Getting Ready to Travel with Your Horse

In many parts of the world, spring means shows and trail rides are being scheduled, and you’re looking forward to joining your friends and their horses for some enjoyable weekends away from home. To be as certain as possible that everything will go according to plan, think about these things before you load your horse and hit the road.

Truck and trailer. Schedule service for your truck in time to have any problems fixed ahead of your travel date. Before you go anywhere, check to be sure that trailer brakes, electrical systems, lights, doors, windows, and vents are in good condition. Carefully examine the trailer floor for weak or damaged spots. Verify that tires are in good shape and at the proper inflation. Check that the spare tire, jack, and tire chocks are ready for use. Inspect the trailer inside and out (including undersides of wheel covers) for mouse nests, stinging insects, and any loose objects that could move around and touch the horse as you are traveling. Listen to your horse: A horse that has always loaded like a dream, but now balks as soon as one foot is in the trailer, may be telling you that something doesn’t feel right. Check the floor again!

Tack and equipment. Develop a list of what you need to take along and refer to it as you pack. Check anything that usually stays in the trailer between trips; just because you’re sure it’s there doesn’t mean it actually is still where you think you left it after the last show in the fall. Take along spares of essential items like halters, lead shanks, and basic grooming tools. Check the weather forecast for your destination; if you’re heading for a higher elevation, the nights may be cold enough that your horse will need a blanket, even if weather at home is warm. Listen to your horse: If you school at home in one saddle but show in another one, look carefully at your horse’s body condition to see if he’s gained or lost weight over the winter. You might need a different girth or pad for your “away” saddle.

Hay, grain, and water. Take along what your horse will need, plus enough for an extra day to cover unexpected delays because of weather or mechanical problems. If there’s any question about how well your horse will drink water with an unfamiliar taste, either carry your own (at least 10 to 12 gallons per horse per day) or accustom him to water flavored with a little apple juice or a sports drink in the weeks before the trip, and then use the same flavoring at your destination. Listen to your horse: Even if he’s not usually suspicious of strange water, he may object to the flavor or smell of the water that you have brought from home in a new plastic container. Consider the apple juice trick just to be safe.

Health certificate, entry forms, permits, and other paperwork. These documents should be taken care of at least a week or two before your trip. Check with your local veterinarian and also the officials at your destination to find out what health papers, such as a current negative Coggins test, you will need. Verify that the truck’s registration and insurance cards are in place. Don’t forget to bring maps, directions to your destination, necessary phone numbers (including your veterinarian’s), and contact information for emergency road service providers. Make a note to pack chargers for cell phones and other electronic devices. Listen to your horse: Check his vital signs for a couple of days in advance as well as on the morning of your travel. If he’s “off” in any way, skip the trip! Being on the road with a sick horse is not a good way to spend the weekend.

There are lots of details to think about, but careful preparation will help to ensure your trip goes smoothly. If you do encounter problems, or discover things you have forgotten to bring, make notes to help you avoid these situations the next time you and your horse head for an event.