Get Tack, Trailer Ready for Horse Show Season

Many horses get a training break during the winter months. This time while you’re not riding and traveling as much is a great opportunity to inspect your tack and trailer and take care of any maintenance or repair that needs to be done. That way, you’ll be ready to be up and moving when spring rolls around.

Tack, whether it’s leather or synthetic, should be cleaned and checked for tears, cracking, and condition of all straps, holes, and buckles. If you’ve thought about getting a new bit or saddle pad, now is the time to decide what you want, order it, check the fit, and be sure it is just what you need. Saddles and bridles are obvious things to inspect, but don’t forget about boots (yours and your horse’s), coolers, fly sheets, halters, lead shanks, grooming supplies, and anything you don’t use at home but usually take to a show, such as a braiding kit or a fancy bridle.

Checking your trailer should include looking at every surface, inside and out, to look for sharp edges, loose screws or rivets, and condition of door latches and hinges. Look under the floor mats and poke an ice pick or screwdriver into any discolored spots on the floor, as well as the areas where the floor material joins the sides of the trailer. Be sure all parts of the hitch are in perfect condition and the tires are free of dry rot or places with unusual wear. Check all electrical equipment including the trailer braking system and interior and exterior lights. Be sure the spare tire is in good shape, and locate the trailer jack, wheel chocks, and emergency road cones or flares.

Professional service for your trailer includes a general inspection of the frame, suspension, and hitch mechanism. Lubricating moving parts, replacing or rotating tires, and checking the condition of wheel bearings are chores that an auto service business should be able to take care of.  When all these chores are checked off your list, you’ll know that they won’t stand in the way of resuming your equestrian activities as soon as the weather permits.