Kinda Spin Off: Who do you get to ship an auction horse?

[blue_heron]

There’s a horse I’m thinking of putting in my cart on the Bowie auction site. They’re in Texas, I’m in New England. They gave me a shipping quote but it seemed a little nuts, but maybe I am just not in the know. I haven’t shipped a horse in a bit, but the quote was higher than a buddy who shipped from OK to central NY this summer. I’m also not sure how much I trust them to ship a horse and have it arrive healthy and happy.

I could find a commercial shipper, but who is going to ship a horse without Coggins, even with quarantine? They will give you a health certificate. Do I cough up the money to get them to ship it to me? It’s still a “cheap horse” in this day and age. I haven’t asked for a quarantine cost. I’m a little afraid.

Probably this is a very stupid idea and I’m letting my emotions get the better of me or something. On the other hand-- horse.

[Heinz_57]

Is this one of the loose, unhandled horses or one that leads? That will make a big difference when shopping for a shipper. I’m not familiar with all the regs going that far east, but I’d be surprised if you could ship out of state without a Coggins?

I am about 4 hours SE of Bowie, I think. What was the shipping quote? I paid just under $3k per horse to get mine to TX (2500 miles from OR) but that was putting them on a shared ride and mine are well handled. I don’t think my shipper does loose/wild. I know there are shippers in the BLM mustang circles that will move wild ones long distances for people, maybe start there?

[Simkie]

You cannot ship interstate without a coggins. You’ll want to coordinate with someone on the ground there for a health cert & coggins. Best to quarantine locally, obtain the paperwork, and ship a healthy, non typhoid mary horse.

[clanter]

change of ownership requires coggins test in Texas

Equine must meet Texas Animal Health Commission
(TAHC) EIA testing requirements when changing ownership,
participating in an assembly, or stabled within the state of Texas.
• Change of Ownership:

TAHCFactsheet_EIA.pdf

as stated In the United States anytime you cross state lines you are required by law to have a current negative coggins and health certificate on each horse

[Tha_Ridge]

@Simkie

Best to quarantine locally, obtain the paperwork, and ship a healthy, non typhoid mary horse.

This is what I did/am doing with mine. Having said that, on Facebook (Horse Transport Connect Group), you will find plenty of shippers willing to haul “dirty” loads.

[luvmyhackney]

Mine wasn’t a dirty load, but when I shipped from TX to WV about a 16 months ago, I paid 2200.00.

A dirty load either ships with another “dirty horse” or they have to ship alone which increases the cost.

[blue_heron]

BLM people is a great idea, thanks.

[blue_heron]

I’ve been informed that the horses historically have come with a Coggins-- health cert can be purchased.

I don’t think I have the means (connections) to qt locally. Technically, the auction offers qt, but I don’t trust it.

[Simkie]

@blue_heron

I don’t think I have the means (connections) to qt locally. Technically, the auction offers qt, but I don’t trust it.

Horses coming off these lots are exposed to ALL sorts of crap. It’s not just strangles, these lots breed a special variety of disease, generally respiratory. It’s really in the horse’s best interest to quarantine before shipping across the country. And unless you’re really set up for quarantine, there’s a big risk of spreading really nasty crap around.

These groups usually have people who will help buyers with getting the horse off the lot and into a private barn to quarantine before shipping. Are you a member of whatever “saves” group exists? Work with those people.

[blue_heron]

I’m well aware of how much crap gets spread around horse auctions. There horse were posted through Iberian Horse Rescue network on Facebook but it seems they have very few participants. I don’t know anyone local.

[Simkie]

What’s your plan if the horse isn’t well enough to get a health certificate?

[Arlomine]

No way would I ship a horse that long right out of auction. If something is brewing, it could erupt during transit, and there’s no way to treat. Stressing the horse further after being run through an auction (and whatever conditions led to its being in the auction) would make an already weakened immune system even less able to fight something off. You could unload a VERY sick horse.

Find somewhere local to QT.

[Kinda_Kooky]

Neigh sayers , I would just interject that the horses in question are probably heading to slaughter in Mexico if not purchased, and a long trailer ride is ahead of them regardless. Double decker trailer long ride from hell kind of ride.

The direction and outcome however, greatly differ.

There are some nice little horses in the group that deserve a chance. Perhaps there is a local Bowie Texas quarantine place that can be found, I am asking my contacts for leads in hopes of helping.

They are on a time frame for shipping, so hurried inquiries are recommended. I just hope it all works out!

[js]

Is there a local rescue that you would trust that you could pay to pick up the horse and quarantine it for you until you can arrange shipping?

[Kinda_Kooky]

Great idea! There is a “spirit run equine rescue” nearby. I quickly skimmed a story about a call for quarantine on an auction pony and they were willing to help. Maybe give them a ring?

[blue_heron]

Unfortunately with shipping and quarantine and board and paying someone to handle it, a $1k rescue horse becomes a risky $5-10k horse. I might as well wait for a reasonably priced 3 yo from someone I trust. Of course that one wouldn’t be going to slaughter…

[moonlitoaksranch]

Maybe someone more local will get that horse.

If you’re really thinking this horse is a diamond in the rough type, you could contact a local rescue and offer to make an upfront donation if they can make room for that horse.

[blue_heron]

8269-Grey Andalusian cross filly - Bowie Livestock

This is her. I keep hoping someone else will take her, lol.
@moonlitoaksranch I guess that’s a possibility too. My gut has always told me never to deal with Rescues. Too many weird experiences and too many crazies (horses and humans…).

[lenapesadie]

Oof. I finally succumbed to viewing the horses they have there. Some of those older horses are really tugging on my heart.

[SusanO]

Cute horse! Looks to be a good mover too. But 13 hands at 3 years old? and she doesn’t look starved so not stunted. I know you don’t want to deal with a rescue but unless you know somebody in that area I think you are stuck. They may have some ideas about quarantine. OR - call some vet clinics in the area and enquire about quarantine. I think trying to ship that distance without quarantining could easily become a medical disaster. You might get lucky - how lucky do you feel???