Transport

Question
I need a uninvolved opinion.  And since you have obviously transported your horses often, perhaps you can help.
I have a 23 yr old gelding I've owned for 21 years.  I really would like to keep him but I'm moving from California to New York (Buffalo) this summer.  He has travelled before but not often. He and I are from Oregon, and in an area getting a good deal of snow.  He was there for his first 11 years, then we moved him to central CA for a few years, then back to Oregon for another 4 years before finally coming home for, what we thought would be forever.
Again, I would love to keep him, but I don't want to be cruel by moving such an old horse to such nasty weather.  The new place has a barn with a stall, but is not heated.  The prior owner has made the stall huge and apparently puts her 2 horses together for warmth.  
My horse has no health problems except being overweight (I haven't ridden in years). Please help me make the right decision for him.
I have looked at a horse sanctuary, but as the time draws near, I get less and less sure about calling them.  

Answer
Dear Stacy,
 It truly breaks my heart hearing about such situations such as yours. It is even harder for me to inform you that I cannot be of much help in this area. I lack information in this area for I have only moved sport horses who were young and in shape.  They were only in different climates for short periods of time and they tended not to have problems adjusting to a variety of climates.
I wish Icould help but unfortunately, I'm not strong in this area and would hate to mislead you. Personally, I'm not very keen on the idea of transporting a horse to such conditions, especially at his age. However, horses are horses and animals are developed to adjust to several climates. They have thick coats for a reason and I have never heard of an incident where a horse has contracted a disease or has become sick based on the weather conditions.  I may be wrong and it may be best to contact your local vet in this area.
I do know however that the transport itself may be harder on a horse more than the weather climate would be and this is the factor that concerns me most.
I wish you the very best and hope that you will not be forced to part with your friend of many years.
Please, if I can be of any further help at all let me know.
Kind regards and sincere apologies,
Kathryn