I’m planning a move from Maine to Florida, so approx 1,500 miles. I’m planning on brining my herd with me including my 30+ year old pony. Physically in some ways she’s doing better than she was 5 years ago. She’s more sound and goes for a daily 1/2 mile walk at her own pace over hilly terrain. Once its warmer she’ll have the option for more self exercise. On the other hand she’s become a harder keeper and now needs alfalfa in addition to her normal hay ration.
She has never, ever taken change well and has needed quite a bit of time to settle into a new place. She’s also rather a nightmare to load onto a trailer. She’s also extremely particular about humans and if she doesn’t like you she’ll do everything to make your life hell. I am gentle & kind with her but I also have zero patience for her bs, which is why we get along well. She’s not at all shy about telling me when she’s not happy about something, and I’m equally not shy about telling her when she’s just being a moron. Knowing her the way I do, rehoming her with someone new here would probably be rougher on her than a long trailer ride. That being said, I’m still rather nervous about the whole thing.
I have a trailer that I could use to bring them all down, except I can’t do it faster than 3 days. Am also not sure if the stock trailer I have or one of those big tractor trailer things that professional transporters have would be a more comfortable vehicle for her.
Is it overthinking it to have her in some nice cushy hoof boots and leg wraps for the trip?
Suggestions for a good transporter?
Anything else I should know or be prepared to do before moving her?
I’m assuming that I should plan to make sure that I have some of her current hay on hand when we arrive, right?