I’m moving my 2 mares from CO to WA (state) in April 2020. This will be my first excursion into the world of horse transportation. The testimonials on the haulers’ websites say all good things, of course. I’m looking to readers of this forum for your recommendations. Thank you!
Not sure either of these 2 companies go that route, but I’ve used both Brookledge and Equine Express w/ good results.
They offer full stall and air ride which I prefer. Both good companies. Be careful shopping by price only and using USHIP,
lots of unscrupulous haulers on there.
Thank you, Marla. Brook Ledge has provided me a quote for box stalls ($4000). I’m waiting to hear back from Equine Express.
I recommend Equine Express, who moved several of my horses x-c. I also used Blue Chip with great results, but they’re mostly East coast. See if they have a trip out west.
ETA: go for Air ride except for shorter distances.
Thank you J-Lu!
1 Like
Check with Bob Hubbard for that route, too. They’re CA based, so useful for the west coast.
1 Like
Thank you, Simkie.
Joel Rifkin with Run Amok is based out of CO. I used him to ship to the west coast, and they were timely, communicative, treated my horse wonderfully, and the price was reasonable.
Equine Express has hauled for us the past years and done an excellent job.
I know they go to CO and WA.
Their headquarters are in Pilot Point, TX, close to Dallas.
A few months ago I made the mistake of using Brookledge to ship my horse from AZ to TN. I chose them over Equine Express who I have used in the past and LOVED due to a shorter total trip time. Big mistake. It was a nightmare from scheduling to delivery. My horse was picked up without communicating to me first (I was in TN already) and had to hear it from the barn manager. There was zero communication en route and he was delivered with a one hour notice which was ahead of schedule and my new barn had to scramble. Not to mention my horse got off the trailer a shivering and scarred mess. I can only imagine the type of handler he had. Equine Express is the way to go!
1 Like
I used Brookledge to go from Ohio to Florida and they were fantastic.
They made it crystal clear from the beginning that, since I would already be in Florida, I had to provide a contact for someone at the barn in Ohio they were getting picked up from, and that that is who they would be calling to inform of pickup with 24 hours notice. If you don’t specify an exact day and time you need/want them picked up (which costs more, I believe), you get a couple days to a week window of possible pick up day and then the 24-hour notice. I received notice when they were about an hour away from my house in Florida. All reasonable operating standards, IMO. When old BO told me they were picked up, I was able to guesstimate arrival based on being told at scheduling that the trip would take one to two days, so as soon as they were picked up, I got everything ready. It took them about 20 hours. Both my young mare and my senior retired gelding stepped off bright, happy, and healthy, though of course a little tired.
I read such wonderful things about Brookledge, but EVERY time I call them for a bid, they can’t give me ANY sort of timeline for when the horse will go. It’s always “when we get a load, we’ll let you know.” Tomorrow or next month? No idea! Having to coordinate horse moves around sales or people moves, that’s never worked for me–it’s amazing it works for anyone? They’re the only company I’ve ever spoken to that just can’t provide any idea when the horse might actually get on the trailer. :-/
1 Like
One time we needed a horse hauled asap.
We called Equine Express and they found a reliable sub that did side trips for them coming our way and horse was hauled on time and in a very nice rig and at a regular price, not extra for the rush.
They had another haul going close to us, so it worked fine for everyone.
To arrange the trip anyway, even if they were not the ones being paid for it, was very nice of them when there was a rush on the hauling and they could not accommodate easily.
Thank you, everyone! I’m leaning toward Equine Express - reasonable quote and Caleb has been helpful in answering all my questions. I’ve reached out to Run Amok, too. With Gratitude!
I used Brook Ledge to move my elderly pony from Colorado to South Carolina. They did a very nice job, and he came off the trailer acting like he’d been on vacation. He was calm, happy, and in good shape.
Rebecca
April? be aware often there are April blizzards on the normal routes from Colorado to Washington State
HIGHLY recommend Gentle Journey Equine Transport, if you can get them. Amanda is without a doubt the best shipper I’ve been a party to in over 37 years working in the industry.
Run Amok left my new horse stuck in Kentucky after cancelling on me at the last minute for what had been a multi part trip coordinated with several different companies from Europe. The only good part was I used a different company to get the horse from quarantine so he wasn’t stuck there. And they wound up shipping a friend’s horse a month after it was originally scheduled. Thankfully horse was at home, although owner had given notice to the boarding barn, and that was a mess.
I wound up using Light Star who is California based though they have drivers in other places. I also really like First Class Equine Transport that is based in CO. She doesn’t do a lot of trips but might do yours if you are buying more than one box stall.
I have used Brook Ledge in the past and think they do a good job but scheduling is often especially difficult with them.
1 Like
Oh I forgot about Annick with First Class Equine! She is fabulous. I got lots of pictures and texts about how wonderful my horse was, and she came off the trailer with a big bow around her neck 
she was exceedingly patient with my young horse who didn’t have a lot of trailering experience.
She goes CO -> FL a lot this time of year. Not sure about how often she goes to the left coast.
Wow! Thanks everyone for your input. Still researching options, so your info is much appreciated!
