More About The Service Offered Since 2008
The most inexpensive and common way to ship, is in a single tie stall on a shared trip. A shared haul does require stops along the way and does take longer. This reflects in the price quote. Routes are as direct as possible and a travel plan is disclosed to clients.
A charter haul is a direct haul without stopping for other horses - only routine rest and fuel stops.
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import or export quarantine
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group booking for an event
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emergency or vet clinic
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date specific
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geographical area outside regular routing
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bio-security concern​​
This is a more expensive way to go but can be the most practical depending on the circumstance.
Partial charters let clients join part of a shared trip and add a private charter to reach off‑route locations
SHARED OR CHARTER
Eastwind has access to quality layover facilities for horses when needed, and our homebase farm is equipped for overnight or longer‑term stays.
Commercial shippers operate within regulated daily driving and on‑duty hours. Depending on the day’s route, time may be spent gathering horses and moving them to the overnight barn to ensure an early start the following morning.
For bookings such as shows, quarantine, racetrack moves, charters and shuttles - every effort is made to expedite travel.
Layover facilities also provide convenient drop‑off or pick‑up options when timing doesn’t align for meeting a client or fellow shipper.
LAYOVERS
Shuttle services are typically charter trips designed to connect with another shipper. Larger rigs that run cross‑country or throughout the U.S. often stay strictly on route, so horses may need to be brought closer to that corridor. Shuttles can also support other transporters by gathering or delivering horses as needed.
A shuttle can meet another shipper directly to exchange horses, or a layover facility can be used when timing requires it.
Collaboration with trusted transporters is essential. By working together, we reduce unnecessary miles and keep travel efficient for the horses. Eastwind is always happy to coordinate with and refer to shippers who share similar standards and practices.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
PROPERTY ACCESS
The most inexpensive and common way to transport a horse, is in a single standing tie stall on a shared trip. A shared haul does require stops along the way and does take longer. This reflects in the price quote. Routes are as direct as possible and a travel plan is disclosed to clients.
A charter haul is a direct haul without stopping for other horses - only routine rest and fuel stops.
​
-
import or export quarantine
-
group booking for an event
-
racetrack moves
-
emergency or vet clinic
-
date specific
-
geographical area outside regular routing
-
bio-security concern​​
This is a more expensive way to go but can be the most practical depending on the circumstance.
Partial charters let clients join part of a shared trip and add a private charter to reach off‑route locations
HORSE HEALTH
Horses are assessed at pickup, and any horse deemed unfit to travel will not be loaded. A 50% charge applies for an empty stall, so please ensure your horse is healthy and ready.
I stay updated on outbreaks such as strangles and EHV‑1 and may ask about recent travel or exposure. I do not pick up from public auction mart with private horses on board.
Vaccinations should be current. I’m happy to administer ulcer medication it if provided on the trip.
It’s normal for horses to drink less on the first day. Water is offered at rest stops or hung in the stall if the horse is quiet. Each horse receives a slow‑feed hay net to reduce boredom and choking risk. I provide clean grass hay with little or no alfalfa, but you’re welcome to send your own with advance notice.
Avoid large grain meals before travel. A soupy mash with electrolytes before departure and again on arrival is a great option.
DRESSING THE HORSE
Leather halters are preferred with nylon being second. Rope halters with attached leads are discouraged. Horses must come with a halter. If arrangements must be made in advance for me to purchase one, please reach out.
Wrapping legs is completely up to the owner. I suggest doing whatever your horse is used to. If boots or wraps become loose, I will remove them and not re-apply. There is an additional charge if you require me to wrap legs.
Bell boots are common and nice way to add some extra, hassle free protection. They will stay on the horse for the duration of the trip.
Tail wraps are useful if you know your horse is at risk for tail rubbing. Some horses do sit on the butt bar. Booking a box stall helps with this issue.
Winter blankets should not be worn unless thin skinned or body clipped. A lighter sheet is better for shipping, even when its cold.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TRAILER INFORMATION
Most commercial trailers use straight (head‑to‑head) stalls. The Eastwind trailer has four generous single stalls plus a small center box, and can convert into three box stalls, a stall‑and‑a‑half, or a mix of straight and box setups. Full front gates and floor‑to‑ceiling dividers keep horses safely contained.
