Preparation for a Trip

Preparing ourselves for a trip is one thing, but packing for a horse is another. The following list will help you in preparing for trail riding and show events. Also click here for a checklist of items to remember for longer trips in addition to the following.

• Check your tire pressure, wheel lugs, trailer brakes, emergency breakaway system, hitch and exterior lights.
• Check the tire pressure on your spare tires.
• Load your rig with emergency items such as hand tools, WD40, tire changing tools (tongue wheel chock, flat boards, jacks, and plastic tarp), gloves, tow chain, jumper cables and bungee cords to hold down loose items. Also remember your emergency roadside kit complete with flares, triangles, sand, shovel and flashlights.
• Check your engine fluids, oil level, filter, wiper blades, battery condition and fuel tanks.
• Truck and trailer registrations, proof of insurance and towing information.
• Pack a sleeping bag, water, blankets, toilet paper, wet wipes, hat, gloves, boots, water and snacks in case you break down or need to stay over somewhere.
• Remember maps, cell phone, important phone numbers and first aid kits (for you and the horse).
• In case of an accident, take a restraint for your horse (halter chain, drugs, etc.)
• Horse feed, hay, electrolytes, water and pails.
• Saddles, pads, blankets, halters, bridles, brushes, lead rope and medications.
• Horse health papers (ID or brand card, registration, EIA test results, health certificate, proof of vaccination).
• Finally, remember to leave your travel arrangements with family or friends at home in case of an emergency.

Leading up to a trip you may want to consider gradually decreasing your horse’s grain for several days and not grain feed during the trip. Otherwise, while traveling, feed your horse small amounts of the same hay you feed at home – preferably dust-free hay. To prevent dehydration for horses that are finicky about their water, consider flavoring you water days before the trip. Use apple juice, vinegar, molasses, powered electrolytes, vanilla extract, peppermint or wintergreen oil, Kool-Aid; something that your horse likes. Then use the same flavoring when traveling.

Tips for After Travel

Aluminum horse trailers need care after traveling to continue opportunity for long-lasting use. It is a good idea to have your own standard list of items you need to clean and inspect upon return from every trip.

• First, take your horse out for a walk or free run to relieve any stress or discomfort from the trip.
• Check your horse for any injuries or scrapes. If there are any determine the origin and make corrections the horse trailer or its contents.
• Take out and clean the mats and wash any urine off the floor with soap and water. Be sure that everything is completely dry before returning the dried mats to the horse trailer. Do not allow any moisture to be retained between the floor and the mats.
• If you use shavings be sure that they are swept out after every use.
• Clean mangers and hayracks of hay and grain. Don’t leave it for stale leftovers later.
• Keep wet hay, urine and mucous from collecting in the seams of the trailer.
• Wash the exterior of the trailer.
• Clean and reorganize your tack room and contents, including blankets and fabric materials.

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