Boxing a horse

[sapphire95]

I need as much advise as i can get. I am considering putting my mare in foal in June. I am planning to see the Stallion in April and to meet the owners so i know my mare is going to be left in capable hands.
The problem is shes never been boxed before and i live in Kent and the Stud is near the Lake District. I am going to hire a horse box for the weekend to take her up there.
Can anyone thats done long distant journeys advise me to what to do to make this a comfortable drive for my mare. I looked up the AA road planner and the journey will take 6 and a half hours by car so im allowing 2 extra hours.
Im going to practice putting her in a box and having a drive to see how well she takes to this. Would it be dangerous to get her slightly sedated? Would it be an idea to arrange to stop off at yards for her to have a run around?
All advise is more than welcome. The yard is going to put me up for a couple of days as im coming from afar and she will be up there for a minimuim of a month untill the scan shows shes in foal. Its just the getting up there and back??

[Wally]

I really wouldn't sedate.

We would maybe split that kind of journey up. You estimate an extra 2 hours, but it may well take a lot more. We picked up a mare in Staffs, and stopped off in Penrith on the way to Aberdeen.

I would pay Eric Gillie to do the job, he has a huge network of stop off points, his drivers are used to taking very highly strung race horses about...and his lorries are palaces on wheels.

It's be cheaper in the long run, and I have every confidence in his comapny to deliver a horse in tip top condition.

[sapphire95]

Thanks for that. I have just looked at there website and they do stop offs in kent and also cumbria where the stud is. I shall contact them to see what they say.

[Lauran]

Eric Gillie boxed my mare from the Bucks /Berks border up to Edinburgh and did a fantastic job. The journey took three days with two over-night stops. I can't say enough good things about them and they are very reasonably priced. Good luck!

[wonkeywoody]

Ditto vote for EG.
You also wont have the stress!!!! But I would consider getting her used to loading well in advance so its 'normal' stuff. You dont have to go anywhere just get her used to the loading procedure.

[sapphire95]

I have emailed Eric Gillie for further info, it will be a lot easier if they can transport her for me. I will practice putting her in a box. I forgot the previous owner bred from her so she must have been boxed before but im no longer in contact with her. Im sure with a bit of practice she will be fine.