Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do I need to provide?

A. Health certificate (required for all horses crossing state lines.)

Current negative coggins (EIA) test.

Shipping boots or blanket if desired but must be placed on horse prior to loading (we will remove boots or wraps if they come loose or hazardous but we will not re-apply).

One bale of hay per horse, depending on the amount of travel time.

Shavings if you would like extra bedding for your horse. We bed our trailers but if you prefer extra you must provide.

Q. How often do the drivers stop to rest the horses?

A. The drivers stop every four to five hours and water the horses. At this time the horses are given a short rest period of at least one hour.  Drivers also stop for the night-time duration on most occasions.

Q. Should I wrap the horses legs?

A. We do not recommend wraps for trips over 18 hours for the horses safety. Wraps can become loose or undone causing a hazardous situation to the horse or another.  If wraps become loose or undone we will remove but not reapply.

Q. Are the trailers air conditioned?

A.  NO!  Opening and closing a horse trailer on hot days could bring on pneumonia a few days after the horse leaves the trailer from the cold and heat the horse has been exposed to. Horses have lived for thousands of years in all elements of weather without air conditioning.

Q. How do I pay?

A. 50% of the transportation fee is required at booking. The deposit can be paid as cash, money order, or secured check. The balance is due on delivery. Payments may be in cash.. No personal or business checks will be accepted. (See Contract)  

Q. What about insurance?

A.  We recommend that insurance be purchased prior to shipment to cover sickness or injury. The horses well being and safety are our number one concern. So this is at the Customers discretion. (See contract)

Q. Are your trucks or trailers equipped with air ride?

A. Most goose neck rigs are not equipped with air ride however the suspension on both the truck and trailer provide a very comfortable ride.

Q. Will my horse lose weight?

A. If your horse is on the trailer for a cross country trip, or any trip over 24 hours, they will start to loose about 3.8% of their body weight each additional 24 hours. Stress and water consumption coupled with lack of normal rest all contribute to this problem. Water and feed is supplied to the horses during the entire duration of the trip and the drivers are constantly checking to see that they are alert, with heads up, and keep regular body functions.

Q. Do you have layovers and for how long?

A. Layovers are recommended on cross country trips. They provide horse’s quality time to rest. They usually come off the trailer for a period of 8 hours or more.  The layover sites are all approved ranches and farms that cater and are equipped for this business. Strict requirements for health and safety have to be met. Layover fees will apply unless you want a direct ship.

Q. What if I need to cancel?

A. NO REFUND OF DEPOSIT

Q. How much time is allowed for loading?

A. We allow 30 minutes for loading. If we have prior notice of a bad loader we allow an hour. Our driver is a professional and has loaded thousands of horses of all kinds so please let him do his job. Any time spent waiting at  a barn for pick-up or delivery due to what ever reason, out of this allotted time, you will be charged $50 per hour. (See Contract)

Q. What else might cost me extra?

A. Change in pickup or delivery location

Tack transportation (See contract)

Any major damage caused by your horses during transportation (See contract)

Tool fees will be added to your balance due at delivery (See contract)

Please if you have any other Questions contact the office we are here to make you feel comfortable about any of your concerns.

Q.What is the Coggins Test?
A. The Coggins test checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in the horse's blood. This test proves that the horse is not harboring the virus. Blood samples must be sent to a state approved laboratory. This test is often needed to take your horse to a show and whenever you transport your horse across state lines. It is to prove to others your horse is safe to be around their horses. Some states now require a negative Coggins test on a horse before he can be sold. Before you travel check to see how recent a test is required because it differs from place to place.

Once you have a negative Coggins further testing is not required for your own peace of mind. Your horse will not become EIA positive unless he develops a serious, febrile illness after contact with a horse of unknown EIA status. You may be required to have a test done yearly to show or transport your horse, so other people will know your horse is safe.

Once you have a negative Coggins further testing is not required for your own peace of mind. Your horse will not become EIA positive unless he develops a serious, febrile illness after contact with a horse of unknown EIA status. You may be required to have a test done yearly to show or transport your horse, so other people will know your horse is safe.

CANCELLATIONS
THE OWNER UNDERSTANDS THATIN BOOKING HIS/HER HORSE(S) THAT HE OR SHE HAS RESERVED A SPACE ON THE TRAILER, AND THAT OTHER HORSES MAY HAVE BEEN REFUSED A RESULT OF RESERVATION SHIELDS FAMILY HAULING RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCLE (AS LAST RESULT ONLY) THE TRIP DUE TO HAZARDOUS WEATHER, MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES, OR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES. IN CASE OF CANCELLATION, FULL REFUND OF DEPOSIT WILL BE GIVEN. DEPOSIT WILL BE SENT BY CHECK AND MAY TAKE UP TO 30 DAYS