brand and type. Every person will have an opinion but do what works for you and your horse. Trying to put a large horse into a small space, can create problems so be understanding of what you horse needs.
Most commercial units are straight stalls that can convert into box stall. For extra long hauls where the horses will be on board for more then a day without coming off the truck to overnight, air ride semi trucks and box stalls are the best way to ship.
I am always happy to chat with people directly about trucks and trailers.
*Artwork from a client that I simply love! >>>>>>>
