Planning a trip that involves taking your horses can be a bit overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Whether heading to a competition or off for a vacation with your horses, traveling with horses means being organized.
Accommodations
There are usually plenty of places that have accommodations for horses, but you may need to make reservations quite a bit ahead of time. Camp grounds and other facilities that allow horses fill up quickly. Even show grounds with barns and stalls can fill up, so be sure to make your reservations early.
When looking into places to stay with your horses, find out what they offer. You will want to know if they have fenced paddocks or stalls. Do they have fresh water for the horses? What is the set up as far as where you will be staying in relation to where your horses are? Are there riding trails nearby?
Packing List
What you take with you when your travel with your horses will partly depend on the purpose of your trip. Here are some things you will want to be sure to have on your packing list:
- Tack – Saddles, saddle pads, bridles, bits, saddle bags, martingales, and any other tack you use for your horse.
- Hay and Grain – You will want to bring some of your horse's hay and grain even if the facility provides feed. Traveling can be stressful for horses and may not be the best time to introduce new feed.
- Fresh Water – The same as with feed, your horse may drink familiar water better than something different. You probably won’t be able to carry enough water for the entire trip, but bring what you can for while you are on the road and when you first arrive.
- Electrolytes – Horses sweat more when nervous and may need the extra boost provided by electrolytes.
- First Aid Kit – You will want to have basic first aid items on hand while traveling. Consider packing some bute in your first aid kit.
- Shavings – You may want to put some shavings on the floor of your trailer and bring some extra along for the trip.
- Grooming Kit
- Halters and Leads
- Shipping Boots or Leg Wraps – If you use them, you might want to pack extra wraps.
- Horse Blankets – If you blanket your horse and are traveling to cool climates be sure to pack your horse blankets.
These are some basics you will want to have on your packing list.
Don’t forget to have current Coggins papers with you. Most places will not let your horse stay on the premises without it. Most states accept Coggins that are dated within the past year, but check the requirements before traveling. There are those that have different requirements. Some places may also require a current Health Certificate from your vet.
Upon Arrival
Upon arriving at your destination, take time to acclimate your horse to the surroundings.
The first thing you will want to do is check your horse for and cuts or injuries that may have occurred in the trailer. Once you are sure your horse is fine, take a little walk around the area. Your horse may be feisty or nervous; this isn’t uncommon.
Once you feel your horse is ready to be left alone, you can put it in its stall, pasture or corral. Horses usually need time to unwind, eat and drink before going to work or entering the show arena.
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