1. MARYLAND LOWER EASTERN SHORE EQUINE EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAM
Nottingham,* J.R.¹, and Renshaw, J.L.²
¹· Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Somerset County, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853
²· Faculty Extension Assistant, University of Maryland Extension, Worcester County, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
Abstract
The University of Maryland Extension has developed an educational program to assist equine owners on
Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore, an area with a rapidly growing interest in equine related activities.
FACTSheet
FS- 932
Since fall of 2011, over 130 equine owners have attended on farm workshops discussing several equine Safe Trailering and Transportation of Horses
management topics including nutrition, equine dentistry, senior horse care, saddle fitting, avoiding In today’s world, being able to transport your horse is a necessity. Having transportation, people are
able to take their horses anywhere. Regardless if it is for a trail ride, showing, pleasure, business or
founder, pasture management, hay storage, barn safety, and fire prevention. Seventy six percent of health reasons, having your horse familiar with trailering will make for a successful trip.
workshop participants reported an increase in equine related knowledge after attending one or more TRAILER SAFETY
There are many types of trailers to choose from when hauling horses: stock, ramp, hauler, slant, or
workshops. Social media is utilized to promote interest in the workshops and program activities. Other straight load. Stability of the trailer will vary depending on the combination of the tow vehicle and type
resources developed include: a fact sheet, “Safe Trailering and Transportation of Horses,” and an of trailer used. There are two main types of horse trailers: 1.) a bumper pull which is popular for shorter
hauls and smaller tow vehicles and 2.) a gooseneck trailer which offers more stability during adverse
educational resource CD for horse owners, which contains information pertaining to nutrient management weather conditions and higher weight carrying ability. Regardless of the type of trailer, make sure the
trailer has solid flooring and secure footing for horses. Rubber mats aid in providing secure footing.
regulations, pasture management, business planning, and composting. The Maryland Lower Eastern Many trailers come with dividing partitions (also known as “dividers”). Slant load trailers have become
Shore Equine Program provides horse enthusiasts with educational resources to assist with management popular for transporting horses due to easy access (side doors, fold down windows) and being able to
easily separate each horse by the use of partitions. There are two types of partitions used in trailers: a
decisions pertaining to their equines as they continue to develop, maintain, and operate economically partial or full. Partial partitions give more room for the horse to spread its feet and balance itself while
traveling. Full partitions are useful when transporting a stallion with other horses or a mare and foal.
viable and environmentally responsible horse operations, regardless of operation size. The full partition helps avoid the foal getting under the feet of other horses. Many trailers have
padding on partitions and walls of the trailer to reduce scuffs and scrapes to the horse during
transportation.
There are many additional features available for trailers such as side doors, dressing rooms, sleeping
quarters, and tack compartments. Talk to the trailer representative or dealer for additional trailer
features. The most important decision in selecting a trailer is the comfort and safety of the animal. The
Senior Horse Care Presentation more comfortable a horse feels, the less likely it is to develop bad trailering habits.
Dentistry Tools
Pasture walks focus on teaching equine
owners to be good stewards of the land,
having an active management role to
maintain the productivity and viability of
their pastures. The “how and why” of soil
testing, identifying grass species, reseeding,
pasture rotation, and best management
practices are discussed in detail.
Taking a Soil Sample
Pasture Walk