We have all experienced some levels of anxiety in our lives, some perhaps more than others.

Anxiety is the feeling when we are worried, tense or afraid of something, especially things that are about to happen or could happen in the future.   A natural human response that is generated by feeling that we are under threat.   It can be felt through our thoughts, feelings and as a physical sensation.

Like all animals, humans have evolved ways to protect ourselves from danger.   If threatened our bodies respond by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.   The effect of these hormones on our bodies can make us feel more alert and increase our heart rate, sending blood to where it Is needed most, so that we are able to act quickly.   Hormones are also released after the threat has passed to reverse these effects and to relax our muscle’s, which can cause us to shake.

This is commonly called the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response – it’s something that happens automatically in our bodies, and we have no control over it.

Anxiety feels different for everyone and you may experience some of the following symptoms.

• a churning feeling in your stomach
• feeling light-headed or dizzy
• pins and needles
• feeling restless or unable to sit still
• headaches, backache or other aches and pains
• faster breathing
• a fast, thumping or irregular heartbeat
• sweating or hot flushes
• grinding your teeth, especially at night
• nausea (feeling sick)
• needing the toilet more or less often
• changes in your sex drive
• having panic attacks.

So what happens when our anxiety affects us and our horses?   Many owners experience anxiety or fear when travelling with their beloved friends.   There may have been a traumatic experience that the fear stems from such as a road accident or an injury sustained by the travelling horse.  Or just the thought of something negative happening is enough to provoke fear and anxiety.

As we all know our horses feed off of our emotions and if we want to change travelling into a positive experience then there are some helpful tips to make travelling your horse as stress-free as possible.

1. Hitching up: If hitching up is the start of your stress, consider investing in a hitching aid to make life easier.  Reversing cameras can be a godsend.  Make sure you also have the correct hitch and vehicle for your towing weights.
2. Practice without the horses: If you have any apprehension about how the trailer handles and how it moves behind your towing vehicle, then practice towing without a horse so you can get used to the way the car handles with a trailer on the back and get used to your new width and length.
3. Practice with the horses: It can take a bit of time for horses to get the hang of travelling.   Especially if they have never been in a trailer before.   It is definitely worth investing some time to let your horse become familiar with the trailer so that loading is problem and stress-free.   If he moves around a lot during the journey try out travelling on the other side or remove the partition and give them all the room they need to balance.
4. Spacial awareness: Many trailers are wider than the towing vehicle and this can make judging road position and turning space a challenge. It helps to position your wing mirrors so that you can easily see the trailer sides, which will also help with road positioning.

2. Staying in control: If managing your trailer in an emergency or when control has been lost is your fear, it can be helpful to gain additional training in how to handle these situations. If the trailer begins to snake, then it is best to slow down gradually until the trailer pulls straight, not try to accelerate out of it as the swing can get worse before it gets better.
3. Going uphill: Remember that your towing vehicle will have to work harder to maintain speed with a towing load, so it is important to apprehend the terrain and select an appropriate gear. It is also worth keeping an eye out for the engine or brakes becoming overheated.
4. The Dreaded Reversing: Reversing can be the thing of nightmares when it comes to trailers. It can ease anxiety if you feel confident at manoeuvring if you needed to, and the saying goes..”practice makes perfect!” so take a tow savvy friend with you and get practising, you won’t be filled with panic then if you need to reverse while out driving or while at an event location.
5. Being prepared:  It goes without saying that being prepared is important when travelling horses.  As always being prepared is key. Make sure you travel with adequate supplies of hay and water to manage your horse if you need to.   As well as a hi viz jacket and emergency triangle, in case of breakdown.   Specialist breakdown cover is a must, and remember not to unload your horses on any road.
6. Breakdown Cover: If the worst happens and you do break down, switch on your hazard lights and pull over in a safe place. Switch off your engine and make the vehicle safe.  Contact your breakdown cover and inform them you have horses on board.   Check that the horses are ok, but remember that unloading them is highly dangerous and illegal on a motorway.   If your situation changes and the horses are distressed then contact the police.

Being successful and confident with towing is all down to mindset.  Use your common sense and make sure you double your stopping distances.   Keep a check on your awareness and don’t let fatigue set in.