Tie Stalls
For mature, experienced horses that can be confined and tied. Horses are cross‑tied between a chest and butt bar with a full jail‑bar gate and dividers between each horse.
Box Stalls
Ideal for weanlings, yearlings, seniors, extra‑large horses, or horses that don’t travel well confined. Horses may travel loose or tied. New travelers must use a box stall.
Side Ramp
Allows walk‑forward unloading for horses that prefer not to back out.
Maintenance
The truck and trailer are kept to the highest standard, inspection‑ready, and routinely checked inside and out.
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WHEN WILL YOU ARRIVE?
All trips are projected using exact locations of each horse, daily on duty hours and the route driven. Clients are kept as informed as possible but it is a dominos effect. One instance can affect the entire trip.
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Travel Time
Shipping takes longer than driving a car, and shared trips add even more time because of multiple stops and varied client readiness. Google Maps is helpful for mileage, but its drive times don’t reflect real transport conditions. Loading, unloading, rest breaks, fuel stops, weather, road conditions, and client preparedness all play a role. I aim to keep travel days to a maximum of 13 hours and avoid late‑night pickups or deliveries.
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Layovers
Some routes require an overnight layover to keep the trip safe and manageable. Horses stay in clean, safe, sanitary facilities and receive proper care throughout. Layovers do have an additional charge, and rates vary depending on the facility and services offered.
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Charter Trips
If timing is critical and a horse needs to move quickly, a charter trip is the most efficient and direct option.
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ARE YOU INSURED?
Compliance and Insurance Coverage
Eastwind meets or exceeds NSC standards, carries full commercial insurance within Canada, and holds liability coverage in the event of negligence.
Mortality and Travel Insurance
Mortality insurance is not provided. Owners are encouraged to have a travel policy if needed. I take all reasonable steps to ensure horses are transported safely and responsibly. If negligence is proven, the liability policy will respond.
Emergency Veterinary Care
If a horse needs medical attention during transport, I will act promptly and contact the nearest large‑animal hospital or, if necessary, a qualified horseman. I will use good judgment and due diligence to support the horse until help is reached. All veterinary or emergency costs remain the owner’s responsibility.
IS SERVICE DOOR TO DOOR ?
Location Disclosure
Door‑to‑door service is available when reasonably along the planned route. Accurate location details are required; failing to disclose them can lead to additional charges or last‑minute complications.
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Winter Access Requirements
Driveways and access roads must be plowed, with space to turn around or safely back up.
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Truck and Trailer Size
The combined truck and trailer length is 55 feet.
Please disclose:
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Difficult or narrow driveways
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Challenging access roads
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Gate codes or security details
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Protective or aggressive dogs
A large trailer with rear‑set axles handles very differently than a car, RV, hay truck, or small horse trailer.
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Alternative Arrangements
If your property cannot safely accommodate a large trailer, or is too far off‑route, alternative loading or unloading locations may be required. Options include:
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A quiet street
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A neighboring property
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Meeting at a suitable location
Gravel and Rural Roads
There are limits on gravel and rural side roads. Please disclose these in advance so we can discuss suitability.
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Safety Considerations
Do not place the horses or equipment at risk. Ice, mud, steep grades, and poorly maintained roads or driveways can create unsafe conditions.​​
CAN YOU SAVE A SPOT?
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before departure, non‑loaders, or any issue that prevents pickup are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Please book only when you are certain you need the space. Routes, timelines, and capacity are carefully planned, and even one cancellation can impact the entire trip. Clients with a pattern of postponing or cancelling may be required to pay in full, in advance.
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Charter Deposits
Charter trips may require a non‑refundable 25% deposit at the time of booking.
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Bookings Pending PPE
If you are booking transport pending a pre‑purchase exam, please wait until the PPE is complete unless you are prepared to pay a non‑refundable 50% deposit. If the sale does not proceed, the deposit is not returned.
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Delays and Breakdowns
Breakdowns or unforeseen delays can occur on rare occasion, but the trip will always be completed or a reputable transporter will be arranged to assist. Reliability and professionalism are core values, and clients will not be left without support.
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Right to Refuse Service
Eastwind reserves the right to refuse service in situations involving hostility, rude behavior, or any circumstance that compromises the safety or well‑being of people or horses.
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